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Trail Head to H2O Tower
4.7 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Buena Park, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Trail Head to H2O Tower'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.
Trail for easy-moderate hikes that rewards climbers with LA skyline views.
What runners say about Trail Head to H2O Tower
“Has great views for photo opportunities, also is next to a nature reserve.”
“If there is a clear day, you can over look at long beach and LA area, and is very quiet and clean trail to enjoy.”
Quite steep initially and towards the tower. Gravelly most of the way. Crosses some residential streets. Off the trail bike routes so only seen hikers. Roughly 1.66mi loop from street to water tower with 290 feet of vert.
Hiking trail with Nice view. If there is a clear day, you can over look at long beach and LA area, and is very quiet and clean trail to enjoy. Keep walking fullerton.
Very nice trail! Great views, lots of lizards and birds, and beautiful flowers and trees. The path is gravel so be sure everyone is sure footed. Also you pass right behind the backyards of several homes so I would say be respectful.
Short but demanding. Via walk or hike, its length is around 2 miles to 2.5 round trip. But the path is demanding! If you are a walker, it's an excellent course for starters. For runners , it will make those quads 🔥 burn. Excellent trail for training.
Trail conditions & character
“A few steep inclines on a mostly gravel path to reach the tower (which made the climbs tough with a stroller), but well worth the "almost 360" view.”
“I subtracted one star due to lack of parking.”
“A few steep inclines on a mostly gravel path to reach the tower (which made the climbs tough with a stroller), but well worth the "almost 360" view.”
“If there is a clear day, you can over look at long beach and LA area, and is very quiet and clean trail to enjoy.”
“A few steep inclines on a mostly gravel path to reach the tower (which made the climbs tough with a stroller), but well worth the "almost 360" view.”
“Great short hike to the top, good views of DT LA, makes a nice loop to the start of you don't mind walking through residential zone.”
“I am not sure if the restrooms were open, but I wish I had tried to go before starting the hike.”
“A few steep inclines on a mostly gravel path to reach the tower (which made the climbs tough with a stroller), but well worth the "almost 360" view.”
Plan your run at Trail Head to H2O Tower
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
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