Unlike mostĚýparts of the country, where recreational activities are dictated by the thermometer, in Los Angeles,Ěýthere is no such seasonal limitation. Thus,ĚýitĚýshould come as noĚýsurpriseĚýthat the place whose climate renders it SUP-able in February is, at times,Ěýthe subject of everyĚýoutdoor athlete’s envy.

But being endowed with divine control over your active lifestyle destiny poses the challenge of coming to terms with the wealth of choice: Is your Saturday morning better spent exploring the trail-running options in Griffith Park, mountain bikingĚýthe virtually endless trails of the San Gabriel Mountains,ĚýplantingĚýyour toes on holds that have been touched by Royal Robins, or perhapsĚýyielding to a repressed desire to go rollerblading along the Pacific? Unfortunately, our Active Cities guide won’t make that decisionĚýany easier, but hopefully it stokes your fire and inspires you to escape the gridlock traffic this weekend.

Best Runs

Ah, Los Angeles: the city whose year-round mild weather makes it the meteorological envy of so many harsh East Coast climes is also a runner’s paradise. From ocean-front boardwalks to secluded trails beneath Ponderosa pines, L.A. caters to every kind of runner. In a city with near limitless options for clicking off the miles, here are some of the best.

—Martin Fritz Huber

Santa Monica to Venice (and Back)

Distance: 5 miles
Type of run: Paved path
For: Scene seekers

It’s roughly 2.5 miles from Santa Monica to the heart of Venice Beach along what might be the most widely of Southern California beachfront property. This short portion of the larger 22-mile bike path, known locally as the Strand, has a pedestrian walkway and will delight anyone who wants a taste of the bustling, iconic scene surrounding the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. If you’re planning to do some of the touristy things anyway—like checking out the Ferris wheel and the aspiring Arnolds at Muscle Beach—what better way than while on a run?

Palisades Park: Santa Monica Pier Loop

Distance: 3 miles
Type of run: Packed-dirt trail—and stairs
For: Stair masters

For an elevated perspective on Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue is a narrow, 26-acre strip of park that offers killer views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean. The park’s dirt path runs roughly 1.5 miles from end to end. Runners can behold towering palms, sunsets, spry celebs, and tai chi enthusiasts. If you don’t mind incorporating steep stairs into your run, you can extend it by descending from the bluffs to the beach bike path.

Hermosa Valley Greenbelt

Distance: 3.5 miles
Type of run: Wood-chip path
For: Joggers who want to take it easy on the joints

Once upon a time, railroad tracks ran along this stretch between the southwestern Los Angeles cities of Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. These days, there is a path officially called Veterans Parkway (but known to locals as the Greenbelt), flanked by lush SoCal flora. The trail is about 3.5 miles long and only a quarter-mile inland from the beach, so runs can begin (or, more likely, end) with a quick dip in the ocean—not that you’d necessarily want to stray from this gorgeous path, which includes exercise stations and mile markers.

Runyon Canyon Park Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles
Type of run: Dirt trail
For: Celebrity stalkers

What’s a trip to L.A. without a run in the Hollywood Hills? Besides the prospect of spotting celebrities in their workout clothes, one of the great pleasures of Runyon Canyon is that much of it is also a dog park. (Because who can resist celebrity dogs?) Be advised: This “urban wilderness,” as the L.A. Department of Parks and Recreation deems it, is a popular spot. Runyon Canyon Park is not the place to go if you want a solitary running experience. What the park might lack in tranquility, however, it more than makes up for in scenery, with awesome views of the L.A. skyline and local landmarks like, yes, the Hollywood sign.Ěý

Silver Lake Reservoir

Distance: 2.2 miles
Type of run: Dirt loop
For: Runners with dogs

The Los Angeles equivalent to New York’s Central Park Reservoir is the Silver Lake Reservoir jogging trail. This 2.2-mile, mostly flat, mostly dirt path circumvents what was until recently an urban lake in the eponymously named neighborhood near central Los Angeles. Like its NYC counterpart, the Silver Lake Reservoir was taken offline many years ago. In 2015, it was drained for renovation purposes. At present, it still stands empty, much to the annoyance of many local residents who enjoyed cool breezes off the water on hot days. If they get their way, 2017 may see the reservoir refilled.

Lake Hollywood Reservoir

Distance: 3.4 miles
Type of run: Paved loop
For: Speedwork specialistsĚý

If you prefer your reservoirs filled with water, a better option than Silver Lake (for now) is the loop circumventing man-made Lake Hollywood in the Hollywood Hills. This flat paved path runs just over three miles and is equally ideal for speedwork and tranquil evening jogs. Sorry, you can’t bring your dog.Ěý

Griffith Park

Distance: 6.5 miles
Type of run: Dirt trail
For: Runners who want to get lost in the urban wildĚý

As if Angelenos weren’t spoiled enough when it comes to enviable running options, the city also boasts one of the largest urban parks in the country. With 53 miles of trails within 4,300 acres, it feels absurd to recommend just one running option in Griffith Park. That said, the 6.5-mile up to the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee is pretty great. Find the trailhead on off Canyon Drive just inside Griffith Park, and watch out for rattlesnakes.

