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Runyan Canyon Loop


Highlights:

Stunning views of LA basin, perfect place to walk the dog off-leash
Near:Los Angeles, CA
Scenery:
Distance:3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:700 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This was an odd hike in the heart of Hollywood, just a few blocks from the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. The hike traverses through Runyan Canyon, whose former residents include John McCormick and Errol Flynn. The hike includes 3 great observation points with stunning views of Hollywood and the surrounding area. This park is an off-leash area for walking your dog, and it was rather amazing to watch the parade of docile dogs and slightly oddball owners traipsing along the trail. This place was busy on a weekday morning, so the weekends must be a zoo.

From the end of Fuller, follow the fire road about a half mile past to the first observation point. The trail at this point goes up some stairs and traverses a ridgeline to the second observation point. The trail continues upwards to another entrance gate, where you make a sharp turn to the final observation point. On the way down, stay to the right when you near the second observation point to make this hike a loop.

Trailhead: From the San Fernando Valley, head south on the Hollywood Freeway (101), and exit at Highland. Take Highland to Hollywood Blvd and turn right. A few blocks past the Graumans Chinese Theater, turn right on Fuller Avenue. Fuller dead ends into the park. You will need to find parking on the street. There is also a park entrance on Vista, a few block further down Hollywood Blvd. (Lat:34.10509 Lon:-118.34889)
Trail Guides for Runyan Canyon Loop:
Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles
by Jerry Schad  (Wilderness Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs
Ranger Contact:  LA City Parks (213) 473-7070
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted  104 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 10   Submit your own review
Reviewed by SM on 1/9/2010
I live close by and run it everyday. It is a great way to get your cardio in. I like that there are several trails to choose from so you can make your own exercise route. Sometimes if I need to get a lot of stress out I run it twice and with my ipod, it never gets boring. Running is a little more difficult on the weekends (but not impossible) because it is so crowded and dogs don't seem to care if they run and stop in front of you. I am a dog lover so I don't mind their presence, however it should be legal and a right to punch irresponsible dog owners in the face if they are negligent...Runyon isn't your personal pet toilet, it's a public park for everyone to enjoy!

Reviewed by Tabitha on 9/24/2009
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. It has wonderful views and a great breeze depending on what time of day you go and considering the weather is good. I always enjoy this place and considering the amount of dogs there it is really clean. Of course there is the occasional lazy owner that doesn't pick up....grrr. It is one of my favorite places to walk.

Reviewed by Amanda on 8/20/2009
This is the best for people and their pooches. Lauren Conrad who said that the dogs should be on a leash should go to one of the million other hiking spots in L.A. where dogs must be on a leash. Dogs off leash here are much happier and very friendly!

Reviewed by T on 4/24/2009
I just checked out Runyon for the first time last week and took park in this new cardio camp there called the Runyon Romp! It was a GREAT workout. They go up the right side of Runyon. They have a site www.RunyonRomp.com if you want to check it out!

Reviewed by B on 3/8/2009
Hiked the Fuller loop yesterday for the first time and really enjoyed it. There were definitely lots of dogs running around, but I didn't have a problem with it. Unlike some other reviews, I didn't see any instances of abandoned dog poop on the path. I'll definitely be doing this again.

Reviewed by Tim on 3/8/2009
A great hike for people watching. You're guaranteed to see lots of beautiful people in way to good of shape running up and down the hills like it's nothing. The basic loop is just under 2 miles with lots of options to add distance by getting off the beaten path. Yes the hike smells like dogs. There are dogs everywhere. It's a dog friendly hike. The hardest part is finding parking!

Reviewed by lvsimon74 on 3/3/2009
Great hike, during the week its not so crowded. This weekend it was packed. Lots of dog poop thou. Over all a great hike and workout.

Reviewed by sc on 2/1/2009
This is a great place to hike. Even though I'm not a dog lover, the dogs did not bother me. The views are beautiful and its a great excercise. :)


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes

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