Best Cities for Hikers Trails and peaks

West Jordan took the top spot for 2026 because you’re not just near the mountains—you’re in them. The trailheads for the Oquirrh foothills are literally a 10-minute drive from your doorstep, offering everything from a casual walk to a steep, rewarding climb.

It’s a financially sensible choice, too. With a median home price of $550,000 and a cost of living index slightly below the national average (96.4), your salary stretches further here than in Salt Lake proper, all while enjoying a low 3.6% unemployment rate. It’s a stable, family-oriented community.

The catch? It’s deeply suburban. If you crave a walkable downtown with independent coffee shops and late-night buzz, you won’t find it. The lifestyle revolves around big-box stores, chain restaurants, and your personal backyard. Traffic on Bangerter Highway during rush hour is also a well-known local grind.

Insider tip: The neighborhoods near the Gardner Village district offer the best blend of quiet living and quick access to the Jordan River Parkway Trail, a paved 40-mile path perfect for biking or a stroller walk.

Best for: Hikers and young families who prioritize trail access and affordability over urban nightlife.
Skip if: You’re a single professional seeking a vibrant, walkable social scene or have a strict aversion to suburban sprawl.

West Valley City might be the surprise #2 for hikers in 2026, but its secret is its location. You’re not just in a city; you’re at the doorstep of the Wasatch Mountains. The real advantage here is easy access. Within a 20-minute drive, you can be at the trailhead for Millcreek Canyon, where you can escape the valley heat and find miles of alpine paths.

The catch? You have to be comfortable with suburban sprawl. This isn't a walkable downtown core; it's a collection of neighborhoods connected by wide roads. The cost of living is slightly below the national average (index 96.4), but with a median home price of $480,000, it's not a cheap mountain town. The violent crime rate is also higher than the national average, so you'll need to be street-smart.

Insider tip: For the best balance, look at the Oquirrh Shadows neighborhood. It’s on the quieter western edge, offering quicker access to the Oquirrh Mountains and a less congested feel than the central areas.

Best for: Families who prioritize mountain access over urban nightlife and want a suburban home base.
Skip if: You crave a walkable, dense city center or are sensitive to suburban traffic.

Torrance might seem like a classic L.A. suburb, but its #3 ranking for hikers in 2026 is no fluke. You’re minutes from the dramatic cliffs of Palos Verdes and the sprawling trails of the Angeles National Forest, offering a rare blend of coastal and mountain access without the insane traffic of a downtown commute.

The key advantage is that proximity; you can chase sunsets on the bluffs after work. It’s also a solidly middle-class city with a median household income of $109,019 and a healthy 52.9% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community feels established and safe, with violent crime rates well below national averages.

The catch, however, is the price tag. The cost of living is 15.5% above the national average, and the median home price has hit $1,232,000, locking out many first-time buyers. The city itself is largely suburban and car-dependent, lacking the bustling urban core some crave.

Insider tip: For a true local vibe, explore Old Torrance. Its walkable, brick-lined streets host independent cafes and boutiques, offering a charming slice of small-town life within the city.

Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts who want serious trail access without sacrificing suburban safety and good schools.
Skip if: You crave a walkable, nightlife-heavy urban environment or are budget-conscious and looking for an entry-level housing market.

Burbank landing #4 for best hiking cities might surprise you, but it's the gateway. You’re minutes from the Griffith Park trailheads, and in under 30 minutes, you can hit the rugged canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains or the iconic Griffith Observatory hike. With a median income of $91,926, many residents are industry professionals who value that quick escape, and the city’s 5.5% unemployment rate suggests a stable, working community.

The catch is the staggering cost of living. You’re looking at a median home price of $1.12 million, and even renting a one-bedroom averages $2,252 a month. The lifestyle is suburban and family-oriented, not a bustling metropolis.

For a local secret, drive up to the Magnolia Park neighborhood for its vintage shops and quiet, tree-lined streets, a world away from the studio lots. It’s where you’ll find the real Burbank vibe.

