Los Angeles, CA

Griffith Park

Consisting of over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with urban wilderness in the United States. There are numerous attractions within the park including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, the Autry National Center, and the Greek Theatre. There are TONS of running opportunities in the park , with 53 miles of trails, and fire roads. Note that lots of the running here is hilly, as the elevation ranges from 400 feet to 1600 feet. The park is in north L.A. just north of the 101 and west of the I-5. It’s 2.5 miles from the Sunset Blvd./Hollywood Blvd. intersection.

Recommended running options:

  • Big Loop (8.6 miles): Griffith Park Drive from the Los Feliz Boulevard/Riverside Drive entrance, following the Drive to Zoo Drive and Crystal Springs Dr.
  • Crystal Springs Dr. to the Zoo and then trails back, paralleling Griffith Park Dr. ~2.3 miles with many options.
  • Zoo Drive to the Travel Town Museum. 1.5 miles one way.
  • Great off-road run: take the trail that leads from the Observatory parking lot to the summit of Mount Hollywood, the highest peak of the park. Spectacular views of the Los Angeles Basin. ~1 mile one way.
  • Gentler Ridge Run: Good, flatter trails from the Griffith Park Observatory along the ridge.

There is a popular half marathon and 5k in the park. There’s also a popular trail run half marathon.

Add-Ons: Just west of Griffith Park is the Hollywood Reservoir — a great flat running option with a 3.3 mile loop around the reservoir. To the east of Griffith Park, connect with the LA River Bike Path.

Essentials
  • Big Loop: 8.6 miles
  • 568 feet
  • Depends on which loop
  • It’s 2.5 miles from the Sunset Blvd./Hollywood Blvd. intersection

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Essentials
  • Big Loop: 8.6 miles
  • 568 feet
  • Depends on which loop
  • It’s 2.5 miles from the Sunset Blvd./Hollywood Blvd. intersection