The neighborhoods around Occidental College offer excellent running experiences for those willing to find them. The beautiful weather, scenery and landmarks make Northeast LA a prime spot for running. Upon arriving at Occidental, I wanted a way to explore and experience the local neighborhoods more closely than just passing along York, Eagle Rock or Colorado Boulevard. In search of gorgeous views and pleasant places to run, I’ve compiled the following guide to help anyone looking to begin their running journey or discover new routes accessible from campus.
Note: All mileage is based on starting at the corner of Avenue 49 and Range View Avenue, near Berkus Hall, in ascending mileage order.
Meridian Street 1-3 Miles (1.6-5km)
Meridian Street is highly recommended for beginners or those hesitant about running in the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a great choice due to its proximity to campus and being mostly flat. At the right time of day, it is quiet enough to run in the street, and there are only stop signs until Figueroa Street which prevents unnecessary stopping.
Vice President of Oxy Run Club Burch Sainsbury-Carter (sophomore) said running on Meridian is usually a good experience.
“I love running in the neighborhood — the houses are cute with their decorations, the people are so friendly,” Sainsbury-Carter said. “There’s people walking around with their dogs, and I’ve never felt unsafe.”
For a picturesque conclusion to your route, plan your run to be heading back on Meridian Street at sunset. At this time of day, the palm tree-lined street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 49 is reminiscent of an LA postcard.
Meridian/Figueroa/Yosemite Loop 3.7 Miles (6km)
Looking to add a little mileage and switch it up from an out-and-back run to a loop? The loop around Eagle Rock on Meridian Street, Figueroa Street and Yosemite Drive is a great choice. Once again, most of the run is flat, which makes it more accessible than the other runs on this list.
Along the way, check out the Eagle Rock, visible at the corner of Figueroa Street and Yosemite Drive. The Eagle Rock neighborhood was named after this rock formation, and at the right time of day, a shadow is cast on the rock that resembles an eagle in flight.
As you near the end of this route, you have two options depending on your goals.
The first option is to run up Townsend Avenue, which is about 150 feet of elevation gain and finishes at the top of Mount Fiji. To the north, sections of the Scholl Canyon Fire Road are visible on the ridge directly above the Ventura Freeway. To the south, you’ll see a hill dotted with trails, known as Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.
Feeling tired and don’t want to run uphill? Take the second option and head back to Occidental via the Yosemite Recreation Center, where an adjacent green space offers a nice spot to do homework on the weekends.
Cross-country and track athlete Will Stark (senior) said he uses nearby roads like Yosemite Drive for warming up before track and field meets.
“There’s a small little trail that goes by Eagle Rock High School,” Stark said. “If you go down there and go right on Yosemite, there’s not many traffic lights so you don’t have to stop as much. It’s great if you just want to do a short run.”
Arroyo Seco 5+ Miles (8km+)
The Arroyo Seco has been an important part of transportation in the LA region for thousands of years. Like many other highways in California, the 110 Freeway was built on Indigenous roadways. Today, the various paths along the Arroyo are a refuge for pedestrians looking to escape the endless stream of cars on the streets. There are several trails and paths along the Arroyo that vary in length and surface including pavement, dirt and loose gravel.
At first, the run to the Arroyo from Occidental feels intimate and sheltered because of the narrowness of Meridian Street and the close proximity of the houses to one another. Then, upon arriving on York Boulevard, the scenery opens up to multi-lane traffic, strip malls and fast-food restaurants. As one approaches the bridge on York Boulevard over the Arroyo Seco, the views expand further to include the surrounding mountains and the 110 Freeway. Each progression in the route reveals a new layer of the landscape, offering unexpected contrasts that make the run feel like a journey through distinct regions connected within one city.
Turn downhill towards the Arroyo Seco Stables, and you’ll find yourself at the entrance to the Arroyo. At this point, the runner has several options. For a loop back to Occidental, head south on the Arroyo Seco Bike Path until Hermon Park, then run back on Avenue 60.
According to Sainsbury-Carter, running on the Arroyo Seco Bike Path is a welcomed change from running next to cars.
“It feels like I’m in concrete LA, [there’s] amazing vibes,” Sainsbury-Carter said. “It’s meant for running and biking, so there’s no distractions while running.”
