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Elysian Park Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,048 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Elysian Park Trail'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.

LoopScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parkingQuiet

Easy-going hiking & cycling trail in a pretty neighborhood park with mature trees & open spaces.

What runners say about Elysian Park Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,048 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“I really loved walking around the trail during sunset and capturing LA's beautiful landscapes in the background while being in nature.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trails are well-marked, making it easy to navigate.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“A great quiet peaceful place to get away .”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 4 mentions

“be careful when going out on a jog, dogs are usually around being walked by se owners who refuse to put leashes on them.”

This is an excellent trail to come for a quick walk/casual hike. The loop takes about 30 minutes at a good pace, and is an wonderful place to bring dogs. There is a really nice view of Downtown LA from parts of the trail here. I would definitely coming here for a walk, hike, or even a run!

★★★★★ — Mayur , Aug 2021

Just about the perfect trail if you want a city view!! The trail itself is not too steep so it should be fine for most anyone who is willing to walk a little. But if not, there is also parking that can be found if you drive up as well. While the views of LA are great expect to see plenty of graffiti here as well.

★★★★★ — Max , Jan 2022

I really like this trail for walk and hike. Parking available and there’s a good vibes on the top, plus plenty of trail which you can choose to go for your workout.

★★★★★ — Paul , Apr 2022

Best park in East Los Angeles! The community garden on top of the hill has a stunning view and it has bowls and water for dogs. There are multiple trails and it's possible to cut through less walked trails. Just be mindful of the holes everywhere made by gophers.

★★★★★ — Elisa , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,048 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 20 mentions

“I really loved walking around the trail during sunset and capturing LA's beautiful landscapes in the background while being in nature.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 11 mentions

“be careful when going out on a jog, dogs are usually around being walked by se owners who refuse to put leashes on them.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“There is a tiny parking lot next to the trail entrance, but you can also park at Elysian Park at the bottom and go up the trail through a bottom entrance.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“The trail itself is not too steep so it should be fine for most anyone who is willing to walk a little.”

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🔁 Loop trail 5 mentions

“Nice loop trail with plenty of parking that's not too difficult and with really great views of downtown LA.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“A great quiet peaceful place to get away .”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Elysian Park Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitelaparks.org
  • Phone+1 213-485-5054
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–9 pm
Tuesday 5 am–9 pm
Wednesday 5 am–9 pm
Thursday 5 am–9 pm
Friday 5 am–9 pm
Saturday 5 am–9 pm
Sunday 5 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Elysian Park Trail

Elysian Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Get directions

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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.