Running has been a great way for me to clear my mind and has many strong benefits towards my productivity. Here are a few of my favorite runs in Los Angeles!

Los Angeles Marathon

UCLA to Venice Beach

One of my favorite runs is from UCLA to Venice Beach. I do a half marathon as the run to Venice Beach is 17kms, so I add in another ~4kms running back to Santa Monica Pier.

The Pacific Palisades was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done near Los Angeles. It starts with tree covered valleys before opening up to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, and the rest of Los Angeles.

Griffith Park is a large urban park located in Los Angeles, California, known for its stunning views of the city, hiking trails, and cultural attractions. The Griffith Observatory is a prominent landmark within the park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the universe through its telescopes and exhibits.

"Hiking from Hollywood Reservoir to Hollywood Sign to Griffith Observatory"

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a stunning destination located in the southwestern United States, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona. It is known for its vast reservoir, created by the Hoover Dam, and its breathtaking desert landscapes. The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

"Lake Mead"

I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Mead, which is a large reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. I saw so many fish in the lake and it was easy to swim in since it was freshwater. The water was surprisingly warm, and the views of the surrounding desert landscape were absolutely stunning. It was really warm, so I left my phone in the car so I only have one picture.

"Hoover Dam"

One of the Engineering Wonders of the World, the Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam located on the Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the world, located in Arizona, USA. The park is renowned for its immense size, intricate and colorful landscape, and the Colorado River that flows through it.

"Colorado River Hike"

On May 26th, 2025, we embarked on a hike from the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back. The hike was extremely challenging, with steep descents and ascents, but the views of the canyon were absolutely breathtaking. The rangers strongly advised us to not attempt the hike in one day due to the extreme heat and the difficulty of the terrain (see sign). I am really proud we finished the hike in under eight hours.

Zion National Park is a breathtaking destination located in the southwestern United States, known for its stunning red rock formations, canyons, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The most popular hikes in the park include "The Narrows" and "Angels Landing", both of which offer breathtaking views and unique experiences.

"The Narrows" — May 24th 2025

We hiked "The Narrows", a stunning slot canyon carved by the Virgin River. The towering walls and crystal-clear water made for an unforgettable experience. Most of the hike took place in the Virgin River, which was both cold and refreshing. My biggest concern during the hike was not slipping on the wet, mossy rocks.

"Angels Landing" — May 25th 2025

The next day, we hiked up to the famous Angels Landing trail. The views from the top were absolutely stunning. We were not able to complete the full hike because we could not get a permit, but we still enjoyed the views from the top of the first section. The hike was challenging, with steep drop-offs and narrow paths, but the breathtaking scenery made it all worth it.

Multnomah Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, USA. It is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest, known for its breathtaking beauty and accessibility. The waterfall drops a total of 620 feet (189 meters) in two tiers, with the upper tier plunging 542 feet (165 meters) and the lower tier dropping 69 feet (21 meters).

"Stairway to Mist"

I visited Multnomah Falls on March 26th, 2025, and it was a truly breathtaking experience. The waterfall was absolutely stunning, with the water cascading down the rocks and creating a mist that filled the air. I hiked up to the top of the falls, which offered a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The hike was challenging, but the views were well worth it. After the hike, I enjoyed a delicious pizza and a local microbrew at a nearby restaurant. The food was fantastic, and it was the perfect way to end a day of hiking and exploring.

Washington Park is a large urban park located in Portland, Oregon, USA. It is one of the most popular parks in the city, known for its beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and cultural attractions. The park is home to several notable attractions, including the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum. The park covers over 400 acres and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

"Trees, Rivers, Trails"

I visited Washington Park on March 24th and 25th, 2025, and it was a truly beautiful experience. The park was filled with lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flowers. I hiked along the trails, which offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park was also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. I spent hours exploring the park, taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

"Portland Japanese Garden"

The Portland Japanese Garden is a beautiful and serene garden located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, known for its stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. The garden covers 12 acres and features several distinct garden styles, including a strolling pond garden, a tea garden, and a sand and stone garden. The garden is designed to provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with winding paths, serene water features, and meticulously maintained plantings.

Scorpion Bay is a beautiful beach located on the Santa Cruz Islands, known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

"Hikes, Scuba, and Better Friends than I Deserve"

Often, I say I have better friends than I deserve, and this trip was no exception. We hiked along the coast, enjoying the stunning views of the cliffs and the ocean. We also went scuba diving and saw a variety of marine life (but mostly kelp!). Also we saw a fox on the beach, which was a unique experience.