Los Angeles might be famous for its freeways, but locals know the city’s real treasures are its trails. Beyond the crowded classics, LA hides a network of paths where you can trade traffic for singletrack, swap horns for hawks, and find a rhythm that feels more wild than urban. These aren’t the Instagram hotspots—they’re the runs locals whisper about, the ones that make you fall in love with LA all over again.
The best runs in LA aren’t always marked on a map—they’re hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to lace up and explore.
1. Amir’s Garden, Griffith Park
Distance: 3–4 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Tucked inside Griffith Park is Amir’s Garden, a community-tended oasis that feels worlds away from the city below. The trail climbs quickly, rewarding runners with shady switchbacks and bursts of wildflowers. If you’re searching “Griffith Park trail run,” this hidden gem is the one most visitors miss.
2. Corral Canyon Loop, Malibu
Distance: 2.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Just off the PCH, Corral Canyon delivers sweeping ocean views without the crowds. The loop winds through chaparral-covered hillsides before circling back down toward the beach. It’s a short but satisfying run where salty air and rolling singletrack keep things playful the whole way.
3. Hondo Canyon Trail, Topanga
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Hidden in Topanga’s quiet backroads, Hondo Canyon blends lush shade with airy ridgelines. Expect creek crossings, oak canopies, and enough uphill to earn your downhill. It’s a local favorite for those who want the solitude of a wilderness run without leaving LA County.
4. Caballero Canyon, Encino Hills
Distance: 3.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Caballero Canyon is a sun-drenched climb that links into the Santa Monica Mountains backbone trail. The route offers just enough incline to test your quads and plenty of sky overhead—bring a hat for sun protection, especially mid-day. Many WoBe runners swear by it as their go-to quick workout with big payoffs in views.
5. Cherry Canyon Park, La Cañada Flintridge
Distance: 3–6 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate
Cherry Canyon is a tucked-away network of fire roads and singletrack at the foothills of the San Gabriels. Locals love it for its versatility—you can make it a mellow loop or stack climbs for a quad-burner. Wildflowers bloom in spring, and at sunset the Verdugo ridges light up in gold. It’s the kind of trail that feels hidden in plain sight.
Run Well, Live Well
LA’s hidden trails prove that you don’t have to leave the city to find adventure—you just have to know where to look. Whether it’s the wildflowers of Griffith Park or the ridges of La Cañada, these paths invite you to get moving and reconnect with what matters most: fresh air, open space, and the freedom of motion.
Pro tip: A structured brim hat can be your best running partner on these exposed trails—sun protection without slowing you down. That’s exactly why WoBe was built: headwear made to move, so you can focus on the miles ahead.
Keep exploring, keep moving. Discover more trails, tips, and inspiration on our favorite "hiker friendly" app at www.alltrails.com.