Tips for exploring Runyon Canyon:

• The entrance is free and is open from dawn until dusk.
• There are 3 entrances to the park, one at the top of the Hollywood Hills, on Mulholland Drive, and two at the bottom, on Fuller and North Vista Street.
• If you take the Fuller entrance (main one), you have 3 levels of hikes available:
  • If you go straight, you will go up the right side of the canyon, and this is considered the intermediate side.
  • If you take a left and then a right (where you will see the second entrance), you can go the easy paved way to the top, or take another left after the small gate for an advanced hike.
• You can choose to walk from the bottom to the top Mulholland entrance, or stay on the south side of the canyon and go back down a different way (loop).
• Dogs are allowed at Runyon Canyon and there are off-leash areas.
• On warm days it can get very hot, bring lots of water! They recently added water fountains at the top and bottom of the park.
• I recommend wearing good running/workout shoes. No need for hiking boots.
• You can take donation-based yoga classes in the park, at the Fuller entrance. More information here.
• Parking can be tricky on street sweeping days but you always end up finding street parking after circling around.
• It gets very busy on weekends. A good time to go is early in the morning for some peace and quiet.

Impressions of Runyon Canyon:

I will forever remember the first time I hiked Runyon Canyon. One thing you learn quickly when you move to LA is the word ‘hike’ should be taken very lightly. If you take the advanced hike, the word is appropriate but if you take the two other paths, they are more like walks in my opinion.

This park offers great views of the city on a clear day. You can see all the way to Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s an easy escape into nature, which is rare in a city like Los Angeles.

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