I enjoyed it because there was not a single person on this trail (Friday afternoon), and it gave me some exciting, steep climbs. I can see why youd get distracted! Didnt think to record until about 30 minutes in, so my recording starts a bit late. This one doesnt look too bad! Your email address will not be published. There was one point where I found a fork, I chose left and connected to the main Runyon outlook trail shortly after. Good views, not too intense. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Runyon Canyon Park is Runyon Park to Indian Rock. This trail is great for a mini workout. East of Sunland, South of La Tuna Canyon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 91352 : VERMONT AND GAGE PARK: How to Get to Runyon Canyon Park: Entrances, Runyon Canyon Hiking Trails and Viewpoints, Santa Monica Pier: The Most Famous Pier on Californias Coast, The Hollywood Sign: How to Get There and the Best Places to See It. Best hike with a dog! These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 7,945 AllTrails community reviews. Uneven steps and difficult to ascend and descend. After taking in the views, you will continue south to arrive back at the trailhead where you started your adventure along the Runyon Canyon Trail. There are 2 trails in Runyon Canyon Park. What's the best time to see celebrities at Runyon Canyon? Even more so when wed left snow behind in BC! Dont do this hike expecting a peaceful escape from the city! Extra notes:Watch out for snakes! Hiking Trails - Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (U.S Sep 15, 2022 Share Been There Save Parks Family Friendly Outdoors Budget Getting acquainted with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why L.A. is the ideal place to get outside. Indian Rock is a lesser-known point in the park. Top Running Trails & Maps in Colorado | TrailLink <3. (Dogs need to be on a leash in some areas) How hard is it? , aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90046, USA, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90046, 90 of the park's 160 acres are marked for off-leash use. We went clockwise as I prefer to hike up the steepest sections and come down the steps. This is the view up to the high point of the west side of the canyon. Dogs on the Runyon | Weekend Sherpa The trail is easy to follow, however. Runyon Canyon Park has 130 undeveloped acres in the Hollywood Hills (an area of the Santa Monica Mountains) above West Hollywood and the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. There are a couple of slightly sketchy areas on the way up. Its a great option if you are looking for an established trail with chances for people (and puppy) watching. Woot woot! . Thanks for sharing yours with us! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 28 min to complete. Running Top 9 running trails in Los Angeles When it comes to the best running trails LA has to offer, your choices are as vibrant as the city's scenery. Two scenic ridges frame the dog park's central canyon. Runyon Canyon Trails Frequently asked trail questions about Runyon Canyon Park. I think it would be very dangerous, for me and others to go down this trail. Very very very steep and should not be labeled moderate! NO ONE is on this trail. Runyon Canyon Park has three main trails Runyon Canyon Fire Road, East Ridge Trail, and Western High Way Trail as well as other less used trails and paths. This was by far the busiest trail we visited in LA. . Why was it closed? ), an interactive elevation profile, photo gallery, and more information, check out Runyon Canyon Park on hikespeak.com. So glad you got to experience it. Discover this 3.7-mile loop trail near Universal City, California. This is the least-maintained (and least trafficked) part of the loop, so you may need to work your way over some overgrown areas. There are also parts of the trail towards the beginning of the loop that are pretty overgrown, but the path its still findable. Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Travel in USA 2012-2023 All Rights Reserved. If you're looking for elevation gain, Runyon Canyon Park has you covered. Hello there! Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Los Angeles and often shows up on publishers' lists of best hikes in LA. Following this path to the north, you will begin to gain elevation as you climb up the rugged landscape of the park. We went down a different route, on the east ridge of Runyon Canyon. Showing results 1 - 90 of 4396. When I think of LA, this is NOT what I picture. Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Los Angeles Travel Guide > Los Angeles Attractions > Best Views in Los Angeles > Runyon Canyon: The Best Spots to See Los Angeles from above. Dont expect to have the trail to yourself and plan time for finding street parking. Im sure this is normally a nice trail but its way overgrown and washed out thanks to all the rain we had recently. Runyon Canyon East Trail was perfect. Must have hiking boots. