Runyon Canyon (Hollywood)
A haven for athletes in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon's is the place to see the toned bodies and even toner houses that are typical of this region of Los Angeles. There are countless opportunities to pause and exclaim, "This is so L.A.," especially during the hectic after-work rush hour when people-watching is at its height. The packed dirt path takes hikers, runners, yoga practitioners, and roving weightlifters on a loop around the canyon.
The loop can be accessed from either the east (Fuller Avenue) or west (North Vista Street) side of the canyon. In either case, the ascent is mainly gradual, with the exception of a perilously narrow and steep section near the top of the eastern canyon wall. The trail levels off along a ridge at the top, providing views of the Hollywood Hills' eclectic architectural style—solar panels, pools, and decks on stilts—downtown Hollywood and the Capitol Records building, the manicured neatness of WeHo's grid, and the maze of high-rises along Miracle Mile. You can also cheat a little and go on a shorter hike from Mulholland Drive.
The southern entrance is at the end of Fuller Avenue in Hollywood; the northern entrance is off the 7300 block of Mulholland Drive. Runyon Canyon is definitely one of the best hiking spots in L.A. for dramatic city views.
- Address: 2001 N Fuller Ave
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Parking: Street parking. Franklin Avenue is a good place to find a two-hour spot. You can enter the park on North Fuller Avenue or North Vista Street. Watch out for permit-parking only blocks in this neighborhood.
- Pets? Dogs are welcome (encouraged, really), with much of the trail allowing off-leash roaming.
- Length: ~1.5 miles with possibilities to extend
- Time: 30–60 mins
