Running in LA: Van Nuys & Malibu Creek Park
Great Places to Run in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vast and diverse area. Each area below offers something a little different and is great for all types of runs.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park Running
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park is located in Sherman Oaks. From the 101 Ventura Freeway exit at Woodman Avenue and go north to Riverside Drive. Make a left and then turn right on Hazeltine. The parking lot will be on the left-hand side a few blocks ahead.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park has two main trails, along with a vast expanse of grassy soccer fields.
The Trails and the Fields
The most noticeable trail, making a perimeter around the main central soccer field, is an approximately 800 meter (1/2 mile) rectangular dirt loop, with each straightaway approximately 200 meters. There is also a trail/road/pavement loop approximately 1.3 miles long that winds around the perimeter of the entire park. About half of this loop is well-shaded. Throughout the park is spread an array of soccer fields, with plenty of room to make running just on the grass a possible and pleasurable experience.
Why Come Here?
The 800 meter loop is perfect for interval training. With its 200-meter straightaways, an example of a great workout is be to run quickly a 200, jog a 200, run quickly a 200, jog a 200, and so on. By combining the outer 1.3 mile loop and this inner loop on a run, one could do the outer loop portions easy and speed it up for the inner loop portions. Running on the soccer fields can be good for warming up and cooling down.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park is a full recreation center, so it also has basketball courts, a tennis center, and a well-kept public swimming pool that can be used for a small fee.
Running in Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is located in Calabasas. To get there, take the 101 Ventura Freeway and exit at Las Virgenes. Take Las Virgenes toward the beach. The entrance will be on the right shortly after Mulholland Road.
The Trails
An expansive trail system winds through chaparral-covered landscape and woodland. The terrain ranges from flat to rocky, steep hills that can give anyone a tough workout. Ventura County Trails gives detailed information on the many trails available. Keep in mind that nearly all of the trails can be easily connected to others, to make for a longer run.
Why Come Here?
The scenery here combines the “typical” desert chaparral landscape with interesting greenery, waterways, and craggy mountains. It is easy to fall in love with this outdoorsman’s paradise and spend the whole day here. It is perfect for days when you feel especially adventuresome, and want to do some exploring during your run. The mountainous sections can be tough work, providing good strengthening for the muscles.
Great Places to Run in Los Angeles: Part II discusses running in the Sepulveda Basin area and running at Woodley Park.
Great Places to Run in Los Angeles: Part III discusses running in the San Vicente Boulevard/Santa Monica Pier area.
Great Places to Run in Los Angeles: Part IV discusses running in Griffith Park.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park
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