Home › California › Pacific Palisades › Will Rogers State Historic Park
Will Rogers State Historic Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,536 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacific Palisades, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Will Rogers State Historic Park'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.
Once Will Rogers' ranch, this park features trails set in the canyon with views of LA & the ocean.
What runners say about Will Rogers State Historic Park
“The quality of the environment and buildings is high with everything looking clean and well cared for.”
“We had a blast hosting a social dog hike up to Inspiration Point— the early morning fog rolling in at 9AM was beautiful.”
“We even made it about 1/2 mile up the dirt trail past the circular Goat Pen (no goats), with some pleasant morning shade on the trail.”
“The atmosphere is something teens would love because it is calm, interesting, and full of character.”
It is open again and parking is $12 per day but you can borrow a FREE State Park Pass at your local library for free. New temporary C clean restsooms and beautiful hikes. The house and reatrooms were burned down. Part of the garage is still in tact.
Perfectly maintained grounds and museum. We took a house tour guided by a salty but knowledgeable tour guide of Will Rodger’s home. If you love historic design and interiors preserved from the CA 1930’s, this is a must see.
One of the smaller state parks, but so peaceful and tranquil. The added touch of having the horses nearby, either on the polo field or in the ring, makes your time there even better. The large grassy area is the best place to just lay down and be bathed in the nature surrounding you.
Had a wonderful low-key hiking experience with our 2- and 4-year-olds. They loved watching the horses grazing, being brushed, and being ridden in the stable area. We even made it about 1/2 mile up the dirt trail past the circular Goat Pen (no goats), with some pleasant morning shade on the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The view along the route on the ocean side was more spectacular than the view on the city side (though the ocean was never in view).”
“Took the trail from parking lot ($6) to Inspiration Point and a large loop (came across the Topanga entry along the way) and back.”
“We had a blast hosting a social dog hike up to Inspiration Point— the early morning fog rolling in at 9AM was beautiful.”
“There are restrooms onsite, I do wish there are more amenities and better public transit options.”
“We even made it about 1/2 mile up the dirt trail past the circular Goat Pen (no goats), with some pleasant morning shade on the trail.”
“We even made it about 1/2 mile up the dirt trail past the circular Goat Pen (no goats), with some pleasant morning shade on the trail.”
“One of the smaller state parks, but so peaceful and tranquil.”
“Took the trail from parking lot ($6) to Inspiration Point and a large loop (came across the Topanga entry along the way) and back.”
Plan your run at Will Rogers State Historic Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone+1 310-230-2017
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Murphy Ranch trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Hiking spot known for eerie vibes and graffiti, with stairs and a creek.
Sullivan Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Dog-friendly hiking spot and mountain-biking locale, plus horseback trails.
Santa Monica Stairs
4.7 ★★★★★ 432 reviews
Challenging outdoor cardio workout spot featuring concrete and wooden stairs and scenic views.
Mandeville Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
Former mountain fire road with canyon vistas open to dogs & owners plus mountain bikers.
Palisades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,100 reviews
This sizable strip of grass, palm trees & walking trails features expansive ocean 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.