Los Angeles, known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers a wide variety of running trails that cater to every type of runner. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a gentle path, an experienced athlete seeking a challenging route, or someone who enjoys the beauty of nature while exercising, the City of Angels has something for everyone. This guide will explore the best running trails in Los Angeles and highlight the unique features that make each route special.
What Are the Best Running Trails in Los Angeles?
Top Running Trails for Beginners
For those just starting their running journey, Los Angeles provides several welcoming trails that ease you into the sport. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the beach path, is an excellent choice for beginners. Stretching along the coastline, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is mostly flat, making it perfect for a leisurely run. This path runs from Pacific Palisades to Torrance, providing ample mileage for beginners to build their stamina.
Another beginner-friendly option is the Lake Hollywood Reservoir Trail, which offers a serene atmosphere surrounded by nature. This 3.3-mile loop is relatively flat and features beautiful views of the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding hills, creating an enjoyable run for those new to the sport. The trail is well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for beginners to develop their running skills without the intimidation of steep inclines or rugged terrain.
Challenging Routes for Experienced Runners
Experienced runners looking for a challenge will find plenty of options in Los Angeles. Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking a rigorous workout. The park’s trails provide a mix of steep inclines and rugged terrain, allowing for an intense trail run while enjoying breathtaking views of the city below. The paths can get crowded, especially on weekends, but the challenge and scenery make it worthwhile.
For a more secluded option, the trails around Mount Hollywood offer a rigorous run with fewer crowds. The routes lead to the Griffith Observatory, where runners can take in panoramic views of Los Angeles. The combination of elevation gain and technical trails makes this area a favorite among experienced runners who thrive on challenging terrain and scenic vistas.
Family-Friendly Running Trails
When it comes to family-friendly running trails, Elysian Park is a top contender. With its diverse network of trails, families can enjoy a leisurely run together while exploring the park’s natural beauty. The paths are well-marked and offer varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for runners of all ages. Families can also take advantage of the nearby playgrounds and picnic areas, turning their run into a fun-filled day out.
Another excellent option for families is the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. This expansive urban park features paved and dirt trails that wind through picturesque landscapes. Parents can take their children on shorter loops while enjoying the varied scenery, including lakes and gardens. The park’s easy accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the best places to run in Los Angeles with the whole family.
Where Can You Find Scenic Running Routes in Los Angeles?
Running Trails with Ocean Views
Los Angeles is famed for its stunning ocean views, and several running trails allow you to soak in the beauty while you exercise. The Marvin Braude Path, mentioned earlier, is the quintessential ocean trail, offering a scenic route along the coastline. Runners can enjoy the sound of crashing waves and the fresh ocean breeze as they traverse this beautiful path. The trail connects various beach towns, making it a vibrant route to explore.
Another fantastic ocean trail is the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where runners can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast and the rugged cliffs. The winding paths provide an exhilarating run, with options for both flat routes along the shoreline and more challenging trails that lead up to higher elevations. The combination of ocean views and scenic landscapes creates an unforgettable running experience.
Scenic Routes Near Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the best places to run in Los Angeles, offering a variety of scenic routes surrounded by nature. The Griffith Park Running Trails feature well-maintained paths that meander through lush greenery and offer stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles Basin. Trails like the Fern Dell Trail are particularly popular, providing shade and scenic vistas that enhance the running experience.
For those looking for a more challenging run, the trails leading up to the Griffith Observatory provide a steep ascent that rewards runners with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This route is perfect for runners who enjoy combining exercise with stunning scenery, as the observatory is an iconic landmark worth visiting after your run.
Urban Running Paths with a Scenic Touch
Los Angeles also features several urban running paths that provide a unique blend of city life and scenic beauty. The Los Angeles River Bike Path is one such route that attracts many runners. The path runs alongside the river, providing a unique perspective of the city while allowing runners to enjoy a more natural environment amidst the urban landscape. With its smooth pavement and scenic views, this path is ideal for those who want to experience the pulse of Los Angeles while getting their miles in.
Another popular urban route is the trails around the Silver Lake Reservoir. This area combines picturesque views with a vibrant community atmosphere, making it an enjoyable spot for runners. The loop around the reservoir is about 2.2 miles, and its flat terrain is perfect for a quick run or a leisurely jog. Runners can enjoy views of the water and the surrounding hills, making it one of the best running trails in Los Angeles for those who appreciate a scenic yet urban environment.
What Are the Best Running Trails in Griffith Park?
Must-Try Trails in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is a haven for runners, with a vast network of trails that cater to all skill levels. The park’s most famous trails include the West Trail and the East Trail, both of which offer unique experiences. The West Trail is a popular choice for runners seeking a moderate challenge, with its winding paths and gradual elevation changes leading to stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding area.
