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Murphy Ranch trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacific Palisades, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Murphy Ranch 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.
Hiking spot known for eerie vibes and graffiti, with stairs and a creek.
What runners say about Murphy Ranch trail
“There are many options to challenge yourself or just take an easy hike up and down the main road that is mostly asphalt.”
Very nice hike and you can walk all the way down the road, turn left instead of going to the camp at the bottom and take the stairs on the way back up. Also behind the graffiti house there is more graffiti to look at.
Make sure to do the stairways down, I can't imagine how hard it would be to go up it. Super fun hike though! Definitely going back.
This is the start of the trail to go to Murphy Stairs exactly 0.9 miles from the trail entrance: the first set of the steps on the left is about 300 step and 100 feet more is the second set of stairs that are 600 steps.
It was a great hike. I do wish it had better signs letting you know where each trail is going, but it's nice to experiment nonetheless. The stairs are steep and very small. If you have a dog, be careful.
Trail conditions & character
“Great easy hike for some interesting views of the abandoned ranch and secluded nature near a creek.”
“Trailhead that serves as a jumping off point for many hiking routes, including of course some trails that lead down to the infamous Murphy Ranch.”
“Only the 450 stair climb was a bit tiring but overall it was great”
“There are many options to challenge yourself or just take an easy hike up and down the main road that is mostly asphalt.”
Plan your run at Murphy Ranch trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- 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.
Running trails near Pacific Palisades
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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