Today? Yeah, you can get out there, but keep your eyes open and know where you're going, because while the air's mostly clear, parts of the landscape are still a mess from previous incidents, and others are actively burning.
- The general Air Quality Index (AQI) for Los Angeles is surprisingly low at 18 today, meaning good breathing air for most of the city.
- Temperatures are sitting at a comfortable 16.5°C (62°F) and are expected to stay clear today, though it will feel warmer, around 24°C (76°F), during peak sunshine hours.
- Don't get too comfy, though. We've got active fires kicking up smoke in certain areas, and widespread trail closures persist from older blazes and recent heavy rains.
- Pollen is moderate, so if you're usually bothered, don't forget your meds.
Current Workout Hazards
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks.
Fire and Smoke
While the city-wide AQI is looking good, that doesn't tell the whole story for everyone. As of today, October 9th, crews are still battling the "Danny Fire" in Los Angeles County near the Grapevine. It started yesterday, has burned 150 acres, and is only 13% contained. Smoke from this one has already shut down sections of Interstate 5 due to poor visibility, so if you're planning a run anywhere near Gorman or up toward the Grapevine, rethink it.
And if you're closer to the city, there's been a multi-day commercial building fire in Boyle Heights and Inglewood sending thick smoke into the air. The Fire Department says they've removed hazardous materials, but "If there is smoke in the area, stay inside." Some folks nearby have reported coughing and chest pain. Don't be a hero; your lungs will thank you.
Trail Closures & Conditions
This is where your joints, and your patience, are going to take a hit. Many of our prime running and hiking spots are still either completely shut down or severely impacted.
Angeles National Forest and Eaton Canyon remain largely inaccessible.
The damage from the January 2025 Eaton Fire is extensive, and several trails in Eaton Canyon and the surrounding Angeles National Forest are closed until December 31, 2027. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a critical safety measure to protect both you and the recovering wilderness. This includes popular routes like the Altadena Crest Trail, Chaney Trail, and the Eaton Canyon Trail itself. Also, Chaney Trail Road (the paved part leading into some areas) is closed to vehicles until Fall 2026, which, you know, is now.
Angeles Crest Highway (California 2) is another ongoing saga. Segments have been closed since last December due to heavy rain damage, making trailheads like Mt. Waterman nearly impossible to reach easily. Construction is still chugging along, but full completion isn't expected until Summer 2027 for some sections.
Construction Obstacles
If you're pounding pavement in the concrete jungle, be aware of ongoing Metro subway construction along Wilshire Boulevard. Crews are doing nightly and weekend work near the Westwood/VA Hospital, Beverly Drive, and Century City stations, leading to lane reductions and closures. Beverly Hills is also in on the action, with paving work on San Vicente Blvd and North Santa Monica Blvd resulting in lane closures and traffic headaches throughout October. You might think a little detour isn't a big deal, but when you're in the zone, getting cut off by cones is just plain annoying and potentially unsafe.
Pollen Breakdown
| Type | Level |
|---|---|
| Trees | Moderate |
| Grasses | Low |
| Weeds | Low |
Prepare for the weekend weather shift.
While today is mainly clear, tropical storm Rachel and an El Niño-fueled Kelvin wave are combining to bring a 70% to 90% chance of rain to Los Angeles County from Saturday through Tuesday, with Sunday and Monday looking like the wettest days. Expect gusty winds and dangerous rip currents at the beaches starting Sunday. Coastal flooding and significant beach erosion are also distinct possibilities, particularly for south-facing beaches like the Long Beach Peninsula. Don't be that person surprised by a sudden downpour on your long run.
Data grounded with LA Times and CAL FIRE from October 09, 2026.