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the LA trails are! Hit it at the right time of day and not AS many people. Heat Advisory, carry water and stay hydrated. I came to Wattles Mansion to read a book and enjoy the park. We didnt manage to visit Griffith Park but I would like to next time. Decided to relocate due to ants lovin on me, and walked up to the dog park, following the stairs all the way up and found it lead to a dirt trail with a sign mentioning Runyon. <3. New York City, for example, offers. This can be a fairly difficult hike due to loose ground and the potential to slip on the descent. I felt I was down the hill like in a dirtball! Nice incline. Hiking the Runyon Canyon Trail is a fun experience in Los Angeles that will take you through a rugged canyon landscape with views of the city. Once you've reached the bottom of the canyon, it's a short, relatively flat hike out to the road. Ugh! You will discover that Runyon Canyon Park is not the only place to hike in LA. The air here should be very fresh, and I will definitely go hiking if I have the chance. Runyon Canyon Trail - LA Hikes - A walk and a lark You have to do a lot of hopping from side to side on the firmer ground or choosing to walk through the trench of loose dirt and roots. Runyon Canyon Park is a 160-acre park in Los Angeles, California, at the eastern end of Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear, as some of the terrain underfoot can be quite loose and uneven. East Trail (Steps Trail) Hiking Trail, Universal City, California I think its a fairly easy hike but the descent does challenge your balance! For your safety and to protect the habitat, please stay The east trail, sometimes called the "steps trail," which is moderately difficult. Trails are crazy steep and overgrown. A paved road (used primarily for fire trucks and ambulances to access the park in case of emergencies) runs through the center of the park, connecting the Mulholland (to the north) and Vista (to the southwest) Entrances. Colorado's Eagle Valley Trail will one day span 63 miles across Eagle County, from Glenwood Canyon in the west to Vail Pass in the east. Distance:3 miles (4.8km) This is also a great area for dog owners as there are plenty of off-leash areas. This looks similar to the Diamond Head hike in Oahu. Runyon Canyon Trail. Ha ha to be able to do the hike on a hangover. By Natalie Hamingson 6 min readPublished. Overall this hike was really enjoyable and a great workout! Completed the hike moving in a counter clockwise direction which meant the steepest scramble was done going down hill. This should be and out and back in the opposite direction. It seems clear that most folks use the paved road up the center. Share a Gem . Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? This is beautiful! Runyon Canyon Park - City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks In order to actually complete this loop though, you must return to that W10 marker and facing downwards to the right is the trail. You won't find solitude here. Runyon Canyon Trail. . The trail, actually an old service road . According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Runyon Canyon Park is Runyon Canyon Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 7,013 reviews. Dont forget to look backwards to see the gorgeous views of Runyon Canyon that you just hiked around. On the east side of the park, there is the East Trail, which starts in the center of the park (about halfway along the paved road) and runs through the southeast area until it reaches the Fuller Entrance, but it also branches off and goes to the Vista Entrance as well. We eventually got to the the Runyon Canyon West trail, and the W8 peak, and took the stairs to the top of Runyon Canyon, near Mulholland. Very beautiful hike. Distance: 3 miles (4.8km) Elevation gain: 790ft (241m) Time: 1.5 hours What to bring: You need grippy shoes and at least a water bottle. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Im not usually a hiker but this one looms fairly doable. FAQ: How Many Miles Is The Runyon Canyon Trail? FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Skyspace Los Angeles: Ready to Ride a Slide over the Downtown Skyline. Improve this listing Wear hiking shoes of you have them. Would not recommend this hike! It is the highest point at an elevation of 1320'. There are a couple of options for returning. Lol We hardly spent any time in the city, so now when I think of LA, I just think of amazing hikes!! The west (which is the hardest), the east (which is not nearly as difficult), and the fire trail (which is paved and very easy . Near Universal City, California. I have an amazing hiking here at Runyon canyon! Facilities:There are quite a few water fountains, but no toilets RUNYON CANYON PARK - 3863 Photos & 1852 Reviews - Yelp If we go back, we can try the ones you liked <3. We started from the top of North Fuller Avenue, which is a couple of blocks from Hollywood Boulevard. Amazing views of the city. This is the view from the steps at the far end of Runyon Canyon. Here, you will take the path on the left and follow it to the Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point vistas, where you will be able to enjoy some wonderfully scenic views of Los Angeles. Unique plants along the way. Go clockwise! Runyon Canyon Trail | Map, Guide - California | AllTrails Eventually, you will arrive at the northernmost point of the hike where the trail meets the fire road and turn right, following the road southeast for 0.6 km. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Runyon Canyon is a fantastic urban hike that is very easy to reach from Hollywood. Took our two dogs (Doodle and Chihuahua). While this hike isnt overly difficult, there are some stretches of rugged terrain that make it unsuitable for younger children. There is little shade along this trail, so make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Runyon Canyon is a fun hike tucked right into the middle of Hollywood. Monday - Sunday I lived so close to LA for so long and never made it to Runyon Canyon. The Buddha Tail is not a moderate hike! Hikes in Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com Jefferson County residents can expect a series of overnight closures along U.S. 6 through Clear Creek Canyon this summer as crews construct a new 3-mile segment of trail that will connect the Gateway Trailhead at the mouth of the canyon with the Huntsman Gulch Trailhead about three miles west of Tunnel 1. Get to know this 3.7-mile loop trail near Universal City, California. Got about a mile in and had to turn back. You will have three fantastic views of the park. It is also great for furry friends, so youll see plenty of happy dogs along the way. After roughly 137 m, you will turn left onto the W Ridge Hiking Trail. Just in the middle of the city, this trail offers spectacular views and a very satisfactory walk, not so easy but short. Its like climbing on quick sand. Hiking Runyon Canyon Park - SoCal Hiker Washed out in lots of places, slippery gravel. Located near West Hollywood, Runyon Canyon Park is one of Los Angeles' most popular hiking spots. If youre up for this doozy its imperative you go down the east side of the loop and up the west side. Easy 4.0 (192) Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake Ranger District. There are several trails to walk/run, with differing ranges of . The views from Runyon Canyon are amazing!! Great views. Port-O-potties are nice & lots of water fountains. What an amazing place to hike! RUNYON CANYON PARK: 2000 N. Fuller Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 . Print/PDF map. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The trail continues to the south of the reservoir for about 10 miles to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte River and the Gudy Gaskil bridge. Facilities: There are quite a few water fountains, but no toilets Dogs: Dog friendly. The pier is the most popular location in Santa Monica and is always open. Nonetheless, a great hike with beautiful views. It is a fun, busy urban hike. This is a quick hike to see the Hollywood sign or views from Inspiration Point and Clouds Rest. Snap some shareable photos without hiking all day. There are no restroom facilities in this park. You'll pop out on a residential street where Wattles Drive changes into Curson Ave. Go left, and two blocks down you'll find the well-marked entrance to Wattles Garden Park. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Runyon Canyon Park? AllTrails has 2 great trails for hiking and more. Journalist and traveler. Very rocky and dusty during the descent and people in regular shoes were sliding, Trail was closed Where To Eat After A Hike In LA - Los Angeles - The Infatuation South Park Doggie isn't your average read more, Jeff J. said: Stopped in to get a rod and reel for my kid, some tackle, and license. read more, Christina L. said: Nothing negative to say about this experience! So the specific route here is off limits. Hiking the Runyon Canyon Trail is a fun experience in Los Angeles that will take you through a rugged canyon landscape with views of the city. The 5-acre lake is fed by the . The West Trail, which runs along the entire west side of the park, starts at the Mulholland Entrance and merges into the paved road near the Vista Entrance. Hikes of 1.9 miles, 2.65 miles, 3.3 miles, and longer are all possible From the North Fuller Avenue Trailhead for Runyon Canyon Park. But going down was incredibly steep and unstable. This trail is great for a mini workout. Runyon Canyon Park Dog Friendly Hike | Santa Monica Mountains Fund, AMLI Blog: Loving Apartment Living Rewarding Views, Celebrity Sightings, & More in Runyon Canyon, Five Favorites: Los Angeles Hikes - Oh Lovely Day, Family Hike: Runyon Canyon | A Viking in LA, Hiking in Los Angeles - in Hollywood! The dirt and rocks are very loose so this is not a hike to do in regular sneakers at all. Due to arthritis in the knee cap, stairs and hikes dont like me! Why Hiking Runyon Canyon Is the Best Way to See the Stars - The Hollywood Reporter, Runyon Canyon Park - National Park Service, Runyon Canyon Park - Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Enter the park from the main trailhead at the top of North Fuller Avenue, Pass a connector trail on the left and continue straight to begin the loop, Reach Inspiration Point at the top of the wide trail and turn left up narrower East Ridge Trail, Pass Clouds Rest and another view over Hollywood, Turn left on a connector trail in front of the Vista Street Gate, Turn right down the main trail back to the Fuller Avenue Entrance, Pass a connector trail on the left and hike straight up the center of the park, Reach Inspiration Point at the top of the wide trail and turn left up East Ridge Trail, Turn left down the ridge before reaching Solar Drive, At the bottom of the ridge, cross Runyon Canyon Fire Road and take the connector trail east, Pass a connector trail on the left and begin the loop, hiking up the center of the park, Reach the gate at the top of the trail by Mulholland Drive and turn left on a trail heading back into the park, Reach a vista at the high point of the park, Return to the trail split and bear right