Exercise is great for our physical and mental health. But if you can work out while spending time outdoors and exploring the city, the benefits are even greater. Fortunately, Los Angeles offers scenic running trails that let you catch Instagram-worthy sunsets, connect with wildlife, and enjoy views of the ocean, mountains, or iconic attractions like the Hollywood sign. Without further ado, let’s check out the running routes you need to try in L.A.
1. Mount Hollywood – Griffith Park
Griffith Park, spanning over 4,200 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in North America. It’s home to popular attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, and the Greek Theatre. The park offers numerous running paths in Los Angeles, including routes from Los Feliz Boulevard, Crystal Springs Drive, and Zoo Drive.
For an unforgettable off-road run, take the trail from the Observatory parking lot to the summit of Mount Hollywood, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the entire Los Angeles Basin.
📍 Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 5 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 500–600 feet
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
2. Rose Bowl Loop
The Rose Bowl Loop Trail is one of the best places to run in LA, offering a 3mile paved loop around the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. This trail also passes by Brookside Golf Course and provides scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Popular with hikers, bikers, and dog-walkers. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with parking available in Lot I.
📍 Location: Pasadena, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 3.1 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 50 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
3. Elysian Park West Loop
Experience this less than three miles loop trail in Los Angeles, one of the best running trails in the city. Popular with runners and walkers alike, you’ll likely meet others on the trail, as it is generally an easy route, taking about 56 minutes to complete. Open year-round, it offers beauty in every season. This is a dog friendly path as long as your pup is on a leash.
📍 Location: Elysian Park, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 2.4 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 250 feet
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
4. Marina Del Rey – Will Rogers State Beach
The Marina del Rey to Will Rogers State Beach path is a top spot for running in LA. This 5-mile stretch offers amazing ocean views and a cool coastal breeze. The smooth, paved path makes for an easy, enjoyable run, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. Along the way, you’ll see beaches, sunsets, and find plenty of reasons to keep going. It’s a fun and scenic route that makes running feel extra rewarding!
📍 Location: Marina Del Rey to Will Rogers State Beach, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 7.2 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 100 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
5. Inspiration Point – Runyon Canyon
The West Loop at Elysian Park is a standout among running routes in Los Angeles, offering stunning views of Downtown LA and the San Fernando Valley. The 2.7-mile loop begins at the trailhead on Elysian Park Drive and Stadium Way. Most visitors park at the Chavez Ravine lot, a short walk away. This easy, dog-friendly trail provides ample shade and several side paths for further exploration.
📍 Location: Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 2.7 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 675 feet
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate
6. Silver Lake Reservoir
The Silver Lake Reservoir Loop is a favorite running route in Los Angeles, combining dirt and paved paths. The outer loop circles the reservoir, offering views of the Silver Lake hills, Griffith Park, and the Verdugo Mountains. An inner loop provides closer views of the lake with some shortcuts.
It’s accessible for all fitness levels and popular with walkers, joggers, and runners. The southwest corner features the Silver Lake Recreation Center with restrooms and a playground.
📍 Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 2.2 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 20 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
7. Lake Balboa
Lake Balboa, a 27-acre gem, is the highlight of the 80-acre Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Sepulveda Basin. The park offers a perfect running path for beginners and casual runners, along with barbecue pits, a bike path, a playground, a fly-fishing area, pedal boats, picnic spots, and private boating options. In the blooming season (approximately February to March), the lake’s 2,000 cherry blossom trees create a breathtaking backdrop.
📍 Location: Van Nuys, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 1.3 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 10 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
8. Hollywood Reservoir
The 3.3-mile paved path around the reservoir is a favorite among walkers and runners. While you’ll see the water for much of the route, it’s viewed through a chain-link fence. Highlights include the stretch across Mulholland Dam and views of the Hollywood Sign and nearby hills, making this spot one of the best running paths you can find in L.A.
📍 Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 3.3 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 120 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
9. The Strand – Santa Monica Pier
Starting at Will Rogers State Park in the Pacific Palisades and ending at Torrance County Beach in the South Bay, this trail is also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. It includes about 2 miles of well-paved path.
The stretch between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk takes you past iconic Los Angeles sports spots like Muscle Beach, the famous outdoor basketball courts, and the Venice skate and roller skate park. While it’s a great place to run, be sure to stick to the pedestrian lane and avoid the bike lane.
📍 Location: Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 2.2 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 50 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
10. Palisades Park
Situated along Ocean Avenue, Palisades Parks provides 26 acres of breathtaking views of Santa Monica Bay. The three-mile loop features 30 types of plants and trees, sculptures, cannons, and the unique 19th-century Camera Obscura landmark.
📍 Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 1.6 miles
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal (approximately 40 feet)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
11. Ocean Trails Reserve
Ocean Trails Reserve on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a top choice among running trails in Los Angeles, offering over five miles of scenic routes with varying difficulty. Start from the parking lot at the end of La Rotonda Drive and follow the paved road to the trailhead. Enjoy trails such as Catalina Trail, Coastal Switchback, and Sagebrush Walk, with breathtaking views and tidal pools by the beach.
📍 Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles
🏃 Distance: 2.1 miles
⛰️ Elevation: 300 feet
🟠 Difficulty: Moderate