HomeCaliforniaSignal Hill › Hilltop Park

Hilltop Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 5,221 Google reviews · Running trail in Signal Hill, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hilltop Park'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.

PavedShadedLit at nightScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Compact green space offering panoramic vistas, BBQ & picnic areas & walking paths.

What runners say about Hilltop Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (5,221 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“The park itself is clean, plenty of shade under the trees, and the atmosphere is relaxed… depending on your definition of “relaxed.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 11 mentions

“The panoramic view overlooking Signal Hill and Long Beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop that changes dramatically with the light.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“The park itself is clean, plenty of shade under the trees, and the atmosphere is relaxed… depending on your definition of “relaxed.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“Beautiful views of Los Angeles and the ocean, peaceful, clean, and very easy to park.”

For those seeking the perfect vantage point to witness the beauty of both sunrise and sunset, this location is truly remarkable. The panoramic view overlooking Signal Hill and Long Beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop that changes dramatically with the light.

★★★★★ — Mady , Apr 2025

A very beautiful park with beautiful views of Southern California beaches like Seal Beach, Long Beach, and Redondo Beach on a clear day. On a clear day, it offers a 270-degree view of Long Beach, West LA, Downtown LA, and the Angeles Crest Mountains.

★★★★★ — Philip , Feb 2026

I had the day off and thought, “Why not do something wholesome?” First, I discovered a gyro so good it could end wars. Then I swung by the Long Beach Airport viewing area to watch planes take off like the budget version of Catch Me If You Can.

★★★★☆ — Brett , Aug 2025

Perfect way to start and end your day. If you don't know what to do, start above on the Hill and then go down below. Take your time, you might meet new people along the damn way. Clean up after yourself and change your batteries on your smoke detectors and buckle up. #safesexisnosex #washyourballs #washyourhands

★★★★★ — Tina , Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5,221 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 40 mentions

“The panoramic view overlooking Signal Hill and Long Beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop that changes dramatically with the light.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 15 mentions

“The panoramic view overlooking Signal Hill and Long Beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop that changes dramatically with the light.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 13 mentions

“Additionally, visitors will find ample street parking in the vicinity, making it convenient to access this scenic spot without any hassle.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“Beautiful views of Los Angeles and the ocean, peaceful, clean, and very easy to park.”

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🚻 Restrooms 5 mentions

“It's a small park and still is well equipped with restrooms, grills, parking, and drinking water fountain.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“The park itself is clean, plenty of shade under the trees, and the atmosphere is relaxed… depending on your definition of “relaxed.”

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💡 Lit for night running 3 mentions

“The panoramic view overlooking Signal Hill and Long Beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop that changes dramatically with the light.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Dog-friendly park and perfect for a picnic.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“It is also quite accessible.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“Plenty of large walkways, all paved and with ramps and park benches all around.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“It's a small park and still is well equipped with restrooms, grills, parking, and drinking water fountain.”

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Plan your run at Hilltop Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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, restrooms, water — 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.
  • Websitecityofsignalhill.org
  • Phone+1 562-989-7330
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–10 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10 pm
Thursday 6 am–10 pm
Friday 6 am–10 pm
Saturday 6 am–10 pm
Sunday 6 am–10 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 Hilltop Park

2351 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755

Get directions

Running trails near Signal Hill

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

Skyline Trail

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Sunset View Park

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West Bay View Trail

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Signal Hill Park

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under a mile away

Discovery Well Park

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Elevated park with views of the city featuring playgrounds and trails.

under a mile away

Signal Hill trail

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ScenicDog-friendly

Scenic park, plus hiking paths with exercise stations and views of the ocean and mountains.

under a mile away

All running trails in Signal Hill, CA →

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.