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Sullivan Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sullivan Canyon Trailhead'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.
Dog-friendly hiking spot and mountain-biking locale, plus horseback trails.
What runners say about Sullivan Canyon Trailhead
“Gorgeous easy hike, nice foliage and little creeks throughout, connects to the fire road and the rest of Mandeville for a good loop of varied lengths.”
“The trail is mostly flat, abound with shade.”
“Gorgeous easy hike, nice foliage and little creeks throughout, connects to the fire road and the rest of Mandeville for a good loop of varied lengths.”
“It is very dog friendly and the people who hike the trail are friendly.”
Great trail for MTB (bring your bell(s)). Watch where you park. Enforcement is highly monitored. Sullivan canyon trail takes you up to Dirt Mulholland and Nike Missile tower where there are great views. There is a restroom near the tower with a working payphone. Take a trip back in time on this journey to the top.
Unbelievably beautiful. It’s a easy level trail. Trail is beside the seasonal river. Several times you should pass the small river. Pictures really can’t show the true beauty
The entry looks intimidating with its steel wall doors, but on the left is the entrance to trailhead.
Nothing special. You can get lost or disappear very quickly. Not hiker friendy as there are no or not enough signs or maps. Tend to lose reception which is hard in case of emergency. Go with a group when considering this place
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous easy hike, nice foliage and little creeks throughout, connects to the fire road and the rest of Mandeville for a good loop of varied lengths.”
“Sullivan Canyon is located right off Sunset with a climb into a neighborhood where you can find the trailhead.”
“It is very dog friendly and the people who hike the trail are friendly.”
“The trail is mostly flat, abound with shade.”
“Can be easy or hard depending on your skill level, but the views are incredible no matter what!”
“Sick little gravel trail for the first 5 miles or so then you get to ride this beautiful paved path the rest of the way up.”
“Fire road has erosion from this winter's rain, most of the singletrack is still intact and ride able.”
Plan your run at Sullivan Canyon Trailhead
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
- 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
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
Mandeville Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
Former mountain fire road with canyon vistas open to dogs & owners plus mountain bikers.
Murphy Ranch trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Hiking spot known for eerie vibes and graffiti, with stairs and a creek.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,536 reviews
Once Will Rogers' ranch, this park features trails set in the canyon with views of LA & the ocean.
Santa Monica Stairs
4.7 ★★★★★ 432 reviews
Challenging outdoor cardio workout spot featuring concrete and wooden stairs and scenic views.
Paseo Miramar Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 156 reviews
Natural area for a 5.5-mile hike (out & back) to a scenic overlook, with views along the way.
Palisades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,100 reviews
This sizable strip of grass, palm trees & walking trails features expansive ocean views.