Malibu, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near Malibu

  • Los Angeles, California

    Bluffs Creek Trail

    4.0
    3.85 mi / 118 ft gain
    The Bluffs Creek Trail is a scenic, 4-mile loop located near Playa del Rey, California, offering an easy and family-friendly hiking experience.  The trail features an elevation gain of 160 feet, making it a gentle climb, with views of Playa Vista and the surrounding bluffs. Popular among walkers...
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  • Culver City, California

    Culver City Stairs

    4.1
    1.32 mi / 344 ft gain
    The Culver City Stairs are an outdoor staircase designed into the trails leading up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This particular staircase is uniquely constructed to blend into the landscape and is comprised of 282 uneven stairs. The stairs vary in height from 3 inches to nearly 2 ft...s...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.  This is also a great location for trail running...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Runyon Canyon Loop

    3.3
    2.67 mi / 728 ft gain
    Located in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon is an iconic workout run/ hike that can give you great views all the way to the ocean. There are a few different loop trails/ hikes you can take ranging from ~1.5mi to 3.25mi all with a decent amount of elevation gain. Also, remember this is Hollywood, so yo...
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Towsley Canyon Loop

    4.5
    5.84 mi / 1460 ft gain
    The Towsley Canyon Loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. The clockwise path starts with a gradual ascent through Wiley Canyon and steep descent into the Towsley Gorge while a counter-clockwise route starts with a steep climb out of Towsley Canyon and a gradual descent ...
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail

    7.07 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Stevenson Ranch, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Lake Hollywood Trail

    4.7
    3.35 mi / 249 ft gain
    The Lake Hollywood Trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring and is wheelchair accessible. A majority of the trail is paved, but approximately .6 miles is on dirt. Some of the trail is shaded, but bring sun protection regardless - especially in the summer. Dogs are not allowed on this tr...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail

    2.23 mi / 719 ft gain
    Cahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Los Angeles, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail

    3.88 mi / 1237 ft gain
    The Cahuenga Peak Loop is perfect for trail runners and hikers. The trailhead is in Hollywood Hills - park off to the side on a street. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash. The trail can be dusty and dirty, so watch your step. Ke...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Aileen Getty Ridge Trail

    5.0
    3.55 mi / 1194 ft gain
    The Aileen Getty Ridge Trail is a singletrack trail that runs between Mt. Lee and Burbank Peak (the location of the Wisdom Tree). Though there are many options to access this trail, the most direct route is from the west via the Wonder View Trailhead. Start by parking on Lake Hollywood Drive near...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

    4.8
    2.63 mi / 587 ft gain
    The Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail.  The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    West Trail Loop

    4.3
    1.85 mi / 463 ft gain
    The trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood Trail

    5.0
    2.49 mi / 505 ft gain
    Mount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 915 ft gain
    Glendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...
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  • Ventura, California

    Hike Arroyo Verde Park

    3.5 mi / 800 ft gain
    Arroyo Verde Park is a small parked tucked in the hills above Ventura, California, and has a network of trails running up and down the hills surrounding the valley in the center of the park. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Foothill Road Day Road, east of downtown Ventura. There...
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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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