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Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking 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.
What runners say about Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail
“You can do the straight loop around the lake, which is absolutely beautiful, or take one of the side paths up into the hills for a more wilderness-style walk.”
“Be aware of hot weather as there is little to no shade on this hike.”
“I usually go there three times a week—it’s always peaceful and quiet, and sometimes you can even spot deer 🦌🦌.”
it is a beautiful walk, absolutely not demanding and is completely on level ground. along the way it is always nice to come across some roe deer, we also saw a coyote, which is really pleasant if you are an animal lover. I recommend checking the closing times of the gates.
Be ready for the mesmerizing view from the top of the hill. This trail begins at the Griffith Park Visitor Center and heads up a gravel fire road, and follows a wide single track that climbs and drops down a number of steep ridges.
I loved this trail.. it was peaceful and had beautiful views. The wildflowers, water views, hills and houses made for a gorgeous scenic walk. The rusty fence is a bit of an eye sore but I understand why it’s there and when you look beyond the untouched land it’s gorgeous.
I’m surprised it took me 10 years to check this place out! There are clear signage NOT to bring dogs into the park - I saw several other dogs throughout the walk however (all very well behaved and on leash). If you know your dog and he/she is good on the leash this is a great CLEAN “trail” with scenic views.
Trail conditions & character
“You can do the straight loop around the lake, which is absolutely beautiful, or take one of the side paths up into the hills for a more wilderness-style walk.”
“You can do the straight loop around the lake, which is absolutely beautiful, or take one of the side paths up into the hills for a more wilderness-style walk.”
“If you’re lucky you’ll find parking, once you get parked then find one of 3 entrances into the park and follow the trail and fence on a loop for 3.”
“There are clear signage NOT to bring dogs into the park - I saw several other dogs throughout the walk however (all very well behaved and on leash).”
“You can do the straight loop around the lake, which is absolutely beautiful, or take one of the side paths up into the hills for a more wilderness-style walk.”
“I usually go there three times a week—it’s always peaceful and quiet, and sometimes you can even spot deer 🦌🦌.”
“The trail was flat the entire way, on a paved trail, making it perfect for running, biking, strollers or walking.”
“Be aware of hot weather as there is little to no shade on this hike.”
“The trail intersects and follows an asphalt road that leads to the very top of Griffith Park, right above the Hollywood sign.”
“This trail begins at the Griffith Park Visitor Center and heads up a gravel fire road, and follows a wide single track that climbs and drops down a number of steep ridges.”
“There’s also a water station at the trailhead by the bridge.”
“The trail was flat the entire way, on a paved trail, making it perfect for running, biking, strollers or walking.”
Plan your run at Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, 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.
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