8 terrific vantage points to take in views of Southern California's snow-capped mountains

The winter storm season in Southern California has kicked off with a bang with a record-breaking cold system that's expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of snow to elevations above 6,000 feet.

That means as the storm clears out to make way for sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the Thanksgiving holiday week, we're about to hit a magical moment in L.A. It occurs in that tiny window of time, after winter storms and when the winds whisk away all the smog, revealing majestic mountains in the distance — even better when they're capped with snow.

It's awe-inspiring to catch a glimpse of them in your car or on a stroll, of course, but what if we told you that — wait for it — you could intentionally seek out a good view?

Well, folks, you can. We've found some spots throughout the city that provide particularly splendid vistas from which to take in the mountains' glory and snap a pic or video. TikTok and Instagram await your brilliance.

Some of the photos here are from year's past — so consider them aspirational inspiration. If you have a photo you'd like to share here or on our social media channels, email me and we may include it.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Also known as the Culver City Stairs, this spot will give you a stunning view of just about any place in Los Angeles. It’s the farthest from the San Gabriels of any place on this list, but no less majestic. You just have to get up the 282 steps (you can do it!). And if you want more of a workout, consider doing one of our favorite hikes — the overlook is the halfway point.

Rainstorms brought snow to our local mountains, as seen from Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area on March 7.

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Myung J. Chun

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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If you go, don't be surprised if you have to negotiate for some real estate. Here's what it looked like one day back in 2023 when there was record snow fall.

Cal State LA

A little-known spot for a killer post-storm view of our mountains is at Cal State LA.

Behind the South Village residence hall is a set of staircases that go all the way up to the unobstructed panorama. Wanna skip the steps? There's an elevator too.

The view from Cal State L.A.

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Fiona Ng

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LAist

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The observation deck at L.A. City Hall 

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, the observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the city, including the mountains. It’s free for visitors and accessible by elevator, but note that there is one flight of stairs leading from the 26th to 27th floor, where the deck is.

Griffith Park Observatory

Accessible by trail, you can grab some great pics even before you get to the observatory, located at the top of a hill in Griffith Park. Check here for hiking trails that lead to the grounds. While the observatory itself is open limited hours, the grounds from which you can see the San Gabriels are usually open all hours.

The skyline of Los Angeles can be seen past Griffith Park Observatory in this photo taken in March 2024. Turn 180 degrees for the mountain vistas.

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Stefani Reynolds

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AFP via Getty Images

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Santa Anita Park

The mountains are seemingly always visible behind the track at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

If you're the type of photographer who likes a beautiful piece of foliage in your foreground, this is your spot. Stroll around the grounds and grab pictures with architectural wonders/flowers/trees, with the stunning mountain range in the back.

The Colorado Street Bridge

Let's be honest, the Colorado Street Bridge is just cool. But it also provides a nice vantage point (as long as you're not holding up traffic!) from which to snap a pic.

With that said, pretty much any flat street in Pasadena will afford you a decent-to-stunning view.

Mar Vista

The San Gabriels, seen from Mar Vista in 2023.

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Suzanne Levy

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LAist

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And finally, you might not have to go that far at all to capture the view. Our colleague Suzanne Levy snapped this view from Mar Vista.

Happy photographing!

And if you post to Instagram, tag us @laistofficial.

LAist weekend editor Fiona Ng contributed to this report.