Great Hollywood Hike

Runyon Canyon is a 2.5-mile popular hike in Hollywood with great views of the city that will get your blood pumping with its steep inclines.

Me and Rosemary - view from Cloud's Rest. Western trail in distance.

Runyon Canyon has magnificent views of the Hollywood sign, the observatory, downtown Los Angeles and the sea. At various outlooks the city installed benches to take a breather and feel the wind blow across your face as you gaze across the Los Angeles basin below. If you don't stop to take in the views, you can easily complete this hike in an hour.  One couple said they completed it in half an hour.

Downtown Los Angeles

The trail on the eastern side of the canyon is dirt and steeper than the paved the western side. There's an option to double the length of your hike by taking the far western route that branches off the western trail that will lead you all the way back to Mulholland Drive.  

Steps on eastern trail

It was definitely a Hollywood crowd with most people sporting mirrored sunglasses, yoga outfits and great bodies. Many people had dogs. 

A block south of the park's entrance is a man selling custom ordered fresh fruit cups. Very refreshing after the shadeless hike.

Fruit stand

Only street parking is available but fortunately no permits are required. That being said, always check the street signs wherever you park as parking rules constantly change in L.A. We parked on Fuller Street and walked 3 blocks to the park's entrance.

To wrap up our day in Hollywood, we ate a late lunch at the historic 101 Coffee Shop on Franklin. I had good carne asada tacos and my wife had a great portobello mushroom sandwich.  We topped off our meal with a decadent, although cherryless, hot fudge sundae.

A great day out in Hollywood.

Great inspirational sign on trail!