Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
350.00 ft (106.68 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.50 mi (2.41 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Runyon Canyon Road is a partially paved road that snakes through the hills and valleys of Runyon Canyon Park. It branches off from Mulholland Drive at the Runyon Canyon North Entrance and heads southward before forking. The two segments of the road south of the fork lead to the southernmost end of the park. Cars and pedestrians alike frequent the winding road, often heading up to Cloud’s Rest Overlook or Inspiration Point in search of a panoramic view of the greater Los Angeles area. The hike can be a bit strenuous and fairly congested, but on a clear day you will be rewarded with an unbelievable view; Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy, downtown Hollywood, Century City, Sunset Strip, and Santa Monica are among the landmarks you will be able to see. Locals, including celebrities, often get in a workout on Runyon Canyon Road. It is common to see people walking their dogs and talking on their cell phones. If you want a more rugged hike, you might want to consider the unpaved Hero Trail. 

The park itself is a unique patch of urban wilderness located just steps from the 101 Hollywood Freeway and Hollywood Boulevard.  It has been a Los Angeles destination since 1983, and today it sees thousands of visitors each week. After hiking for a few hours, you might want to indulge in one of Runyon Canyon Park’s free yoga sessions. They happen a few times each day, and the professional instructors accept donations. Just make sure to bring your own yoga mat and towel…these outdoor classes require participants to provide their own equipment.

Whether you are a resident of LA hoping to see your city from a new angle or a visitor excited to take in an iconic landscape for the first time, you will appreciate this road’s easy access to prime overlooks.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Panoramic views over Los Angeles. Off-leash dog areas.

Cons

Very crowded. Limited parking.

Trailhead Elevation

1,200.00 ft (365.76 m)

Features

Big vistas

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Ah yes, Runyon Canyon. This is a must do outing for those interested in seeing a slice of LA culture in all its glory. To be honest, not too many celebrities sightings happen at Runyon, but there are plenty of folks in the "industry" here which is actually more fun! Plenty of Kardashian look-a-likes, models, muscle bound dudes, etc. Another odd phenomenon which I have not experienced until moving here is that many people like to listen to music while they hike, but not with headphones...they just blair hip-hop out of their phone while holding it in their hand. I don't remember this being a thing back home in Oregon but maybe it's spreading. In any case, hilarious.
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