Cooper Canyon Falls Loop, Angeles National Forest

Distance: 9 miles
Type of run: Forest trail
For: PCT samplers

Since thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail isn’t for everyone (or everyone’s employer/significant other), it’s a good thing many spectacular sections of the route can be incorporated into a day trip. It’s about a 90-minute drive inland from central Los Angeles to the Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest, but the journey is more than worth it. From the Burkhart trailhead, hoof it out to Cooper Canyon Falls (about 1.5 miles). Circle back via the PCT and Cooper Canyon Trail Camp to take in the manifold glories of this stretch of western forest. Fair warning: This one isn’t for the faint of heart, or lung—the trail undulates between 5,500 and 6,500 feet.

Los Liones Trail

Distance: 7 miles
Type of run: Dirt trail
For: Hill-running champs

Save this one for a clear day—and one when you don’t mind tackling some significant elevation gain. The trailhead of Topanga State Park’s Los Liones Canyon Trail is off Los Liones Drive (across the street from an unmistakable Mormon church). From there, it’s seven miles round-trip to the 1,525-foot Parker Mesa Overlook. Those who brave the strenuous ascent are rewarded with killer views of the Pacific Coast from the summit—although the way up isn’t too bad either, especially if you make the trip when wildflowers are in bloom, usually in spring. And bring sunscreen—like much of Topanga, the terrain here is exposed to the sun. Ěý

The West Loop in Elysian Park

Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of run: Dirt trail
For: Trail runners who don’t want to leave the city

Founded in 1886, Elysian Park is the oldest park in the city and offers the unique experience of fine trail running in the immediate vicinity of downtown Los Angeles. The trailhead for the West Loop is at the intersection of Elysian Park Drive and Stadium Way. Be warned: Dodger Stadium sits in the center of the Elysian Park neighborhood, so those seeking peace and quiet should probably avoid game days, when the park gets more foot traffic and loses some of its quiet urban oasis vibe.

Ěý

Best Rides

When it comes to cycling, L.A. gets a bad rep—and, frankly, between its sprawling size, the gridlock traffic, and the awful air quality, it’s pretty justified. But all you have to do is look to the neighboring San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest to find some of the best riding—both mountain and road—in the country.

—John Watson

Verdugo Mountains

Distance: 20 to 30 milesĚý
Elevation gain: 2,800 to 4,000 feet
For: Dirt wizards

The spanish word verdugo roughly translates to “executioner,” which is a pretty good indication of the grades you’ll encounter in this small, rugged mountain range just north of the city. Enter the Verdugo Mountains via Mount Thom’s Las Flores Motorway to get a majority of the climbing over with. From there, ride the ridge of these deserted desert peaks along Verdugo Motorway, and take any number of dirt roads back down to Glendale. Pro tip: The earlier or later in the day you ride, the better, in terms of heat and wildlife sightings. Don’t be surprised to see foxes, weasels, bobcats, and even horned lizards scurry off the roads and into the brush.Ěý

The 39Ěý

Distance: 60 to 100 miles
Elevation gain: 6,000 to 10,000 feet
For: Dedicated climbers

With an elevation profile and switchback design that mirrors Italy’s famous Stelvio Pass, the 39, named after Highway 39, is one of the hardest climbs in the Los Angeles area. You’ll be sitting in the saddle for more than 20 miles as you climb and climb and climb some more. While you're in the pain cave, however, you won’t have to worry about cars: The upper portion of the 39 is closed to vehicles due to its hazardous road conditions. For a shorter ride, start at the beginning of Highway 39 in northeast L.A. and ride to Cogswell Dam, about 13 miles up the road. For a longer day, continue north all the way to Highway 2, which cuts across the San Gabriel Mountains. Either way, pack wisely: There’s likely no food or water until you reach Highway 2.

Cloud Burst

Distance: 75 miles
Elevation gain: 8,000 feet
For: Camera-wielding roadies

This route—which follows Highway 2, better known as Angeles Crest Highway, northeast into the Angeles National Forest—is not for the faint of heart. With 8,000 feet of total climbing, the route ends at the 7,018-foot summit of Cloud Burst Summit. Those looking for a true sufferfestcan continue to the end of Angeles Crest Highway, or you can simply turn around and enjoy the ride back down. We recommend filling up your bottles at Clear Creek or Red Box picnic area along the way. Pro tip: Stop by Newcomb’s Ranch, located six miles shy of the Cloud Burst Summit, and fill up on a burger and a beer before descending back down Highway 2.

Strawberry Peak

Distance: 16 miles
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
For: Thrill seekers

As one of the true backcountry mountain bike loops in Los Angeles, Strawberry Peak is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be met with lots of exposure, forests of poodle dog bush, and even the occasional encounter with large animals, all of which make this loop one of the hardest yet most rewarding rides in the L.A. area.Ěý

Park at the start of the Josephine Peak Road in Angeles National Forest. Follow Colby Canyon Trail around Strawberry Peak before you drop back down at Red Box picnic area via Strawberry Peak Trail. Add in the Switzer Trail for a bonus.

Griffith Helipad

Distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet
For: Cruisers

Also known as the “blacktop,” the Helipad is a large asphalt flat in Griffith Park that overlooks downtown L.A. and the Griffith Observatory. While this is certainly not the ride for a hard workout, the Helipad is a perfect spot to cruise on a single speed and watch the sunset. Afterward, you can sightsee through the rest of Griffith Park or simply go down the way you came up.Ěý

In Los Feliz, take Commonwealth north and hang a right on Vista Del Valle Drive. You won’t be able to miss the Helipad.Ěý

Mount Disappointment

Distance: 60 miles
Elevation gain: 6,500 feet
For: Mountain goats

Mount Disappointment—commonly known as Mount D—was named in 1894 when surveyors believed it to be the highest point in the area, until finding that San Gabriel Peak, half a mile east, is actually taller. Mount D is no easy feat—the last kicker up to the top will leave your legs burning for days—but it’s one of the most rewarding rides in L.A.

