Home › California › Los Angeles › Glendale Peak
Glendale Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 212 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Glendale Peak'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.
Hiking destination featuring views and a benchmark in Griffith Park.
What runners say about Glendale Peak
“Parking near The Greek and taking Riverside trail gives lots of great views of the city on the way.”
“We took a dirt path so we could get some shade but the eventual decline was extremely steep so we turned around.”
“All abilities can take it on, with both shade and open areas.”
Great hike! There's spots of shade here and there but gets pretty sparse at the top. Go when its cool out as it can get pretty hot.
Glendale Peak is a really fun hike with great vistas overlooking the city. Grange Stables will be the starting point for this rewarding climb. All abilities can take it on, with both shade and open areas. Good family-friendly and dog-friendly views are seen from the peak, while parking is free.
Amazing hiking trail ideal for adults, children, and/or pets. The views are stunning. You're able to see the EAST, WEST, NORTH, and SOUTH sides of the city. The green and rocky scenery make it very enjoyable. There are tons of areas where you can park for free.
This has become my favorite hike in Griffith Park. Park at the “ponies”, cross Riverside Drive, and take the hard way up (trust me, the views are worth it!) Spectacular vistas, especially around sunset time.
Trail conditions & character
“This prak is just an alright peak, it has some nice views, and is accessible from the Hogback Trail by a large sign pointing to a trail.”
“We took a dirt path so we could get some shade but the eventual decline was extremely steep so we turned around.”
“We took a dirt path so we could get some shade but the eventual decline was extremely steep so we turned around.”
“Parking near The Greek and taking Riverside trail gives lots of great views of the city on the way.”
“Good family-friendly and dog-friendly views are seen from the peak, while parking is free.”
“We took a dirt path so we could get some shade but the eventual decline was extremely steep so we turned around.”
“go there at sunset and see the city of angels basking in glory of God's light at dusk.”
Plan your run at Glendale Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Fern Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 128 reviews
Hiking area through redwood trees with scenic views and opportunities for photography.
Griffith Park Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 676 reviews
Outdoor natural trail offering hills, picnic tables & views of surrounding neighborhoods.
Glendale Peak Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
3.1-mi. roundtrip hiking trail leading to a peak with sweeping views of the mountains, city & ocean.
Charlie Turner Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,011 reviews
Popular hiking area offering scenic views of the Hollywood sign and Downtown L.A..
Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 718 reviews
Hilly paths around a landmark observatory rise to this lookout with views across the LA skyline.
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,563 reviews
Steep 1.3-mile-long unmade trail leading to the domed Art Deco observatory with views across LA.