California

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

Top Running Spots in and near California

  • Inyokern, California

    Five Fingers Trail

    4.0
    2.34 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Five Fingers Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Onyx, California.
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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

    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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  • Sebastopol, California

    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop

    5.0
    1.86 mi / 82 ft gain
    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Sebastopol, California
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  • Redding, California

    Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail

    5.0
    4.64 mi / 906 ft gain
    The Flanagan Trail to Chamise Peak is a family-friendly hike with moderate slopes and excellent views. The trail winds through shaded woodland, offering glimpses of Shasta Dam, Lassen, and the Sacramento River. Though long, it’s manageable for all ages, with a bench halfway up and a picnic tabl...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail

    9.27 mi / 2165 ft gain
    The Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Blithedale Loop

    4.0
    3.47 mi / 1027 ft gain
    Blithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.
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  • Sunol, California

    Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road

    5.0
    2.17 mi / 207 ft gain
    Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Sunol, California. The trail follows Alamdeda Creek along a wide gravel road with hills offering up better views of the creek at times.  Keep in mind this trail is very exposed and can get hot...
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  • Pasadena, California

    Central Arroyo Seco Community Recreation Loop

    5.0
    0.66 mi / 36 ft gain
    Beautiful views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. A protected .75 mile loop, that offers an easy path, to stroll along. You’ll find convenient water filling stations, clean bathrooms, and a fitness area, along the path. Easy parking all around.
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  • Friant, California

    Pincushion Peak

    2.49 mi / 1043 ft gain
    Head North on Friant Rd. It will begin to head East, becoming Millerton Rd. Stay on Millerton Rd for 4.2 mi. Turn left onto Sky Harbor Rd (street JUST before Table Mountain Casino). Follow Sky Harbor Rd for 5.8 miles to the end of the road. Parking is available along the road. There are port a po...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.0
    2.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...
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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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  • Coronado, California

    Coronado Central Beach

    5.0
    Coronado Central Beach in San Diego is a 1.5-mile-long, wide sandy beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. It’s popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The flat terrain is ideal for skimboarding and walking, attracting families who often spend the ent...
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail

    5.0
    1.72 mi / 121 ft gain
    Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...
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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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  • 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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