To get there, ride along Highway 2 up to Red Box and continue on Mount Wilson Red Box Road. Before long, Mount Disappointment Road will be on your right. Continue on that until you reach the summit. Ride it as an out-and-back or continue on to any number of other climbs in the area, including Mount Wilson to the southeast.

Brown Mountain to Ken Burton

Distance: 17 miles
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
For: Switchback slayers

While this loop in the San Gabriel Mountains is quite popular, and thus can be heavily trafficked, its accessibility, moderate yet fun terrain, and abundance of spring wildflowers make this ride a must.

To get there, take Fern Truck Trail to Brown Mountain Road, and follow that to the start of the newly reopened Ken Burton Trail. Once you tackle the initial switchbacks, follow the wash west until you pick up the Gabrieleno Trail, which eventually leads out of the forest and down to the popular Windsor Avenue parking lot. If you prefer a rowdier descent back to your starting point, take Brown Mountain Road back down from Fern Truck Trail instead and descend on El Prieto. Watch out for hikers coming up the trail and the loads of poison oak.

Dirt Mulholland

Distance: 60 miles
Elevation gain: 6,000 feet
For: Dirt tourists

This ride makes clear the vast dichotomy that is riding in Los Angeles: a gorgeous dirt road bookended by urban sprawl. Head east on Mulholland Drive until the road turns to dirt—a part of the road appropriately referred to as “Dirt Mulholland.” From there, head south through Topanga State Park via any number of trials (best to consult a map). Be careful: It’s not unusual to see rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even a California condor here. From the bottom of Topanga, we recommend dropping down to the PCH, stopping by the Reel Inn for fish tacos, and completing the loop back to your starting point.

Lukens

Distance: 16 miles
Elevation gain: 5,000 feet
For: Altitude junkies

The highest point in the city of Los Angeles is the 5,066-foot Mount Lukens. Located off Highway 2, Mount Lukens Truck Trail is a steep, hard, good time. There are endless hairpin turns and long, rewarding climbs. It’s best to ride this road in the spring or winter, as summer temperatures can spike into triple digits here.Ěý

This ride begins at the start of Mount Lukens Truck Trail, where you’ll find a ranger station with a spigot to fill your bottles or hydration pack. Once at the summit, either come back down the way you rode up or take any number of singletrack options down.Ěý

Big Sycamore Canyon Trail

Distance: 20 to 30 miles
Elevation gain: 2,000 to 3,000 feet
For: Beach bums

The west side of Los Angeles has many great riding options in the nearby canyons, and while vehicular traffic can make many of these roads intimidating, finding dirt in the Santa Monica Mountains is always a rewarding experience. Ride along the PCH to Sycamore Canyon Campground and continue on Big Sycamore Canyon Trail. From the top, it’s a real looker, and you’re presented with dozens of options to drop back down to the coast.

Best Climbs

While L.A. is best known for its beach culture, it also has a vibrant climbing scene that’s home to some of the country’s most historic crags. It also boast an impressive gym culture where dirtbags and bronzed surfers who are bouldering for the first time can find common ground. Whether you're looking toĚýsend Stonemaster classics orĚýsimply wantĚýan alternative to the gym, then L.A. climbing will treat you well.

—Alex Lubben

Touchstone Gyms

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, sport
For: Downtown crushers

With locations in Hollywood, Downtown L.A., and Culver City, Touchstone Climbing has been a staple of West Coast indoor climbing since its inception in 1994. Its , called Cliffs of Id, hasĚýa roped area that boasts 16,000 square feet of climbing on 40-foot walls. At Hollywood Boulders, you’ll find a welcome respite from the surrounding snooty culture in a gym full of like-minded climbers.Ěý

A day pass will run you $20 during peak hours (weekdays after 3 p.m. and weekends). It’s $15 all other times, and memberships are $77 per month.Ěý

Sender One

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, sport
For: Orange County climbers

The Chris Sharma–designed Ěýnear LAXĚýis a slick, top-tier climbing gym—what you’d expect from a space put together by one of the best sport climbers in the world. With 60-foot walls in a 30,000-square-foot space, it's one of the very few gyms to include a speed wall. ItsĚýfirst location, inĚýSanta Ana, has a kids’ climbing zone, called Sender City, that's geared toward getting the young ones roped in early but also offers lower-commitment climbing to those who have some trepidation toward the sport.

A day pass costs $22. Memberships are $84 per month or $949 annually.Ěý

The Stronghold Climbing Gym

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, sport
For: Gym rats who are tired of bouldering

Housed in the remains of an old California Edison steam power plant, has 45-foot walls and is a go-to destination for indoor roped climbing in Southern California. Just east of the L.A. River from Chinatown, it’s pretty centrally located, too. Parts of both the roped and bouldering sections are reset weekly, and the entire gym gets a makeover no less than every eight weeks. Plus, the regulars here are eager to get outside—members bump into each other climbing at the local crags all the time. Bring your dog: Stronghold is pet friendly.Ěý

Day passes are $20. Gear (including a chalk bag) is an extra $6. Memberships are $79 per month.Ěý

Stoney Point ParkĚý

Type of climb: Boulder
For: After-work boulderers

This bouldering area just 15 miles northwest of the Hollywood sign is a . Sierra Club members were perfecting their roped climbing techniques on Boulder 1 in the 1930s. It’s where Yvon Chouinard and Royal Robbins prepared for their big-wall first ascents in the ’50s. John Bachar honed his free-solo chops here in the ’70s. And it’s right off the freeway: You can park, walk just a few minutes, and hit your first highball—all without putting on approach shoes.

