Running in LA: Sepulveda Basin
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
Woodley Park/Sepulveda Basin Running
Woodley Park is located in the Sepulveda Basin, in Van Nuys. The LAparks website’s address for this park does not refer to the specific location of the park to which this article refers. From the 405 freeway, exit at Burbank Boulevard and go west. Then make a right turn onto Woodley Avenue and look for a driveway on the right. The main parking lot is best accessed by coming down Burbank Blvd, turning onto Woodley, and then turning into a small road on the right (there is a gate that is open). The parking lot will be ahead.
Woodley Park consists of four main grassy fields and dirt trails.
Great, Grassy Fields
To the left of the parking lot is the main cricket field, a vast, empty grassy field which is about 800 meters (1/2 mile) around the perimeter. This is a great field to do strides on, running down the middle of the field, where it is mostly flat. Directly in front and to the right of the parking lot is another large grassy field, separated into two loops by a thin trail in the ground and a perimeter of trees. Each of these loops is about 400 meters around. Behind this field is the third grassy field, which has some small hills. The final grassy field is simply an adjoining park, just on the other side of the parking lot from the aforementioned grassy fields.
A Network of Trails
The Sepulveda Basin contains an intricate network of trails, spreading throughout the interior of Woodley Park, and around the entire perimeter of the Basin. From Woodley Avenue and Burbank Blvd near Woodley Park, there are many places to cut into a trail and explore. A couple highlights of the trail system:
In between the grassy field with the 400 meter loops, and the one past that has small hills, a flat trail leads pass a couple bridges and continues in a meandering path. Crossing the second bridge (about ½ mile down) will lead to a loop that is just over a mile long. Wildlife photographers will often be spotted here in the early morning.
By taking the meandering path, there will be many small trailheads for heading off in different directions. Another way to explore is to simply enter the various entrances along Burbank Blvd. One trail gives an awe-inspiring tour of the Dam and runs closely by the river.
Why Come Here?
Sepulveda Basin is easily accessible from the freeway. It will often be cooler than other locations because of its proximity to the LA River. The many grassy fields are perfect for easy runs and recovery runs, with their soft cushioning. The vast trail system leaves plenty of room for exploration. Besides the trails, there are miles of bike paths to run on. As evidenced by the photographers who come regularly, Woodley Park is absolutely beautiful – on a sunny day, the grass will be illuminated a bright green, and the sky a deep azure, making a picturesque landscape.
Great Places to Run in Los Angeles: Part I discusses running at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park and running at Malibu Creek State 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.
Woodley Park
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