Runyon Canyon Park Hike
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When you think of Los Angeles as a travel destination, few think of hiking. The truth is that there are many great hiking opportunities close to the main tourist destinations. The trailhead to one of the best hikes in Los Angeles is a mere seven-minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hiking Runyon Canyon: (Jump To)
Runyon Canyon Entrance
There are three main entrances to the park. The lower entrance is at the end of N. Fuller Ave, two blocks up from Hollywood Blvd. The upper (or north) entrance is in the 7300 block of Mulholland Dr. You can also enter two blocks west of Fuller Ave, on Vista Ave.
Upper (Runyon Canyon North Entrance): Google Maps
Lower (Runyon Canyon Fuller Entrance): Google Maps
Vista (Runyon Canyon Vista Entrance): Google Maps
Runyon Canyon Parking
There is street parking available in the neighborhood around the Fuller and Vista Ave. entrances. Read the street signs to avoid parking tickets. The upper entrance has a small dirt parking area.
Dogs at Runyon Canyon
The majority of the park is an off-leash dog park. Dogs are constantly running amuck in the park, living out their best doggie dreams of not being cooped up in an assistant director’s studio apartment in Hollywood for 18 hours a day. For the most part, Angelenos are great about picking up the droppings their furry friends leave behind, but keep an eye out.
Celebrities at Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon (or, simply “Runyon,” as the locals say) is a hot spot for celebrities. The loop trail climbs into the illustrious Hollywood Hills, home to the rich and famous. Occasionally these folks (especially the dog-owning celebs) take to the trail. Visiting early in the morning will increase your chances of a Hollywood star encounter.
Runyon Canyon Park Hike
Enter the park through the gates at N. Fuller. Grab a water and a granola bar from the honor system vending cart at the entrance and truck ahead. On your left, you’ll see the remains of the estate built in the early 20th century by a famous Irish tenor who came to Hollywood to appear in early sound pictures.
At the intersection turn left and climb up the dirt road to the crest of the hill, where you’ll meet a paved road. Turn right and follow the paved road to the top of the hill. This is a fire road that was paved for erosion control. Aside from the occasional park ranger, you’ll never see a car on this road.
The route is not for the faint of heart; there’s barely any shade and the road is a steady steep incline. You’ll more than likely encounter some of Hollywood’s hottest men and women as you sweat by. Actors and models between jobs use the canyon to keep the flab off their chiseled abs.
As you round the final bend you’ll encounter the steepest portion of the incline. At the top, you can keep left to reach the Mulholland Drive entrance via a lovely path with some shade and horses. However, we’re here for the view, so keep to the right and proceed onto the dirt trail to take in the full view of Los Angeles. You’ll have some great views of the Hollywood sign and some hillside mansions on your left. When you reach the highest point (on a clear day) you can see from the snowcapped mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
The trail gets treacherous ahead, feel free to turn around and trace your steps back to the entrance. If you’re brave, carry on ahead maneuvering through the landscaping timbers and dirt washouts. You’ll reach a terraced staircase with handles. Once you’re at the bottom of these stairs, the hard part is over.
You’ll land back on a wide dirt path. To your left is Inspiration Point. Keep right and follow the road, passed a half-built basketball court, back to ground level. From there go straight to reach your entrance point.
The hike will take you 45 minutes up to one hour.
If you’d like to continue on to Hollywood, read our Hollywood Blvd. Half-day Itinerary.