The Tramway

Type of climb: Boulder
For: Summertime boulderers

Head 100 miles east on I-10, hop on the (the world’s largest rotating tram), and you’ll be treated to a bunch of steep granite boulders underneath Mount San Jacinto, the second-highest peak in Southern California. It’s a little more out of the way than Stoney Point, and a round-trip tram ticket costs $25.95, so you’ll find fewer climbers here. If you’re looking for V6 and up, this is the place for you. Plus, the altitude keeps temperatures cool in the hot summer months.

Corona Del Mar

Type of climb: Bouldering
For: Beach-bum climbers

While you’ll want to bring a crash pad if you plan on hitting the classic 20-foot highballs at this old Stonemaster hangout, the soft sand at his beachfront bouldering spot provides enough of a cushion for some of the fun, shorter climbs. And when we say beachfront, we’re not kidding: Gulls squawk overhead and waves crash behind you as you climb the juggy sandstone. Be careful, though—on some routes, the holds are sure to be covered in sand, and the holds can be slick after rainy or foggy days.

Malibu Creek State Park

Type of climb: Sport, trad
For: Sport-climbing day-trippers

Scramble past the non-climbing crowds around the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek to gain access to more than 100 sport routes, with grades ranging from 5.8 to 5.14. Juggy limestone pockets are the staple here, but if you’re not up for leading just yet, the Planet of the Apes wall has you covered with a variety of intermediate-level top-rope routes. But be warned: At just a 45-minute drive west from most places in L.A., this spot can get quite crowded.

Saddle Peak

Type of climb: Trad, sport
For: The trad-curious

Located in the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains west of L.A., Saddle Peak is known for its “corpse wall”—local climbers discovered a dead body at its base. (There’s even commemorating the poor guy.) But not to fear, Saddle Peak also has some top-notch, lower-commitment slab climbing. Having some trad gear isn’t a bad idea here, as the 15 bolted sport routes are fairly run out. This spot isn’t as exposed as some of the other nearby trad-climbing areas, making it a great place to become more comfortable placing gear or climbing high above your last clip.

Joshua Tree

Type of climb: Trad, sport, bouldering
For: Weekend warriors

The two-hour drive east to Joshua Tree means you won’t be making a quick jaunt out here after work, but for world-class climbing in an area steeped in history, the travel time is a small price to pay. While the national park has more than 7,500 routes, it is perhaps best known for its classic multipitch trad climbs. You’ll also find plenty of hard bouldering here, as well as some top rope and sport climbs. If you do choose to spend the night, check out .

Holcomb Valley Pinnacles

Type of climb: Sport, boulder, trad
For: Sport-climbing aficionados

In terms of access, travel time, climate, and quality of rock and routes, Holcomb Valley is hard to beat. Up in the San Bernardino Valley, just north of Bear Lake, Holcomb offers a huge variety of moderate-level climbs. (Mountain Project calls it the area’s “.”) There’s a small bouldering area and about a hundred trad routes, but the real draw here are the 300 sport climbs at or below a 5.10 grade, all on Holcomb’s high-quality granite.Ěý

Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks

Type of climb: Trad
For: Trad enthusiasts

Another Royal Robbins haunt, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks—across the valley from each other in Idyllwild—are the premiere crags for traditional climbing in the L.A. area. The steep granite faces are exposed, and the few bolted sport routes here aren’t for the faint of heart—expect big runouts unless you place additional gear. Located 100 miles east of the city just south of Mount San Jacinto, it’s a bit of trek, but if you’re itching to be 800 feet off the deck on a seven-pitch route, this is the place for you.

Best Places to Refuel

Los Angeles is a diverse city, and that’s reflected in its food. You can finish your ride by slurping salty ramen until you’re rehydrated, or hop off your surfboard and crush a baby-sized burrito—and chances are you won’t have to travel far to find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are our favorite eats in a city that has many.

—AC Shilton

Pedaler’s Fork

This bike shop/bar/coffee shop/restaurant is the kind of place where you’ll only get slightly teased if you forget to take off your helmet before ordering a beer. Many cyclists frequent Pedaler’s Fork after a long ride in the Malibu hills. Peter Flax, Bicycling’s former editor in chief and current editor at the Hollywood Reporter, recommends the chicken and waffles, which he describes as “a cinder block through the glycogen window.”Ěý
23504 Calabasas Road, Calabasas; 818-225-8231;

Primo Passo

This high-end coffee shop is a go-to stop for several local weekly group rides. You’ll find all the standard upscale offerings: single-origin roasts, good pour-over, and strong cold brew—with a few pastries in case you’re running low on fuel. If you’re riding or running with your pooch, there’s even a dog-friendly terrace.Ěý
702 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica; 310-451-5900; Ěý

Sidecar Doughnuts

Just a few blocks from Palisades Park (which, in case you’re curious, is probably the best spot in town to see a celebrity out for a jog) is the doughnut shop of our fantasies. Run by chef Brooke Desprez, this is where you’ll find flavors like chocolate and rye, fig and goat cheese, and guava. Even better, the doughnuts are made fresh every hour, and there’s a gluten-free option.
631 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica; 310-587-0022;

