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Charlie Turner Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,011 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Charlie Turner Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

BoardwalkScenicStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parking

Popular hiking area offering scenic views of the Hollywood sign and Downtown L.A..

What runners say about Charlie Turner Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,011 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 13 mentions

“Would HIGHLY recommend going with a group of your friends for a lovely hike ending with a beautiful view of the city of LA”

This trailhead’s super organized, right up on the mountain by the observatory. There’s plenty of signs and tons of parking around.

★★★★★ — Alex , Oct 2024

This is a good hiking place. You are going to enjoy if you like hiking. Scenery are outstanding and if you are lucky you may find some wildlife. Beware of rattle snakes. I saw few deers during my trail.

★★★★★ — Kumar , Apr 2021

Great experience doing a mini hike with family. I loved the sweeping views of LA, the Hollywood sign (though far) and the LA style greenery. Definitely worth a visit. The trails are dusty but not too bad. Parking is free at the bottom, but you’ll need to hike up which isn’t too far but goes uphill.

★★★★★ — Jen , Dec 2020

Nice walking trail...... beautiful place to experience sunset.... Parking available across the roads and Griffith Observatory parking with usd 15 per hr..... Public restrooms available near Griffith Observatory parking....

★★★★★ — Anindya , Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,011 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 26 mentions

“Would HIGHLY recommend going with a group of your friends for a lovely hike ending with a beautiful view of the city of LA”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 14 mentions

“This trailhead starts right at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, which can get crowded, and the trail is basically a fire road that climbs up to Mt Hollywood.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“The walk lasts almost 1 hour, depending on how you climb it and where you take care of your steps and always pay attention to where you walk 👍”

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🪵 Boardwalk

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Charlie Turner Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitelaparks.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Charlie Turner Trailhead

2840 W Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Get directions

Running trails near Los Angeles

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Glendale Peak Trail Head

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Hilly paths around a landmark observatory rise to this lookout with views across the LA skyline.

under a mile away

Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory

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Steep 1.3-mile-long unmade trail leading to the domed Art Deco observatory with views across LA.

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Glendale Peak

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Natural surfaceShadedLitScenic

Hiking destination featuring views and a benchmark in Griffith Park.

under a mile away

The Brush Canyon Trail

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Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area featuring a rock quarry tunnel & striking views of the city & the iconic Hollywood sign.

under a mile away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.