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Runyan Canyon Loop

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

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 12   Submit your own review
Reviewed by JRico on 1/12/2012
Good hike more of a park feel than a nature feel , very dog friendly, gets packed.

Reviewed by Bill on 11/10/2011
The hike described is the one for sissies and old people (I'm only 64, not one of the old people). Yes, it can be crowded, some people don't clean up after their dogs, and, to the unobservant, not much of a nature hike. However, the views are spectacular (LA, the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Park Observatory, Palos Verdes and on a clear day, Santa Monica Bay and Catalina are visible. As for nature, you can see coyotes, hawks, owls in the evening, and this year, tarantulas were back on the described trail, and if you're lucky (and don't get too close), you might observe a tarantula hawk wasp dragging a tarantula home to feed the kids. A better trail is the one up the side of the hill just inside the Vista gate.

Reviewed by kay on 6/2/2011
I don't care for this hike. It's a good workout because of the up hill on the stairs but it's crowded and no one cleans up after their dogs. It's not a very nice place to see things or enjoy nature. It's mostly a place to go because it is close. It's very hard to park.

Reviewed by daniela on 4/19/2011
I would give this hike 3.5 stars. Its a good workout but it's not a true nature hike. I really didn't see much of anything of interest during the hike except a million weird people. But it does give a good workout.

Reviewed by nata*<3 on 3/4/2011
AUSOME ! hike with many trails...nice views, friendly people...good to dog watch.... parking sucks a bit...but nice overall!

Reviewed by Spinsation on 1/25/2011
This is one of my FAVORITE trails. I fell in love with this trail, utilizing it as my training ground for the Annual "LA Marathon". I have now turned it into a Breeding Ground for novice hikers...in my SPINSATION Workout Program. www.facebook.com/spinsation CARTER

Reviewed by III on 1/7/2011
This park is crowded, but you can get a good work out while enjoying some nice views over Hollywood. More photos and info: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/runyon-canyon-hike-hollywood-los-angeles/

Reviewed by R. Cook on 8/21/2010
Provides fantastic view of LA without requiring too much effort. Watch out for the crowds though since the hike is very popular!


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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