Runners like Los Angeles because of its perfect weather — it is sunny and warm year-round, so you can run any time you want. In addition, there are many places to run in Los Angeles. You can choose parks or beautiful beach routes, which makes running not only about sport but also about enjoying scenic landscapes.
We put together a list of the most exciting and comfortable trails to run in la for you to choose the most suitable and diversify your workouts regardless of your running experience.
1. Hollywood Reservoir Loop
This scenic trail goes around the Hollywood Reservoir (also known as Lake Hollywood). Its length is 3.3 miles. While running here, you can observe Mulholland Dam, see the Hollywood Sign, and get a beautiful view of the water through the chain link fence.
Why is it great?
- There are many restrooms near the north gate with numerous access points.
- The route is perfect for those who prefer trail running, as Mulholland Hwy Trail is a hilly dirt path.
- The trail is open 6:30-10 am and 2-5 pm daily and 6:30 am-7:30 pm on weekends, so you have a lot of time for running.
- It is easy to get to Lake Hollywood – you can do it from the southern Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead near Mulholland Dam.
2. Rose Bowl Loop
If you’re looking for a flat loop where you don’t have to worry about technical options or getting lost, pay attention to this trail near Pasadena. It runs around the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and the Brookside Golf Course. It is 3.1 miles long and is a favorite place for local runners, cyclists, and dog owners who like to walk their pets.
Why is it great?
- This trail is perfect for those looking for a place to run where they can work on speed.
- Fourteen fitness stations allow you to do stretching, coordination, and strength workouts, which is excellent if you want to do a complex activity.
- There’s also a public pool – perfect if you’re training for a triathlon or like to swim.
- There are many bathrooms. In addition, there is free parking, and it is easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
- The loop is clean and well-maintained throughout the year.
- The trail is mostly flat but still has a slight incline. Keep that in mind.
3. Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is one of LA’s most trendy running routes, liked by beginners, experienced runners, and even Hollywood celebrities who come to run and walk their pets. It is also a favorite Los Angeles run because of its great courses for trail running.
Runyon Canyon is situated two blocks from the famous Hollywood Boulevard on the east side of the Santa Monica Mountains. One entrance is located in West Hollywood on Fuller Avenue, and the other is on Mulholland Drive. You can run the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise, which gives you two different routes of varying difficulty.
Why is it great?
- As we said, the park’s main feature is in routes of various difficulty levels, as well as stunning views of the panoramic landscape of Los Angeles – on clear days, you can see all the way to Catalina Island.
- Going clockwise, you’ll gradually climb up the back of the canyon, heading around the east ridge to Clouds Rest, then down a steep incline and steps to Inspiration Point before descending the fire road back to the entrance.
- The counter-clockwise route is a challenging climb and steep inclines between Inspiration Point and Clouds Rest which gently descends back onto one of the best trails in Los Angeles. This route is very popular with experienced runners.
- It is an excellent option for running at any time of the year.
- If you google “paved running trails near me,” Runyon Canyon is ideal for you, as here you will find paved trails to run.
4. Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the best parks to run in Los Angeles. It is 4.2 miles long and is considered one of the largest municipal urban wildlife parks in the United States, with an area of 4300 acres.
Here you will find about 53 miles of running trails for any running experience – courses, comfortable roads, and bridle paths.
Why is it great?
- Griffith Park is home to many of Los Angeles’ most popular attractions, such as the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theater, and other cultural landmarks.
- There are many trails here, but if you want something more interesting, consider the route from Griffith Observatory to Hollywood Mount. A gradual but comfortable incline lets you observe beautiful city views and the Hollywood sign.
- This park is excellent for those who prefer trail running in Los Angeles, as there are many opportunities for such workouts.
- If you also like flat courses, Hollywood Reservoir is located west of Griffith Park. So, if you want to combine trail and flat running, choose these two routes for a complex workout.
5. Elysian Park
The park is the oldest and second-largest park in Los Angeles. It is perfect for quiet running in downtown LA. The park is 600 acres, and consists of miles of former roads closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians and runners. At the same time, the park is hilly enough, which makes it possible to have an effective workout.
The only downside is that the park’s wayfinding signs could be better, so take your smartphone to navigate the area. But you will forgive this detail as you will have a perfect workout.