Best for: Industry creatives who need easy access to major studios and serious hiking trails without leaving the city's bubble.
Skip if: You’re seeking a vibrant downtown nightlife or are priced out by L.A.’s median home costs.

Inglewood made the "Best Cities for Hikers" list not for its own trails, but for its unbeatable gateway location. You're a 20-minute drive from the rugged trails of Griffith Park and the stunning coastal paths of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The median home price is $749,000, which is actually a relative bargain for L.A. County, but with a cost of living index 15.5% above the national average, you’re paying for access.

The catch is the city itself lacks significant green space for spontaneous hikes. You'll need a car to get to nature, and the 5.5% unemployment rate hints at a competitive job market. As one friend put it, "You live in Inglewood for the location, not the local scenery."

Insider tip: The sharp increase in violent crime (678 per 100k) is a real concern. Focus your search on the quieter, more established neighborhoods like Morningside Park, which has a strong community feel and is closer to the Metro line.

Best for: The pragmatic hiker who prioritizes trail access over backyard nature and wants a foothold in the L.A. market.
Skip if: You want to walk out your door and start hiking, or if you're seeking a low-stress, quiet suburban environment.

Roseville landed at #6 for "Best Cities for Hikers 2026" because you can hit the trails at Miners Ravine and be back in a bustling shopping district within 20 minutes. It’s a rare blend of suburban convenience and immediate access to nature.

The key advantage is the sheer variety of trails, from the paved, stroller-friendly paths in Maidu Regional Park to the rugged climbs at the nearby Sierra foothills. With a median household income of $107,888, the community is well-educated and financially stable, which supports a robust network of local hiking clubs and maintained trail systems.

The catch? The cost of living is 8.9% above the national average, and with a median home price of $625,000, buying in is a serious commitment. It’s also a car-centric city; while you can hike locally, you’ll drive to get to more dramatic Sierra vistas.

Insider tip: For the best local flavor, skip the chain restaurants and head to the Roseville Galleria area on a Tuesday evening for the summer farmers' market, which is packed with hikers refueling after their evening loops.

Best for: Active families and professionals who want easy weekend trail access without sacrificing urban amenities.

Skip if: You crave a walkable, urban core or are on a tight housing budget.

Spokane Valley took the #7 spot for a reason: you’re never more than a short drive from a trailhead. The Centennial Trail runs right through town, and you can be tackling the rugged Switchbacks at Dishman Hills in under 20 minutes.

The biggest advantage is the access-to-cost ratio. With a median home price of $407,336, you’re getting direct access to the Inland Northwest’s hiking paradise for a fraction of Seattle’s price tag. The cost of living index is just 1.0% above the national average, making it a financially sane choice for outdoor lovers. However, the catch is the seasonal reality—those gorgeous, dry hiking trails are dust bowls by August, and the gray, inversion-trapped winters can be a serious mental slog for sun-seekers. It’s a city that truly shines for about five months of the year.

Here’s the insider tip: look for homes near the Mirabeau Point Park area. You’re close to the trail, the Spokane River, and a quick hop to the shops and restaurants along Sullivan Road, but you avoid the busier, more commercial feel of the downtown core.

Best for: Hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone seeking a quiet, suburban base with epic weekend adventures.
Skip if: You crave a vibrant, year-round urban nightlife or can’t handle months of gray skies.

Provo isn't just a college town; it's a launchpad for the mountains, which is why it cracked the top 10 for hikers. With the Wasatch Range literally in your backyard, you can be on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in minutes for a quick sunset hike or tackle a serious 10-mile loop on a Saturday morning.

The key advantage is that it’s surprisingly affordable for a mountain town. The median home price is $500,000, and a 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,093—both significantly below the national median. The job market is stable, with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, anchored by Brigham Young University and a growing tech scene.

The catch is the culture. It’s a deeply religious community, and that shapes everything from social life to local ordinances. If you’re not part of the predominant faith, you might feel like you’re on the outside looking in, especially in family-centric neighborhoods like East Lake.