The East Trail, on the other hand, presents a more rugged experience with steeper inclines and technical sections. This trail is perfect for those looking to push their limits and enjoy the thrill of trail running. Regardless of the route chosen, Griffith Park’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for any runner in Los Angeles.
Running Near the Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is not only an iconic landmark but also an excellent starting point for several running routes. Runners can take the path leading from the observatory to Mount Hollywood, where they can enjoy a more challenging ascent. This route features stunning views of Los Angeles and is particularly rewarding for those who love to capture the beauty of cityscapes during their runs.
Additionally, the area surrounding the observatory features various trails that cater to different skill levels. Runners can choose to explore the flatter paths or tackle more rugged trails, making it easy to customize their running experience. The combination of scenic beauty and accessibility makes running near the Griffith Observatory one of the best experiences for runners in Los Angeles.
Trail Running Options in Griffith Park
Griffith Park offers an array of trail running options that cater to both beginners and seasoned runners. The park’s extensive network of dirt trails allows runners to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while immersing themselves in nature. One popular option is the Charlie Turner Trail, which provides a moderate challenge with rewarding views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the rugged terrain of the trails leading to the park’s summit offers a true trail running experience. These paths often feature steep inclines and varied surfaces, providing an exhilarating challenge for experienced runners. The diverse landscape of Griffith Park, combined with its breathtaking views, makes it one of the best places to run in Los Angeles.
How to Choose the Right Running Route in Santa Monica?
Beach Path Running in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is renowned for its beautiful beach paths that attract runners from all over. The Santa Monica beachfront path is a must-try for those who enjoy the sound of waves crashing while they run. This iconic route runs along the beach, offering stunning ocean views and a gentle breeze that makes for an enjoyable running experience. The path is well-maintained and accessible, making it an ideal choice for runners of all skill levels.
Along the beach path, runners can also connect to the Marvin Braude Coastal Trail, allowing them to explore even more scenic ocean trails. This route stretches for miles along the coast and provides an opportunity to run beside some of California’s most beautiful beaches, including Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Exploring Santa Monica Pier Running Trails
The Santa Monica Pier offers another fantastic running option, with its vibrant atmosphere and scenic views. Runners can enjoy a loop around the pier, taking in the sights and sounds of this lively area. The path itself is paved and well-marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The pier is also a great spot for families, as it offers various attractions and activities, making it a perfect destination for a fun day out after a run.
Runners can also extend their run by heading north along the beach path, which leads to scenic parks and beautiful ocean vistas. This combination of the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding beach trails makes it one of the best running routes in Los Angeles.
Running Trails Around Santa Monica’s Parks
In addition to the beachfront, Santa Monica boasts several parks that provide excellent running trails. Palisades Park, for example, features well-maintained paths that wind through beautiful gardens and offer stunning views of the ocean. Running here allows you to enjoy a mix of nature and urban ambiance, making it a perfect choice for those who love to run in a park setting.
Another fantastic option is the Santa Monica State Beach Park, which features an extensive network of trails that are perfect for both running and hiking. These trails provide runners with an opportunity to explore the beach environment while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The combination of ocean views and park landscapes makes Santa Monica one of the best places to run in Los Angeles.
What Running Trails Are Popular in Elysian Park and Silver Lake?
Running Routes Around Elysian Park
Elysian Park, one of the oldest parks in Los Angeles, features a variety of running routes that cater to different preferences. The park’s trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of flat paths and more challenging inclines, making it suitable for runners of all levels. The loop around the park is particularly popular, allowing runners to enjoy the lush surroundings while getting in their miles.
Additionally, the park’s location provides stunning views of downtown Los Angeles, making it an appealing option for those who want to enjoy the city’s skyline while they run. The combination of nature and urban views creates an enjoyable running experience that many locals and visitors cherish.
Exploring Silver Lake Reservoir Running Paths
The Silver Lake Reservoir is another excellent running destination, featuring a 2.2-mile loop that attracts many runners. This path is well-paved and offers a flat terrain that’s perfect for a casual run or a more intense workout. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful greenery, providing a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the running experience.
Runners can also enjoy views of the surrounding hills and the vibrant community that embodies Silver Lake. This area is known for its artistic vibe and unique charm, making the running routes around the reservoir both enjoyable and culturally enriching.
Unique Trail Runs in Silver Lake
For those seeking unique trail runs, Silver Lake offers a variety of rugged paths that are perfect for trail running enthusiasts. The area features several hidden trails that wind through lush vegetation and provide a more challenging running experience. These trails often lead to stunning vistas and secluded spots where runners can enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the busy city.
Exploring these unique trails in Silver Lake allows runners to connect with nature while experiencing the best of Los Angeles’s outdoor offerings. The combination of scenic views and challenging terrain makes Silver Lake one of the best places to run in Los Angeles for those looking to break away from traditional running paths.