Why is it great?
- There are four miles of bike trails – great for those who do cross-training or preparing for a triathlon.
- You can mix different routes: the 2.8-mile circular trail is an excellent option for a quick run or walk. The Elysian Park Wildflower Trail has a slight elevation gain of about 200 feet, which is ideal for a daily run.
- Echo Park Lake is about half a mile west of the park, so you can enjoy the beautiful nature and take a short run, combining these two areas.
6. Silver Lake Reservoir
Although the reservoir has been drained, the trail following it is one of the favorite trails to run in LA among local runners because of its soft dirt track and shaded areas.
Why is it so good?
- There are plenty of parking spaces.
- It’s a 2.5-mile dirt track with a few hills, making any short-distance running workout very effective.
- It is excellent for different exercises, such as yoga, stretching, and others.
- You can bring your family or friends with you – they will be able to have a good time while you train. There is a playground and lawns for recreation here.
- You can take your dog with you for a run, but keep it on a leash – there is a separate area where they can walk freely without it.
7. San Vicente Boulevard
If you google “best running trails near me” and you’re near Santa Monica, try at least one workout on San Vincente Blvd, and it will become one of your favorite trails.
Here you will get an 8-mile trail on the West Side, enjoying extraordinary views, luxurious houses, gorgeous Coral trees, and picturesque coastal views. It is always crowded, but you will find your place for a run.
Why is it great?
- The route is quite hilly, which makes training quite effective and energy-consuming.
- The width of the track can hold up to 13 runners side by side, which adds excitement for those who like to compete.
- The course is perfect for running teams and single runners.
- The last part of the famous “Stadium to the Sea” marathon runs along San Vincente Boulevard, providing a high-quality route.
8. Strand Beach Path
Few cities in the world rival LA for fantastic beach running options. This route includes the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, named after Marvin Braude – a Los Angeles City Council member partially responsible for banning smoking in restaurants.
The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and travels through Santa Monica, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, alongside LAX at Dockweiler State Beach and Manhattan Beach before ending at Torrance State Beach. LA road runners adore it.
Why is it great?
- You can run on the sand or the paved bike path – there are proper markings for runners and cyclists, so no one interferes with each other. But be careful – there are quite a lot of cyclists here.
- You can train for a triathlon or add bike training to your training plan.
- For extra cardio, you can use the stairs between Rosecrans Lifeguard Station and Manhattan/Hermosa (miles 5-7 from the south, 15-17 from the north).
- As you run, you breathe the fresh ocean air and observe the beautiful views.
- About 3 miles of running along the canal At Venice Beach, just inland off Washington St. It can be an add-on or a separate run.
- There are plenty of bathrooms and places to stop and rest along the way.
9. Palisades Park
The next entry on our list is one of the best running routes in Santa Monica. This three-mile walking trail runs along Ocean Avenue.
Palisades Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Monica Bay from atop the sandstone bluffs.
Why is it great?
- Many trees along the road protect you from the sun on a hot day.
- The three-mile loop includes 30 species of plants and trees, sculptures, cannons, and a unique attraction – the 19th-century Camera Obscura.
- If you like evening training, you get the bonus of a breathtaking sunset and refreshing sea air.
- There are plenty of benches along the way if you want to rest and enjoy the view.
10. Sepulveda Basin and Lake Balboa
When it comes to running trails north of Los Angeles, Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is one of the best runs in LA. Here you will find about 7-8 miles of running trails.
The park’s central part is a 1.3-mile loop around Lake Balboa. There is also a 3-mile loop around the Balboa Golf Course.
Why is it great?
- To the west of the park, you will find the Orange Line Busway bike path, which is more than three miles long.
- There are many places to rest around the lake – so take your family and friends and have a picnic. There are barbecue areas, a bike path, a children’s playground, a fly fishing area, paddle boats, picnic areas, and private boats.
- From February to March, you can enjoy the 2,000 cherry trees blossoming on the lake, which creates a stunning view.
If you want to get off your treadmill and try running in the fresh air, try one of the entries on our list of best Los Angeles runs to save time.
Do you have a favorite route that is not on our list? Mention it in the comments!