Insider tip: Tap into the outdoor community at the Nordic Center in the Provo Canyon for winter trail access, or head to the Cannonville neighborhood for a more established, quieter vibe close to trailheads.

Best for: Hikers and young families who prioritize outdoor access and value over nightlife.
Skip if: You’re looking for a bustling, secular bar scene or want a culturally diverse, urban feel.

Surprise cracked the top 10 for hikers, and it's not hard to see why. You’re minutes from the White Tank Mountains, where trails like the Waterfall Canyon Loop reward you with actual waterfalls after a decent monsoon. The city’s own 2,000-acre regional park system means you can hit a trail without even getting on the highway.

The median home price sits at $419,495, which is a tough pill to swallow for many. While the cost of living index is 105.5 (just over the national average), that housing cost is the real hurdle. You're paying a premium to be near the trails, and salaries haven't fully caught up; the median household income is $89,560. It’s a suburb, through and through. Don’t expect a buzzing downtown core like in Phoenix or Tempe. For that, you’ll be driving 45 minutes east on the US-60.

Insider Tip: For the best hiking access, look at the Asante or Asante Village neighborhoods. You can literally walk to the base of the White Tanks from some streets, skipping the park entrance fees on your morning walk.

Best for: Families and serious hikers who prioritize weekend trail access over nightlife.
Skip if: You crave urban energy or need a walkable, vibrant city center.

So you’re eyeing Pasadena? Smart move. It clinched #10 on the list for good reason: you’re literally at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Arroyo Seco trail system starts right in town, offering everything from easy loops to serious elevation gain without a long drive.

The city’s vibe is a huge draw. With 56.8% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree and a median income of $103,282, it feels engaged and educated. The cost of living index at 115.5 means it’s about 15% pricier than the national average, but you get what you pay for: excellent public schools and a genuine small-town feel in a major metro area.

Here’s the catch: housing is brutal. The median home price is a staggering $1,250,000, and that 1BR median rent of $2,252 is no joke. The 5.5% unemployment rate is also slightly above the national average, so have a solid job lined up.

Insider tip: Skip the tourist-heavy Old Pasadena for dinner and head to the vibrant, less-polished South Lake Avenue district. It’s where locals actually hang out.

Best for: Young professionals and families who prioritize outdoor access and top-tier schools and can comfortably handle the premium price tag.
Skip if: You’re on a tight budget, want a bustling nightlife scene, or dread a potential 30-minute commute to Downtown LA on the 110 freeway.

Okay, so Rio Rancho made the "Best for Hikers" list, and honestly, it earns its spot. The key reason is that you’re basically living on the edge of the Sandia Mountains. From your backyard, you can hit the trails at the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area within minutes, offering everything from easy walks to serious climbs with epic Albuquerque views.

The financials are a huge draw, too. The median home price sits at a relatively manageable $326,800, and with a cost of living index at 93.0, your paycheck stretches further than it would in many other cities.

But there’s a catch: the trade-off for those mountain views and lower costs is a serious lack of urban energy. Rio Rancho is sprawling and suburban; if you’re craving walkable nightlife or a vibrant arts scene, you won’t find it here. You’ll also need to be comfortable with a daily 20-30 minute drive into Albuquerque for most jobs and culture.

Insider tip: Check out the neighborhoods around the Northern Highlands for slightly older, more established homes with mature trees and quicker access to the trails.

Best for: Budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts and families who prioritize space and nature over nightlife.
Skip if: You’re a young professional seeking a bustling, walkable downtown or anyone who hates driving.

Fullerton made this year’s list for its rare combo of urban access and trail-ready hills. The 1,200-acre Fullerton Arboretum on the Cal State Fullerton campus is a prelude to the bigger adventures in the nearby Santa Ana Mountains.

