HomeCaliforniaTorrance › Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 315 Google reviews · Running trail in Torrance, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center'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.

LoopTrailhead parkingQuiet

Preserved wetlands featuring native plants & wildlife, guided tours & a center with nature exhibits.

What runners say about Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (315 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“such a cool place to explore, we had a lot of fun seeing a few bird species we'd never saw IRL before, very nice people and clean grounds.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It makes it a perfect place to visit for a quiet walk on a lunch break.”

A wonderful - and much needed - oasis in the jungle. This is a great place to decompress, breathe, and center one's soul. You forget you're in the middle of Torrance. Enjoy it while you can, because it has greatly-shrunk from the size it was when I used to come as a child.

★★★★★ — Steve , Jan 2024

I can't understand why I drove past this magical gem in the middle of Torrance so many times. It appears unassuming when driving by Sepulveda Blvd and Madrona on my way to buy gas. So long as I stayed away from the fenced boundaries, l could imagine myself being miles away from civilization.

★★★★★ — Margaret , May 2025

Located in the city of Torrance this marsh is the largest wetlands in LA County. Left to nature, this incredible space is preserved for migrating animals on the Pacific Flyway. Indegious plants grow freely and habit is constantly changing. Under watchful eye of staff this is an incredible to visit in any season.

★★★★★ — Kathy , Jul 2024

First thing first this place is so beautiful. My sister and I both found this place so healing for the soul. We went through every trail that we could until we got hungry. But let me tell you it is splendid that Torrance has this gem. It has a indoor space that has information for all to read and interact with.

★★★★★ — Giovanna , Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 315 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 9 mentions

“I went there for the first time, no traffic, easy parking, and even people there to welcome you in.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“You can walk around inside the marsh and enjoy the view of the wildlife, (which is to be respected and left alone) on a small trail that takes you around in a loop.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It makes it a perfect place to visit for a quiet walk on a lunch break.”

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Plan your run at Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

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
  • Websitefriendsofmadronamarsh.com
  • Phone(310) 782-3989
  • Social Instagram

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday Closed

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 Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503

Get directions

Running trails near Torrance

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

Charles H. Wilson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,274 reviews

Torrance, CA

LoopShadedDog-friendly

Sports & recreation area for jogging, volleyball, basketball, tennis, roller hockey & more.

under a mile away

Delthorne Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 827 reviews

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Spacious park with trees featuring a half-mile walking path, a playground & a basketball court.

1.2 miles away

Torrance Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 666 reviews

Torrance, CA

ShadedDog-friendly

This 10-acre park features a playground, covered picnic space & BBQs, plus athletic fields & courts.

1.5 miles away

Victor Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 450 reviews

Torrance, CA

ShadedDog-friendly

Playground, fitness station, sports facilities & more, plus picnic tables with barbecue equipment.

1.6 miles away

Hopkins Wilderness Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 538 reviews

Redondo Beach, CA

ShadedScenic

1.9 miles away

La Romeria Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 249 reviews

Torrance, CA

Shaded

Venue offering a playground & picnic areas along with facilities for softball, tennis & basketball.

2.0 miles away

All running trails in Torrance, 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.