Looking for a long run? Follow the Arroyo north for long enough and you can reach the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The paved 3-mile loop around the Rose Bowl is frequented by cyclists, runners and walkers who can be an extra source of motivation during a long run.
Occidental cross country runner Sam Nussbaum (sophomore) said the team has runs on the trails around the Arroyo Seco because it helps prevent injuries.
“Running on dirt is definitely nicer,” Nussbaum said. “Running on concrete and asphalt every day beats your legs up a lot more. So we get injured a lot less because we do most of our running on soft surfaces.”
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park 5.25 Miles (~8.5km)
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park offers the most immersive experience in nature on the list, with numerous trails to explore. The fastest way to reach the top of the park is just over 5 miles, making it the closest spot from Occidental to get a sweeping view of downtown.
Once you arrive at the park from Avenue 52, the uphill climb begins immediately. As your legs tire, distract yourself by looking to the right as you rise above the trees toward the beautiful Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains. Down below the trail is a giant metal dragonfly in someone’s front yard. Don’t forget — there is a reason to be going through this. After a small short flat section, the climb continues and the surrounding neighborhood becomes more visible. At a certain point, the trail will start to bend left, revealing a beautiful view of Downtown LA. Wilshire Grand Center (with the Korea Air logo), LA City Hall and the U.S. Bank Towers are all prominent in the skyline from this vantage point.
Take a second to admire the view and look for interesting elements in the landscape. One thing to look for is the original Southwest Museum building, located on the side of Mount Washington to the west. Founded by Charles Fletcher Lummis in 1907, it holds the distinction of being LA’s oldest museum and was designated a “national treasure” in 2015. Although the museum has since closed and its collections have relocated to a facility in Burbank, it is temporarily open as a setting for the world premiere of Beth Piatote’s play, Antíkoni, produced by Native Voices.
For those wanting to avoid going uphill, Sainsbury-Carter said he does a similar route along Avenue 50.
“I like going down this road [Avenue 50] and then if you keep going past Figueroa, you end up at the Arroyo Seco,” Sainsbury-Carter said. “Turn right back around, and it’s a total of four miles.”
Mount Washington 5-8 Miles (8-13km)
Mount Washington is a playground for runners who are willing to endure its climbs and descents. There are a variety of routes in and around Mount Washington, and for runners who like to explore, it is perhaps the best place close to Occidental.
For first-timers in Mount Washington, I would recommend running up San Rafael Avenue. It is one of the closest routes to Occidental and is more gradual than the other routes provided. After making it up the hill, continue running past Mount Washington Elementary School until you reach Elyria Canyon Park. There, you’ll find benches where you can rest your legs after the effort they’ve just endured. There is also a hidden path on San Rafael between Mayo Street and Terrace 49. It is very steep, so be cautious while on it.
For steeper and shorter routes up Mount Washington, try running up Museum Drive or West Avenue 45. Museum Drive will take you past the entrance of the previously mentioned Southwest Museum and through a trail in Moon Canyon Park.
The narrow roads and winding paths of Mount Washington make it feel like another world compared to the wide, flat streets that dominate the rest of the city. The roads can quickly curve and shift direction, flowing up and down to match the demands of the hillside. There’s also variety in the scenery — in an instant, the surroundings change from tree-covered to open, with views of the distant mountains. The beauty of the surroundings makes each climb feel like less of a struggle and more of a reward, reminding you why the effort is worth it.
Looking for a longer run without having to run uphill? Complete the Mount Washington loop on Avenue 50, Figueroa Street, Cypress Avenue and Eagle Rock Boulevard. Along the route is the Rio de Los Angeles State Park, which is a great place to take a break and maybe even catch a part of a local soccer game. It has water fountains and bathrooms that are especially appreciated on long runs.
Elephant Hill 7 Miles (11.25km)
Located in the center of El Sereno, Elephant Hill has 360-degree views of LA and a diverse range of native plants.
Getting there will be familiar if you’ve completed the Arroyo Seco Loop mentioned above. After turning right from Avenue 60 onto Collins Avenue, the scenery shifts from a wide, exposed street to a sheltered sidewalk with a grassy median and plenty of trees. The hills on each side of the avenue make it feel like a peaceful passage tucked away from the busy streets nearby. Turn left at Pullman Street, and the hill will start before the park does.