The Cow’s End

Located near a good break at the Venice Pier, this funky and eclectic spot is where Abraham almost always stops in post-surf for an almond milk latte and an acai bowl. “That’s just what you do when you surf Venice,” he says. “It’s a funky neighborhood joint, but it works well when you still have saltwater dripping out of your ears.” Abrahams says it’s so local that regulars leave their discount card pinned to the wall.
34 Washington Boulevard, Venice; 310-574-1080;

North End CaffeĚý

Guy Fieri has visited this small cafe, which has a giant menu and an oceanfront view. Depending on your stance on pinky rings, that could be a good or bad thing. But Abraham says not to be scared off if you’re dubious about riding the Donkey Sauce train to Flavortown. Sunday brunch is solid and perfect for filling up post-surf, with a wide range of egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, and even beignets.
3421 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach; 310-546-4782;

Catalina Coffee

This coffee shop is the end point for the brutal Donut Ride—a weekly 30-to-50-mile group ride that, according to Abraham, “feels more like a Tour de France stage than a weekend cruise.” It serves food so good that it might help you forget about getting dropped. In addition to coffee, there’s a simple menu of paninis and salads.Ěý
126 North Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach; 310-318-2499;
Ěý

The post The Essential Guide to Staying Active in Los Angeles appeared first on ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Imagine living in a city that is home to one of the world’s most renowned art institutions, as well as a robust music and culinary scene–but also having a 25,000-square mile glacial lake at your doorstep. The citizens of Chicago don’t have to; it’s their daily reality.

The Midwestern city on the southern shore of Lake Michigan might be the perfect hybrid: all the benefits of a major metropolis, balanced by a plethora of of opportunities to get outside. While the Palos and Lakefront systems will delight road and trails runners alike, those who feel more at home 20 feet off the ground can find refuge either in one of Chicago’s manyĚýgymsĚýor on some of the world-class routes just outside of the city.ĚýAnd as for cycling: despite the fierce weather and gnarly traffic, you’ll find road riders, mountain bikers, commuters, hipsters on fixies, and even a vibrant cyclocross community.

Whether you’re a dirtbag climber, weekend warrior, or newbie who just bought their first pair of running shoes, here areĚýour favorite ways to get out and stay active in the Windy City.

Best Runs

Despite the summertime mugginess and vicious winters, Chicago is a damn good place to be a runner. From lakefront jaunts to short, scenic loops to bona fide trail runs, here are a few of our Windy City favorites.

–Martin Fritz Huber

Lakefront Trail

Distance: 18 miles
Type of run: Paved trail
For: Chicago newbies

It doesn’t get more Chicago than the Lakefront Trail. This 18-mile stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan runs from Kathy Osterman Beach in Lincoln Park to the South Shore Cultural Center, passing famous locales like Navy Pier and Grant Park while keeping the city’s skyline in constant view. In many ways, Lakefront is a marathoner-in-training’s dream: scenic and accessible, with mile markers and drinking fountains throughout. And having access to a beautiful, clean lake to cool off in after (or during) a hot summer run is a pretty great perk.

Des Plaines River Trail

Distance: 55 miles
Type of run: Gravel
For: Woodland creatures at heart

With its northern trailhead just below the Wisconsin border and its southern end situated south of O’Hare International Airport, the Des Plaines River Trail is one of the longest trails in the greater Chicago area. Since it follows the path of the river for which it is named, the trail can at times be prone to flooding (typically during the spring), making for a muddy experience. Most days, however, this is one of the best ways to explore local forest preserves and wetlands. Access from various Metra stations, such as River Grove on the Milwaukee District/West Line and Des Plaines on the Union Pacific/Northwest Line.

Bloomingdale Trail on the 606

Distance: 2.7 miles
Type of run: Paved trail
For: Casual joggers

Throughout most of the 20th century, the Bloomingdale Line was a train servicing northwest Chicago’s manufacturing district. After a few years of inactivity at the start of the new millennium, the elevated corridor began to be repurposed into a greenway, much like New York City’s High Line project, which came into being around the same time. Unlike its Big Apple counterpart, however, the Bloomingdale Trail (also known as the 606, after Chicago’s zip code) is open to cyclists and canines. Spanning 2.7 miles, the 606 has 12 access points and is a short walk from the Western and Damen stops.

Great Western Trail

Distance: 17 Miles
Type of run: Gravel
For: Long-distance birdwatchers

Not to be confused with the 4,500-mile overland traverse from Canada to Mexico, the Illinois iteration of the Great Western Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor from the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (located roughly 25 miles west of downtown Chicago) west to the town of Sycamore. Much of the terrain is crushed limestone, so runners’ joints will be happy as they take in the wetlands of DeKalb and Kane Counties. Keep an eye out for great blue herons as you make your way along this peaceful stretch of Midwestern prairie.

Grant Park Loop

Distance: 4 miles
Type of run: Paved loop
For: Chicago first-timers

If you’re staying in downtown Chicago and don’t feel like doing an out-and-back on the Lakefront Trail—or hopping on the L post-run—an appealing alternative is to run around Grant Park. The site of both the start and finish of the Chicago Marathon, Grant Park is home to a number of popular attractions, like the Art Institute of Chicago and Buckingham Fountain. Situated between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, the park is extremely easy to circumnavigate, even when you tack on the mini-loop of the Museum Campus on the park’s southeastern end.

