Runyon Canyon Park

09/05/11

Great view but there are far prettier hiking trails in L.A.

by larakaruna

I live down the street from Runyon, and run it often (which is damn hard). It's a great work out and has an AMAZING view, and for me is walking distance, so quite convenient.

With that said though, aside from the amazing view at the top, it's not as beautiful as many other trails, and it is hot, dusty and crowded with lots of L.A. too-cool-for-school types hiking in their bikini's as to not get the wrong tan I suppose.

So though a CONVENIENT trail for many, and though certainly a POPULAR trail, it should NOT be listed as the number one trail on this list as there are so many prettier hiking trails, with less people, that are lesser known that people should check out.

04/05/10

** DOG ATTACK MAN **

by hectorj

ON MONDAY APRIL 5TH , 2010

I WAS ATTACKED BY A UNLEASHED DOG AT THE PARK THE OWNER DIDNT CALL OR HOLD THE DOG . IGNORED ENDED UP INSULTING ME AND HARRASSING ME AFTER MY HIKE AND THE FIRST BARKED . I WAS JUST UNCOMFORTABLE NOT RELAXING . I LOVE ALL DOGS. BUT HEY. I THINK I DOESNT NEED TO HAPPEN ANOTHER TIME. THERE IS A BIG SING AT THE ENTRANCE THAT SAYS LEASH YOUR DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE THANK YOU .

I BELIEVE WE NEED EIGHT OR 10 MORE SINCERELY. THANKS!

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: NONE

10/12/09

Great Hike

by glenn323

Runyon is a great workout if you really push yourself. The views are wonderful, especially at dusk. I go several times a week and love it.

There are a couple of downsides: the smell of dog crap, as others have pointed out, is strong especially at the park entrance. Also, several times I've encountered Pit Bulls and other vicious breeds running off-leash, which is against the law, although there's never anyone around to enforce it. I've heard of Pits attacking other dogs, but I have not witnessed this myself.

Another downside is the tremendous toll the Southern California drought has taken on the park. The trees and brush are basically dead.

Still, it's a great workout which is much more fun than the gym.

• Pros: Great exercise, terrific views of L.A.
• Cons: Smell of dog excrement

09/12/09

Nice in the winter, not in the summer.

by mickjaggerz

I love to go hiking at Runyan when it's cool outside, and the air is cleaner.

In the summer it stinks. Sorry, but it's true. And there are some insects as well in the summer.

I prefer the beach in the summer.

• Pros: Exercise
• Cons: SMELL!

08/14/09

Need a smile? Visit the Friendliest Place in L.A.

by MissLinz

Runyon Canyon is many things to many Angelinos. For some, it’s a free way to torch calories after a night of too many cosmos and 3 a.m. Pho. For others, it’s a place to go for quiet contemplation and free, yes free, yoga! While both are great reasons to visit the hills just above Hollywood Blvd., (East of Fairfax and West of La Brea) let’s discuss the more subconscious reason people love it … Runyon Canyon is one of the only hyper friendly places in L.A. People there actually smile, make eye contact and say good morning to total strangers while puffing up the mountain. It’s as if for one brief moment, everyone around you is from the mid-west!

This city of “Angels” often seems like a living oxymoron. The initial heavenly glow can get smoggy, and loneliness sets in pretty quickly when you’ve lived here for one month and still haven’t been discovered. So, the next time you need a smile or some company, just head to the canyon we all know and love for a little indirect TLC.

• Pros: friendly happy place where you burn calories for free
• Cons: smells like, um doggie doo when it's hot out, gross