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Aliso Viejo, California

Looking for the best running in Aliso Viejo? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Aliso Viejo. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Aliso Viejo

  • Encinitas, California

    Grandview Beach

    5.0
    3 mi
    Grandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too).  If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...
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  • Aguanga, California

    Vail Lake Loop

    4.0
    7.25 mi / 922 ft gain
    Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.
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  • Redlands, California

    Run the Carriage Trail

    3.5
    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    There is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia. 
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  • Avalon, California

    Camp at Catalina's Two Harbors

    4.8
    An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the a...
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  • Avalon, California

    Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island

    5.0
    Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here.  You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail

    2.61 mi / 33 ft gain
    The Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Elysian Park

    4.0
    1.88 mi / 282 ft gain
    The trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Echo Park Lake

    3.0
    0.98 mi / 0 ft gain
    Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...
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  • Lytle Creek, California

    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd

    5.11 mi / 1138 ft gain
    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fontana, California.
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  • Arcadia, California

    Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

    5.0
    12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain
    Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Baxter Steps

    4.5
    0.16 mi / 108 ft gain
    This set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds.  Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!
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  • Pasadena, California

    Lower Arroyo Seco Loop

    4.0
    2.88 mi / 230 ft gain
    Nestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Three Stooges Stairs

    4.0
    0.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    The stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...
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  • Pasadena, California

    Arroyo Terrace Trail

    5.0
    1.54 mi / 194 ft gain
    Arroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Music Box Steps

    5.0
    0.08 mi / 20 ft gain
    Climb a historical landmark in LA. This is where the famous, Academy Award winning short, Laurel and Hardy made called "The Music Box”. Filmed back in the 1930's the story is about two movers trying to deliver a piano, up these steps. There is a plaque is dedicated at the bottom to this film. It’...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mattachine Steps

    5.0
    0.09 mi / 52 ft gain
    The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...
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