Palos Trail System, Palos Forest Preserve

Distance: Up to you
Type of run: Both paved and unpaved forest trails
For: Hill-starved trail runners

Chicago-area runners desperately seeking a good hill workout can head south to the 15,000-acre Palos Forest Preserve in Cook County, where they will find a vast network of unpaved trails and undulating terrain through wetlands, forests, and secluded ravines. This is Midwest trail running at its finest. To experience it yourself, head to the Pulaski Woods parking lot, where you can embark on any number of routes. Singletrack abounds, so be wary of mountain bikers and brush-peeping birders.

Waterfall Glen

Distance: 9.5 miles
Type of run: Gravel loop
For: Hill-starved tempo runners

Just west of the Palos Forest Preserve lies another stellar option for runners who prefer to avoid the city’s asphalt. The loop around Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers nearly ten miles of wooded running atop crushed gravel. (Yes, there are waterfalls, too.) While it may be easy on your ankles, the terrain will challenge you as a runner. In stark contrast to the epic flatness of Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, this run includes significant climbs. Like Lakefront, the Waterfall Glen loop has mile markers—the joy of tempo runners everywhere. Best to start (and hopefully finish) at the Northgate parking lot.

Busse Woods Loop

Distance: 8 miles
Type of run: Paved loop
For: Running leaf-peepers
The Ned Brown Preserve, locally referred to as the Busse Woods, is a 3,558-acre sanctuary situated a few miles northwest of O’Hare International Airport. If you don’t mind having cyclists whiz by on road bikes, the paved loop around the preserve is a great run along a scenic eight-mile stretch beneath towering oaks and maples. For many, the highlight of a visit to the Busse Woods is a stop at the 17-acre enclosed elk pasture, where you can behold these majestic animals at close range.

Fox River Trail

Distance: 40 miles
Type of run: Paved trail
For: Ultrarunners in training

The Fox River Trail is made for runners who like to do their workouts in the vicinity of rushing water. This paved path follows the route of its namesake due south from Algonquin to Oswego, a distance of almost 40 miles. While tackling the entire trail in one go is very doable for cyclists, the feat will be possible only for ultrarunners who aren’t pavement-averse. However, since this section of the Fox River is continually flanked by Chicago suburbs, the trail is very accessible from various Metra stations. Our recommendation: Jump on the trail near the Geneva station, and follow the river for roughly nine miles to Aurora. From there, an hourlong train ride will take you back to downtown Chicago.

Northerly Island Loop

Distance: 1 mile
Type of run: Paved loop
For: Lunchtime joggers

The brief but scenic Northerly Island Loop is a good run for those who don’t have the time or desire to venture too far from downtown. The site of Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, Northerly Island is a manmade peninsula abutting the Museum Campus off Grant Park. The area recently received a significant makeover, which includes a mile-long, 12-foot-wide concrete trail, from which one can take in Northerly Island’s abundant flora and migratory bird populations. The views of the Chicago skyline aren’t bad either.

Best Rides

The Windy City is known for many things: deep-dish pizza, blues music, and that very shiny, giant bean. However, in the last decade, the city has also become known as a cycling hub, adding miles of bike lanes and to an already extensive network of trails that branch out into the far-flung suburbs.

—Melanie Wong

Lakefront Trail and Northerly Island

Distance: 19 miles
Elevation gain: 185 feet
For: Joyriders

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a quintessential part of outdoor life in the city, spanning more than 18 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Riding south, it begins at Osterman Beach (just off the Bryn Mawr station on the Red Line) and ends at the South Shore Cultural Center. This leisurely ride is perfect for the whole family or for a cruising tour of some of Chicago’s most iconic sites. Roll past popular beaches, such as Ohio Street, Hollywood, and Oak Street, and famous sites like Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Lincoln Park, all while taking in the famous city skyline. Add a couple miles by detouring onto brand-new Northerly Island, a 91-acre peninsula dedicated to wildlife and nature. From the Lakefront Trail’s end, either pedal back for more mileage or hop onto the train to ride home.

The Lakefront is a popular path shared by runners, dog walkers, and rollerbladers, so stay alert and keep your speed in check. We recommend going early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

North Shore Loop

Distance: 40 to 50 miles
Elevation gain: 350 feet
For: Serious roadies

For a longer ride on less-congested roads, many serious cyclists head to Chicago’s beautiful northern suburbs. Start in any of the city’s northern neighborhoods—like Rogers Park or Edgewater—and head north via Damen Avenue, then Custer Avenue, and finally Judson Avenue before connecting to Sheridan Avenue. (Keep angling toward Lake Michigan and you’re sure to eventually hit Sheridan.)

Once on Sheridan, hang tight through traffic while riding past the picturesque Northwestern University campus and the Baha’i Temple. Traffic gradually thins out, giving way to tree-lined streets and stately homes. Head into Highland Park, where you can stop for an espresso or lunch downtown. On the way back, take St. John’s Avenue, then Green Bay Road, and finally Winnetka Avenue to connect back to Sheridan. Depending on where you start, this can be a 40- to 50-mile round-trip.

For a high-speed, adrenaline-infused version of this route, join one of the notorious weekend group rides such as Judson (starting in Evanston) or the Triple X ride (starting in Wicker Park). But be warned: These group rides are not for beginners and generally involve high speeds.