When you arrive at Elephant Hill, take note of the scenery which changes dramatically throughout the year. In the fall, the hillside takes on a golden, dry appearance as grasses and foliage fade; while in the spring, it becomes lush with blooming flowers and other flora. At the peak of Elephant Hill, the sprawling, seemingly endless nature of LA becomes apparent. The views to the east reveal a flat expanse of neighborhoods stretching toward the San Gabriel Mountains, highlighting the vastness of the city’s landscape.
In recent years, the nonprofit Save Elephant Hill has worked to organize and educate the public on the social and environmental impacts of illegal off-roading and dumping, two issues that have plagued the park for years. In 2023, the group received $150,000 dollars as part of a larger $1.2 million grant by the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to restore and protect urban parklands. For those interested in learning more about the park’s native plants, Save Elephant Hill regularly hosts in-person educational sessions at Elephant Hill.
Scholl Canyon Golf Course 11.25 Miles (~18km)
Be warned — this route is over 11 miles and has over 1,000 feet of climbing. However, for those willing to brave the long climb up to the golf course, the views will be panoramic and your sense of accomplishment will likely be even bigger.
The first part of the route is a little ugly, because it requires passing by the interchange of Route 2 and State Route 134 on Harvey Drive. The tunnel going under the 134 Freeway is especially discouraging for pedestrians, because you are engulfed in concrete and the sound of cars in all directions.
After the interchange, the scenery becomes more enjoyable, going through the heart of Glenoaks Canyon. Its ridges offer shade and protection for runners at the right time of day, and the quiet neighborhood has a number of parks that can be utilized for breaks. My first time completing this run, I accidentally ran into Lower Scholl Canyon Park, where I was met with a parking lot with rows full of black SUVs. It almost felt like a scene from a movie, as if some kind of high-stakes gathering were about to unfold amidst the park’s peaceful surroundings.
At a certain point, the sidewalk ends and there is a sign that reads “Welcome to Scholl Canyon Golf-Tennis Club.” Now, there is only a hill separating you and the final destination. As the road winds upwards, the left side of the road will gradually open up to views of Rancho San Rafael and Chevy Chase, two neighborhoods that weave and twist with the hills. The climb is fairly gradual with an average grade of 4.6% and can go by quickly with the right playlist — the song “Giving Me” by Jazzy is a personal motivator of mine. Car drivers are often shocked to see someone running up to the course, so be on the lookout for their facial expressions as another distraction from the inevitable pain.
Once you reach the top, take a second to appreciate the elevated views and what you have accomplished. Reaching the top isn’t just about the view — although it’s a great reason to do this run — it’s a testament to the journey that brought you here. As your legs pushed against the steady incline, you likely found a rhythm that resulted in a newfound appreciation for the road beneath you.
Scholl Canyon Fire Road 2.25 Miles (~3.5km)
This route is listed last because it is the only one I’d recommend driving to; the trail is best enjoyed at a quicker pace, which can be tough after a long uphill run. While it’s possible to reach the Fire Road from Occidental on foot, running four miles including the trek up Sleepy Hollow Drive makes for a tiring warm-up. If you decide to drive, there is usually available parking at the top of Valle Vista Drive, just steps away from the trailhead.
If you’ve ever been to the campus’ Jack Kemp Stadium or driven up Eagle Rock Boulevard, you’ve likely seen this trail without even realizing it. Scholl Canyon Fire Road runs along the ridge above the 134 Freeway and Scholl Canyon.
This trail feels as if you are on top of the city, and the steep ridges on either side add to that feeling. Fire Road is undulating with steep ups and downs that follow each other quickly. The entire ridge is exposed to the sun with little shade or tree cover, so go closer to sunrise or sunset if possible. To the south, there are big views of LA, including the Eagle Rock, Occidental and of course, the Ventura Freeway. As you get further along, views of downtown Glendale will become visible until you are able to see all of the neighboring city.
Running through these neighborhoods, both in solitude and with friends, has turned each route into more than just exercise. With every mile, I’ve discovered new layers of the community — its history, vibrant landscapes and hidden corners. Exploring on foot has given me a stronger sense of place, making each stride feel connected to the rhythm of the area around Occidental. So lace up, get outside and see where the streets and trails around Occidental can take you.
Contact Theodore Wilton at twilton@oxy.edu