to descend toward Western High Way Trail, Turn left down the ridge, before reaching Solar Drive, Begin from the Mulholland Drive Trailhead and take the trail to the right (west) of the wider trail, which is Runyon Canyon Fire Road, Meet Runyon Canyon Fire Road and turn left. Where is the best place to hike in Runyon Canyon Park? The trail is not always even so be careful and wear appropriate shoes! Park at the Kneeling Camel Overlook and walk a few yards east to a spur road that leads to the old Ranger Station. Would recommend sticking to the short hike and only doing the paved trail unless you dont mind! Head out on this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near Mounthaven, Utah. Not long, but solid incline. Took the paved fire road down to the outlook on the Runyon Canyon east ridge, and then the RC East Trail down, which is steep but has some stairs. A consummate researcher, I usually dig into reviews before doing a trail but just made a quick decision with this one. Your poor knees! Runyon Canyon Park will be closed early for a few days around July 4th for safety reasons. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? The canyon offers a 6.5-mile route to a view of Strontia Springs dam. Runyon Canyon Park: Dangerous - See 1,233 traveler reviews, 706 candid photos, and great deals for Los Angeles, CA, at Tripadvisor. Also, if you are jealous of those who live in Hollywood mansions, what could be better than looking down on them? We were basically sliding down on our butts the whole time down. When you arrive at a large transmission-line tower, you will begin a short but very steep descent into the canyon. And the views!!! Its not a leisurely hike, thats for sure. I am CONVINCED that most people probably take the Paved Fire Trail down and dont even realize that they didnt do this loop. Great hike be prepared for some steep hills. Difficult!, Steep, slippery, narrow, crowded with rude people and offleash dogs. CO: 21.8 mi: Asphalt . (Dogs need to be on a leash in some areas) Great hike, not to hard The right path I needed my hands to get up! Park in the large dirt lot located off Mulholland Drive for a loop that takes you down and back up, or park on the street by the Wattles Garden Park entrance on Curson Ave for an up-and-down loop. East Ridge Trail boasts two motivationally named lookouts, Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point. This 130-acre dog park is located in Hollywood on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains, providing hikers with a few overlapping loops and great views over Hollywood. I would say to do the first half of this hike up until you get onto the Runyon trail. The trailhead for the Runyon Canyon Trail can be found at the end of N Fuller Avenue in Los Angeles. I hope you have fun there are so many great hikes close to LA! VCA Animal Medical Center of Southern California, Amy C. said: I'm shocked by all the negative reviews. You can hike in either direction. Runyon Canyon Park: Trail to Indian Rock is well worth the effort. Waterton Canyon also connects to the Roxborough State Park trail system and the Indian Creek Trail (#800). Its a dirt path wear good hiking shoes! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Otherwise just bring a sled for these slopes. Most of it is off leash. How to Hike Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles - storiesfrommybackpac Would be fun to hit the trail in the opposite direction and climb up the steep spots and descend on the fire road. Runyon Canyon is an extremely popular hiking trail with great views of Hollywood Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains. maybe not the best descent for beginners, and definitely wear shoes with good grip. Not moderate, overgrown, steep, and a lot of loose gravel. Runyon Canyon is a great park where you can take a walk and enjoy a view of the Los Angeles skyline. Crazy dogs off leash. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. Found street parking not far. Trebek Open Space | Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com I would do it again just because I love an actual loop vs out and back and that this was more solitary and off the beaten path but I really am convinced that most people probably have not actually done this loop because of how much of it is slippery and practically vertical, and judging by photos I dont see any others like the ones I just uploaded that show the west half of the trail. Not far from the city, you can go to Runyon Canyon Park, a park that is popular among locals, since it is easy to get to and an ideal place to escape from the chaos of the city. Follow the path on the right side of the grassy lawn, up the steps and through the columns to access the trail leading back up through the gulch (for an easier route, you can stay to the left and go up the ridge instead). Great views all around. Looking east up the small canyon between Runyon Canyon Park and Trebek Open Space Looking west over Nichols Canyon The path down the ridge below the overlook at the end of Bantam Trail A quarter mile (and 175 feet) below is the trailhead for Castair Trail. Runyon Canyon BBQ+RICE $$$$ 7363 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles View Website Earn 3X Points For some reason, you decided to do the hard path at Runyon today and now you're sore, dehydrated, and have three thorns stuck into the back of your leg. Be sure to wear proper hiking footwear, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen. the Santa Monica Mountains, managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The trail itself was in decent condition. Only street parking available so get there early. Sort by: Show more photos. Your post is so detailed! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. To see a full description of the hiking option, as well as a photo gallery, interactive trail map, elevation profile, and directions, visit Runyon Canyon Park on hikespeak.com. If you are not in a rush, you can take the time to explore the park, but if your schedule is tight, you can still make a quick stop at Runyon Canyon Park. Ground was dry and there are markers to keep you on the path. Elevation gain: 790ft (241m) Many people on paved portion on weekend. It is pretty short, so it is a great way to look down on this super-fun city, even if you only have a few hours to spare. Will be back! It was such a nice surprise the size of the parks and outdoor space in L.A. county. Theres so much sand covering the rock on the west trail that leads you back down to the top of Curson that you basically just slide the entire way down which is quite terrifying. Finally you get to a landing and there are some really pretty cacti. The park is narrow and elongated and runs from north to south. The views at the top were amazing, and little Wattle Garden was neat - Buddha sanctuary and all! Dont take that way down, it was super slippery!!! what a magical trail and so much to explore. Depending on which part of the city youre driving from, youll be taking different roads. I love that the hike isnt too long, but that its beautiful and the views are just amazing!! It makes such good holidays! Here you can enter only by foot and you can go on several trails. Check out this 4.1-mile loop trail near Franktown, Colorado. In addition to the great trails and scenic views, Runyon Canyon is a popular place for dog walkers, with certain portions of the park allowing them to roam off-leash. Go to Griffith Park for much more enjoyable hiking. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Amazing views. Ummm so I read the comments here and tried it anyway. So many trails around that you can make this an easy 4 mile hike. Id advise not taking it down, unless youre ready for some pretty intense conditions. The views look fabulous and its neat that there are so many water fountains along the trail. Once youve made it up, you get to hike along the ridge with fantastic views of LA. Look out over Hollywood toward the skyline of Los Angeles, spot the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park, and see if Santa Monica Bay is visible to the west. Runyon Canyon Trail: 7030 Reviews, Map - California | AllTrails Runyon Canyon is easy enough to hike with a slight hangover. I encountered only a couple others on the way up. If you want to keep it super easy, there is a trail that follows the fire road that is less slippy/dodgy for knees. Runyon Canyon is Hollywood's go-to green space, and the trail system here is one of the most popular for active Angelenos and their canine companions. Trail Details The best is west trail. The hilly terrain that can be found within Runyon Canyon Park features some beautiful vistas, and the views are an ample reward for your hard work. Any other start point would practically require climbing gear. Its very hard, so I connected to west trail and Runyon and came down that way to not lose my life! Oooh did you find any good hikes when you lived there? Parking was in impacted by the closure of the park parking lot and the popularity of nearby Runyon Canyon and ended being on residential streets, watch out for parking signs! Hike the Runyon Canyon For a break from the noise of LA, a morning spent hiking the Runyon Canyon will give you panoramic, and unbeatable views of . Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, so it's not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. East Canyon members also enjoy the use of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, volleyball, horseshoes, mini-golf, shuffleboard, two swimming pools, two hot tubs, kiddie pool, splash pad, fishing, hiking, and 65 miles of ATV trails. How to Hike Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles | My Next Big Adventure East Canyon Resort is a 9,600 acre, member-owned, mountain paradise. Beautiful views of the city. Take the west trail to get the most out of your workout. I have an amazing hiking here at Runyon canyon! We were only in LA for a few days because Marc won an award for his work on the movie, Dune. Runyon Canyon Park Loop Hiking Trail, West Hollywood, California Everyone was nice read more, We Run, We Swim, We Play While You're Away! You follow along the trench then eventually get to a proper trail and reach the residential neighborhood by Curson and Wattles once again. Despite its fairly short overall distance, the Runyon Canyon Trail is a great hiking route with a bit of rugged terrain and little protection from the sun. Do clockwise if you want the steep uphill challenge. Found parking fairly quick and didnt think it was packed at all. All the articles on this site are distributed with Creative Commons License. Oh god do not do this loop, one of the trails is barely even there and is basically just the side of the hill, its truly terrifying and difficult.