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Los Angeles, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near Los Angeles

  • Long Beach, California

    Red Car Greenbelt

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Colorado Lagoon

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Venice Canals

    4.3
    2.77 mi / 30 ft gain
    The canals are a fun and quiet place to relax away from the hectic Venice boardwalk. Take a stroll through the canals or even get in a run! The reflections in the water are the main attraction and are great for photography. Spring, after some rain, is the best time to go as the water levels are g...
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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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  • Burbank, California

    Old Youth Camp Loop

    2.59 mi / 732 ft gain
    The Old Youth Camp Loop is a 2.6-mile loop with over 700 feet of elevation gain that can be ran, hiked, or even mountain biked if you prefer. While not completely empty the area receives very little visitors and is a great place to enjoy a little more solitude than near by hiking locations. The l...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Idlehour Trail

    4.0
    14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
    Idlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.  To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Peak via Hostetter Fire Road

    5.0
    7.39 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Verdugo Peak, at 3000 feet, is accessible from multiple directions and trails along the Verdugo Range. The most direct route to the top is Hostetter Fire Road, a 3.6-mile hard-packed dirt trail that climbs 1600 feet to the 3,126-foot summit. The hike begins at the dirt parking lot off of La Tuna ...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail

    4.0
    3.33 mi / 20 ft gain
    The Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of coastal and urban hiking. The trail is a flat, paved 3.33-mile loop that is suitable for all skill levels. It starts at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark known for its Ferris wheel and...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail

    3.5 mi / 1132 ft gain
    From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...
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  • Altadena, California

    Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed

    5.0
    10.14 mi / 814 ft gain
    Gabrieleno Trail: Switzer Falls to Hahamonga Watershed is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near La Canada Flintridge, California.
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Run the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs

    3.0
    0.1 mi / 111 ft gain
    The concrete Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 170 steps that are wider and easier than the Santa Monica wooden staircase.This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for some time so it is also a good place for mee...
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  • 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    5.0
    3.02 mi / 656 ft gain
    You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
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  • Huntington Beach, California

    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail

    4.7
    2.97 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Canyonback Nike Loop

    4.0
    6.02 mi / 1693 ft gain
    Canyonback Nike Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Encino, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Liones Trail

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Los Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.
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