Botanical Gardens to Wisconsin

Distance: 80 miles
Elevation gain: About 1,000 feet, depending on route
For: Weekend Warriors

Get away from the traffic by hopping onto Chicago’s L and Metra (the regional rail system) and disembarking at the Braeside Metra station. You’ll start this 80-mile ride in Glencoe, just around the corner from the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Head north either on Green Bay Road or the North Shore Trail, which runs alongside the Metra tracks. You’ll pass Fort Sheridan, a historic U.S. Army installation turned suburban town. Just after Fort Sheridan, catch the Robert McClory Bike Path at the corner of Sheridan Road and Old Elm Road. The route gets increasingly rural from here, and the only motorist you’ll likely have to deal with is a passing train. You can take the bike path clear into Wisconsin or hop off after the town of Waukegan and ride adjacent roads, also to Wisconsin. If you do, we suggest taking North Avenue and Sheridan Road.

To return home, we suggest taking a different route for variety—either hug the lakeshore south or go farther inland through Gurnee. You can also hop onto the Metra at any point if you’ve had enough. This ride is definitely off the beaten path but provides some rolling terrain through elegant communities and pleasant green spaces.

Kettle Moraine

Distance: Up to 27 miles
Elevation gain: 1,000-plus feet
For: Singletrack seekers

The Chicago area is not exactly known for its mountains, so singletrack seekers need to drive a bit to find quality riding. Specifically, about two hours north to Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin, where you’ll find about 27 miles of mountain bike trails. Split into two systems—the John Muir and the Emma Carlin Trails—the routes here are diverse, ranging from flat and smooth to moderately rocky with some tougher obstacles. Riders wind through forests, sandier areas, open fields, and punchy hills. You can easily spend the whole day here.

We recommend the 12-mile Muir Blue Loop for speed and challenge. Afterward, stop in the nearby town of Palmyra for lunch and coffee. Pro tip: Kettle Moraine is a considerable drive from Chicago, so avoid weekday traffic by making it a weekend affair.

The Salt Creek Trail

Distance: 27 miles one way
Elevation gain: 500 feet
For: Nature lovers
A more recent addition to Chicagoland’s trail network, the Salt Creek Trail stretches 27 miles from the Brookfield Zoo, in Chicago’s western suburbs, north to the Busse Woods Reservoir in Elk Grove Village. The final result, decades in the making, is a wide and smooth path ideal for cyclists looking for a convenient, tranquil road ride.

From the zoo heading north, riders will pedal through forest preserves alongside the river and over a number of bridges. Don’t expect much elevation change, but you might spot some wildlife. Most of the trail is pretty well-marked, but there are some road crossings and the trail can be a bit confusing to pick up at certain parts—we recommend bringing your phone or GPS.

Crystal Lake

Distance: 18 to 50 miles
Elevation gain: 900 to 2,000 feet
For: Masochists

More ambitious riders with at least a half-day to spare should venture west of Chicago for a respite from the flat terrain. The community of Crystal Lake, accessible by the Metra, is located a little more than an hour by train from downtown Chicago and is dotted with lakes, farms, and punchy hills.

If it’s climbing you’re looking for, ride northwest for five miles following the tracks from the Crystal Lake Metra station to the Boger Bog Conservation Area. This is the gateway to a rural area chock-full of scenic meadows and steep little hills. Any road with “hill” or “valley” in its name is a good bet, but Bull Valley Road, Valley Hill Road, and Mason Hill Road have guaranteed elevation spikes.

Alternatively, you can ride south or west from the Metra station for a pleasant jaunt around the actual Crystal Lake (west of town) or the Three Oaks Recreation Area (south of town). You can easily put together a 50-mile ride in and around Crystal Lake with a respectable 2,000-plus feet of elevation gain. Take some time to check out the quaint downtown area as well.

Best Climbs

Just because you live in the doesn’t mean that there’s nowhere to climb. Within a few a hours of the city is some of the best climbing in the Midwest, and with the burgeoning gym scene in Chicago, you can stay in top climbing-shape through the cold winters.

—Alex Lubben

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, lead
For the: Climber who codes

When it first opened in 2009, New York’s Brooklyn Boulders set a new standard for climbing gyms. The franchise took what it learned from its original location and expanded into a . The West Loop space boasts extensive rope climbing on 50-foot walls, a good deal of which is reserved for lead climbing. The highest point of its impressive bouldering area maxes out at 17 feet—a dizzying height as far as indoor bouldering goes. And while the franchise may be known for mixing startup culture with climbing, the intelligent route setting and the enormity of this gym make it a great place for purists and newcomers alike.

Get a day pass for $25 (gear is an extra $11). Membership costs $125 per month or $1,250 annually.

First Ascent

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, lead
For: Northside crushers

gyms were launched in 2015 by a group of local climbers looking to nurture the climbing community in their hometown. Today, with four locations in Chicago and classes geared toward getting climbers ready to head outside, they have succeeded.

The Avondale space has 60-foot walls and a massive bouldering section that include top-out features. The bouldering-only branch Ěýin Uptown, where inventive setters take full advantage of a 45-foot-wide overhanging section known to members as the “mega arch,” was expanded in late 2018 to offer indoor bike parking and a coworking space.

Day passes at either location are $18. Memberships, which give you access to both gyms, are $75 per month or $825 annually.

Devil’s Lake

Type of climb: Bouldering, top rope, trad
For: Midwest trad enthusiasts

As one of the Midwest’s most storied climbing areas, Devil’s Lake is home to no-bolt crags where first-rate boulder problems and tight-finger cracks are the main attractions. This is where John Gill pioneered bouldering and Wisconsin climbing legend Pete Cleveland established his Son of Great Chimney, a gently overhanging trad route over a quartzite buttress that was likely the hardest climb in the country when it was first onsighted in 1968. One should expect big runout leads on slippery quartzite rock, but if that sounds a little too intense, there are about a thousand easier bouldering problems and top-rope routes in the area. At about three hours northwest of the city on I-90, Devil’s Lake arguably has the best ratio of travel time to quality of climbing near Chicago.