The key advantage is that you don’t have to drive far for a serious hike. You’re minutes from the Chino Hills State Park’s eastern trails and the rugged, chaparral-covered ridges of the Cleveland National Forest. With a median household income of $97,427 and a 41.4% bachelor’s+ rate, it’s a stable, educated community that values its green spaces.

The catch is the cost. The median home price sits at a staggering $952,500, and even a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,252 a month. The cost of living index is 115.5—about 15% above the national average—and the 5.5% unemployment rate is slightly higher than you’d expect for that income level.

Insider tip: The neighborhood around Hillcrest Park, with its iconic 1930s stone archways and weekly farmers market, offers that classic Fullerton charm and is a short, steep walk from the trailhead for the Fullerton Loop.

Best for: Hikers who want serious trail systems within a 20-minute drive but still crave a walkable downtown scene.
Skip if: You’re on a tight budget or need a car-free lifestyle; public transit is limited and trails require a drive.

West Covina cracks the top 15 for hikers for a simple reason: you're literally at the foothills. The San Gabriel Mountains are your backyard, with the trailhead for the popular Iron Mountain Fire Road just a 15-minute drive from downtown.

The key advantage here is access. You get serious elevation gain without the brutal commute of someone living deeper in the mountains. The city itself is surprisingly affordable for SoCal, with a median home price of $830,000 and a median 1-bedroom rent of $2,252. That’s a steal compared to the coastal cities, and the median household income of $96,525 means many residents can actually afford it.

The catch? It’s a sprawling, car-dependent suburb. You’ll spend a lot of time in your car, and the vibe is more strip malls than charming walkable streets. The cost of living index at 115.5 is also a noticeable bump over the national average.

Insider tip: Skip the crowded main trails on weekends and head to the quieter, rocky paths in the Covina Hills neighborhood for a more serene sunrise hike.

Best for: Hikers who want mountain access on a suburban budget and don't mind a commute.
Skip if: You crave a walkable, urban core or a truly walkable daily errand run.

So you’re eyeing Santa Clarita for the trails? Smart. It landed #14 for hikers in 2026 because you’re basically surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains and Angeles National Forest. You can hit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center for an easy, scenic loop or drive 20 minutes up to the rugged trails near the Vasquez Rocks—the same jagged formations you’ve seen in a hundred movies.

The vibe is distinctly suburban, not mountain town. You’ll find a strong community feel with a median household income of $118,489, but that comfort comes with a price tag. The median home is $776,500, and the cost of living index sits at 115.5, which is noticeably above the national average. Commutes into LA can be brutal, too, especially with the 5 and 14 freeways as your only real arteries.

Here’s the local tip: if you move here, prioritize being near the Newhall or Saugus areas. They’re your best bets for balancing trail access with decent amenities, without feeling totally isolated.

Best for: Families who want outdoor access without sacrificing suburban comforts and good schools.
Skip if: You’re looking for a true walkable, urban core or want to avoid a car-centric lifestyle.

Downey, CA, might not scream "mountain town," but it landed #15 for Best Cities for Hikers 2026 because its trail network is surprisingly robust. For locals, that means the San Gabriel River Trail is your backyard—27 miles of paved, car-free path that’s perfect for a quick sunrise ride or a long walk, with easy access from neighborhoods like Old Downey.

The key advantage? A median household income of $96,699 supports a lifestyle where you can afford to be outdoorsy without a huge commute. The cost of living is 15.5% above the national average, and a median home price of $937,000 is steep, but you're paying for space and accessibility, not just a zip code.

The catch is it’s not a scenic wilderness. You’re in a dense, suburban city where the biggest hills are overpasses. The violent crime rate is 289 per 100k—higher than the national average—so street smarts are a must, especially after dark. It’s a working-class city, not a resort.

Insider tip: Skip the main drag and head to the Rio San Gabriel Park section of the trail at dusk; it’s when the community comes alive with joggers and families.

Best for: Hikers who want trail access without leaving the suburbs, and who value connectivity over dramatic vistas.
Skip if: You crave solitude, mountain views, or a car-free lifestyle; you'll be driving to your trailhead.