Runyon Canyon Park
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 666-5046
- Hours:
- Daily sunrise-sunset
Editorial Review for Runyon Canyon Park – by Jenner Bishop
The View
Fido runs free while his two-legged companion enjoys a scenic cardio workout. The unique, dog-friendly exercise opportunity makes this city park popular with hikers and canines of all shapes and sizes. The rich and famous are apparently no less immune to the charms of their ecstatic, frolicking doggies, so be on the lookout for celebs in sweats, baseball caps and expensive sunglasses.
The Appeal
The 134-acre park's main drag is a wide path snaking along the canyon floor, gradually ascending to the scenic point called Cloud's Rest. From Cloud's Rest, fitness buffs can choose to proceed downward via a steep dirt fire trail. However, most hikers opt to retrace their path for a gradual and paved return to the bottom. Up and down on the paved path is a little more than two miles, and takes about an hour.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThere's no running water at the top of the canyon. Carry enough bottled water for yourself and your panting pooch.
The ExtrasThe off-leash portion of the trail--if you're starting at the southern entrance (Fuller Boulevard or Vista Street)--begins at the second gate. Until you reach that point, dogs must be on a leash.
Look GoodPlastic bags are usually available at the park, but dog owners should always come prepared with a pooper scooper.
Fun FactStar sightings include Sandra Bullock, Edward Norton and Jennifer Lopez.
User Reviews for Runyon Canyon Park
04/03/2008 Posted by Kortnee
Last week while visiting my friend in Los Angeles she suggested that we go to Runyon Canyon for an outdoor yoga session and senic hike. I was really excited to get a chance at yoga outdoors, and it was gorgeous! I recommend it highly; the entire session all you can hear are birds singing and smell the sweet flowers all around you. A must experience!
Pros: Free! The do have a donation box
Cons: Parking- get there early as we had to do several laps around the block before getting a spot
03/16/2008 Posted by Carina26
Having never been on a hike before, but needing an affordabe excursion to take my Little Sister (as in Big Brother/Big Sisters) on, I chose Runyon because of previous reviews I'd read about the 'off-leash' dogs and scenic views - I'm a dog lover like many who go here. I was a little put off by some of the negatives others had mentioned (parking, stool odors) and my own inability to figure out exaclty how to get there (3 entrances, no signage). I wound up chosing to go to Runyon anyway because I figured if I couldn't find my way, I'd just drive over to Griffith Park instead. Well, I was able to find parking with relative ease (got there at 10:45am) but did notice a little more congestion as we left (12:10pm). It just so happened that it rained yesterday, so the clear and picturesque view of the 'Hollywood' sign, the Griffith Observatory, Pacific Beach and High Rise Buildings/City View reminded me of how fortunate I am to live in Los Angeles; and how seldom I give myself the opportunity to stand back, take a moment, and take it all in. I only experienced 'stool odor' in 2-3 spots where owners decided to not pick up after their dogs, but other than that, it was clean and fresh (I'm sure I can thank the rain for that). My only regret was that I didn't take my dogs (wanted to test it out first in case it was to long/difficult for them) or my camera. Oh and I did see the actress from Gilmore Girls (the daughter) on my way out. I don't care for celebrity sightings (seeing 'em on tv or in the movies is enough for me) - but if that's what you're into - this may be considering one of their water holes.
Pros: Dogs, Scenery, Workout
Cons: People don't always pick up after their dogs.
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