Governor Dodge State Park

Type of climb: Bouldering
For: Crowd-averse boulderers

, tucked away in southwestern Wisconsin, doesn’t have the storied climbing history of Devil’s Lake, but that means it doesn’t get as crowded. Dodge is known for a variety of problems for all ability levels, though there are a few bolted routes as well. It also plays host to the occasional Wisconsin Climber’s Association–sponsored competition.

Head to the north section of the park, near the , for the most problems.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Type of climb: Top rope, bouldering
For: ąú˛úłÔąĎşÚÁĎ newbies

This lesser-known area—which, at a 2.5-hour drive directly west of the city, makes it some of the closest outdoor climbing you’ll find from Chicago—has some solid intermediate top-rope routes scattered among a set of limestone crags, which pop up from the surrounding flats on the shores of the Mississippi River. It’s a great place to go if you’re new to climbing outside: The top ropes are easy to set up, and the grades max out at about a 5.11. A convenient campground is nearby, but you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance if you decide to spend the night.

Red River Gorge

Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, sport, trad
For: Road trippers

We know, this isn’t in or even that close to Chicago, but ask any serious Midwestern climber and they’ll say the six-hour pilgrimage south to in central Kentucky is a must. With a huge variety of sport climbs, trad climbs, and boulders, many consider this one of the top crags in the States.

Pro tip: Be sure to stop by , the local rendezvous point for the climbing community at the Red.

Best Places to Refuel

Any hardworking Midwesterner knows that you don’t get big shoulders by skipping your recovery meals. And while the region gets a bit of a bad rap for food (you put potato chips on casseroles?), Chicago’s dining scene is not to be underestimated.

—ACĚýShilton

Sultan’s Market

“Chicago has mastered the art of family owned, quickly served, inexpensive sandwiches,” explains Conrad Hartwick Tufte, a Chicago-basedĚýsales rep for a major bicycling manufacturer, before saying that this small Wicker Park market isĚýhis favorite sandwichĚýshop in the city.ĚýFor $3.75, you get a killer falafel with all the fixings—cheap enough that you don’t feel bad about buying two after a particularly gnarly ride. For fans of capsaicin, Sultan’s will spike your falafel with a hit of sriracha—just ask for it spicy.
2057 West North Avenue; 773-235-3072;

Green Street Local

Terrific food, a wide beer selection, and a true local vibe make this spot a favorite for Chicago Marathon race director Carey Pinkowski, who likes the Bikram Quinoa Bowl, which has red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, plum tomato, pomegranate, cilantro, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil. We like the West Loop Porridge, a hot, creamy, nourishing mash of polenta, caramelized banana, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, honey, caramel, and sea salt. For what it’s worth, the chefs at Green Street Local are extremely savvy at navigating food allergies and dietary restrictions.
130 South Green Street; 312-226-6565;

MAD Social

Sure, New York City may be the brunch capitol of the world, but Chicago’s not far behind, and this sleek spot (beautiful dark wood, exposed brick, and inviting leather booths) is one of the city’s best. Pinkowski suggests the MAD Shakshuka: oven-baked eggs in a sun-dried tomato sauce served with roasted potatoes, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, toast, and fresh herbs. MAD Social also has great cocktails, which won’t help with your recovery but just might take the sting out of that long run.
1140 West Madison Street; 312-243-2097;

Kanela Breakfast Club

This Greek-infused American brunch restaurant, with five locations across the city, offers a good mix of healthy items—like chia seed pudding and Greek yogurt smoothies—and not-so-healthy ones. For a real carb hit after a tough workout, order the Nutella s’mores waffle.
Various locations;

The Park Grill

Runners training for the Chicago Marathon often cruise up and down the lakefront, making the Park Grill, on the northern edge of Millennium Park, a perfect post-workout stop. The house burger features free-range beef from Strauss Farms, in nearby Wisconsin, topped with arugula, tomato confit, and spicy horseradish aioli. Yes, this is a touristy spot, but the food is solid and its location is hard to beat.
11 North Michigan Avenue; 312-521-7275;

Small Cheval

Near the 606 trail is the little-brother restaurant of Au Cheval, which is critically acclaimed for having one of the best burgers in the country. Small Cheval doesn’t disappoint, either, but it’s pricy: A burger plus fries and a drink can set you back nearly $20.
1732 North Milwaukee Avenue;

Tweet

Serving runners in the northern part of this city since 2003, Tweet is right off the Lakefront Trail and has a wide range of offerings. Even better, the staff is used to “sweaty runner types,” says Kuzma, so you won’t get a side of side-eye with your pancakes. “They bring you these amazing chocolate-chip bread pieces as soon as you sit down, so you can top off your glycogen stores immediately while you peruse the giant menu,” she says. “Also, they have a killer bloody mary selection.” Save this for after a long workout, when you won’t feel bad about going big with your order.
5020 North Sheridan Road; 773-728-5576;

Bongo Room

This simple breakfast and brunch spot makes pancakes so good that you will fantasize about them the next time you’re bonking. “Order one of their solid savory egg dishes for your protein, then split a stack of, say, white chocolate pretzel or key lime cheesecake pancakes for the table,” says Kuzma. There are multiple locations around the city, so no matter where you end your workout, you’ll never be far from one.
Various locations;

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