Stop over: Hiking, Hollywood style

There are many hiking trails in Los Angeles, including a walk to the iconic Hollywood sign.

From the moment you look up at the iconic Hollywood sign perched high in the mountains you'll notice that Los Angeles is built around what seems like an endless stretch of picturesque hills.

Hiking is a popular way to keep fit in L.A - and the locals usually do it with their shirts off. If you're planing a trip to Tinseltown, a walk in the hills is a great way to see the city in all its expansive glory and burn a few calories at the same time.

Here are some of the locals' top walking spots.

Runyon Canyon is a popular trail for celeb spotting. Give yourself anywhere from 30 minutes for a quick jog to 90 minutes to reach the top and take in the magnificent viewpoints. Enjoy the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory, through to the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. You can even see Catalina Island on a clear day.

Griffith Park has a number of different trails that weave up and into the hills. For a memorable off-road run, take the Hollyridge Trail that leads from the observatory carpark to the summit of Mt Hollywood in 40 minutes. It's the highest peak of the park, so you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire Los Angeles Basin.

If you're a Batman fan, don't leave the park without wandering through Bronson Canyon, which includes the "batcave" that featured in the popular 1960s TV series.

Eaton Canyon is a nature reserve at the base of the San Gabriel mountains and features its own 12m waterfall. This track is much more rugged than others - be prepared for boulder-hopping and creek-crossing, depending on the season and recent rainfall.

The Ocean Trails Reserve, located in the Palos Verdes Peninsula at the Southern end of the city, offers more than 8km of scenic trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. Tracks include the Catalina Trail, Coastal Switchback and Sagebrush Walk, plus breathtaking views and tidal pools by the beach.

Topanga State Park is considered the world's largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. This park features 58km of trails filled with nature and ocean views, stretching from Pacific Palisades to Mulholland Drive. Look out for the sandstone outcrop dubbed "Eagle Rock", a highlight of the Eagle Rock Trail. With more than 60 entrances to the park, it's easy to pick and choose which walks take your fancy.