Beautiful Day in LA
A sunlit dirt trail climbing Runyon Canyon with the Los Angeles skyline spread out in the hazy distance
Hiking · Hollywood Hills

Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is a popular hillside park above Hollywood offering accessible trails, sweeping city views, and a famously dog-friendly, see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Its quick climbs reward hikers with panoramas stretching from Downtown to the ocean on clear days.

Why visit

It packs a panoramic, sweat-worthy LA hike into a quick loop minutes from Hollywood, with the Hollywood Sign, the skyline, and the ocean all in view from the ridge. The social, dog-friendly scene gives it an energy you won't find on quieter wilderness trails, making it a true local ritual.

The park's network of trails ranges from gentle paved sections to steep dirt switchbacks, with the main loop covering roughly three miles and a satisfying climb to ridgeline viewpoints. From the upper trails you can see the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, the Downtown skyline, and on clear days all the way to the Pacific. It's a favorite of locals, fitness enthusiasts, and celebrity-spotters, giving it a social, energetic vibe unlike most wilderness hikes.

Runyon is especially beloved by dog owners, with off-leash areas that make it a canine social hub. Because it sits right at the edge of residential Hollywood, it's easy to reach and great for a quick workout, but it offers little shade and can get hot and dusty. Bring water, wear real shoes, and expect company, since this is one of LA's busiest and most accessible urban hikes.

History

The land has a layered past, having once held a country estate and later the mansion of entertainer John McCormack, with ruins still visible along the trails. After decades of private ownership and failed development plans, it was acquired and opened as a public park in the 1980s. Today it is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Insider Tips

  • ✦Start from the Fuller Avenue entrance for the most direct access to the main loop.
  • ✦Go counterclockwise for a steeper climb up and a gentler descent, or reverse it for easier knees.
  • ✦Bring water and a hat since shade is scarce, and clean up after your dog to keep the park open to pets.

Photo Tips

  • 📸Climb to the upper ridge for a wide shot that captures the Hollywood Sign and Downtown skyline in one frame.
  • 📸Shoot on a clear morning before haze builds to keep the ocean and distant buildings crisp.
  • 📸Frame a hiker on the switchbacks with the city sprawl behind for a sense of scale.

Before You Go

  • ✓There is no parking lot, so use the regulated street spots early or take a rideshare.
  • ✓Bring water and a hat, as shade is scarce and the trail gets hot and dusty.
  • ✓Clean up after your dog to help keep the off-leash areas open to pets.

Visiting with family

Older kids who like a challenge enjoy the climb and spotting the Hollywood Sign from the top, but the steep dirt sections are tough for strollers. Bring plenty of water and sun hats, since the trail offers almost no shade.

Where to Eat Nearby

🍽️ The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Sunset🍽️ Trejo's Tacos on La Brea🍽️ Pink's Hot Dogs on La Brea

Want this turned into a day-by-day plan?

Tell our free AI planner you want to visit Runyon Canyon and it will build the rest of your day around it.

Try the AI Travel Planner

Runyon Canyon FAQ

Is Runyon Canyon dog-friendly?

Yes, it's one of LA's most popular dog hikes, with designated off-leash areas along the trails.

How hard is the Runyon Canyon hike?

The main loop is a moderate three-mile climb with some steep sections, manageable for most reasonably fit hikers.

Is there parking at Runyon Canyon?

There's no dedicated lot, only limited and regulated street parking, so arrive early or use rideshare.

Nearby Neighborhoods

All neighborhoods →
Hollywood
Hollywood

Hollywood

Hollywood is the world-famous center of American film and entertainment, home to the Walk of Fame, historic movie palaces, and the iconic hillside sign. It's a bucket-list stop for first-time visitors chasing movie history and bright lights. Expect crowds, glitz, and a mix of polished landmarks and gritty boulevard energy.

More Hiking in LA

All attractions →
Temescal Gateway Park
Hiking

Temescal Gateway Park

Temescal Gateway Park is a shaded canyon trailhead in Pacific Palisades that leads hikers up to a seasonal waterfall and ridgeline ocean views. It is one of the Westside's most approachable real hikes, doubling as a leafy spot for a picnic at the canyon mouth.

Eaton Canyon
Hiking

Eaton Canyon

Eaton Canyon is a popular natural area at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, best known for a family-friendly trail leading to a seasonal waterfall. Its nature center, wildlife, and accessible terrain make it a favorite quick escape from the city.

Helpful Guides

All guides →
The Best Hikes in Los Angeles
Hiking

The Best Hikes in Los Angeles

From the Hollywood Sign climb to chaparral canyons and ocean-view ridgelines, here are LA's hikes worth lacing up for.

The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
Photography

The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles

Iconic skylines, architectural icons, sea caves, and color-soaked streets, plus when to shoot them for the best light.