(323) 666-5046

2001 N Fuller Ave (Hillside Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90046 34.10343 -118.34896

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Neighborhoods: Hollywood Hills, Central LA

Hours:

Open 7 Days a Week:

Dawn Till Dusk: (typically) 6am - 9pm

Last updated 8.17.11

Reviews & Ratings for Runyon Canyon Park

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

35 reviews

What users are saying:

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Reviews from:
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/20/08

It's like 30 minutes on the stair master

by newbiehiker

I was first invited to Runyon by a date who was most patient, seeing as how I could barely make it up the hill to the front gate of the park. As a matter of fact, we had to turn around 5 minutes into the park. One time we even attempted it when I had a busted knee on the mend. That was great PT, btw. Hmmm, maybe I should rethink him. Anyhoo...years later, sometimes I do Runyon 3 times a week in about 45 minutes RT. It's all up hill until you get to the top where the 2 (not the 1) benches are, then it's all downhill. If you enter through the stinky (meaning putrid) gate, and continue straight at the fork in the road, then you will absolutely need real hiking footwear with serious treads for real gripping action once you hike past the 1 bench. It's all dirt and slick as a sliding board both up and down, not to mention as steep as one, too. I've seen people in flip flops trying to hike it. Needless to say, they admitted to falling down several times. Whoever took them there should be off their friend list forever. All shapes and sizes go there, so there's no stigma of having to be a tiger-hiker, hard body in a revealing midriff. As a matter of fact, when I started hiking Runyon, I weighed 35 lbs. more than I do now. Today, I enjoy wearing my Lululemons, also with no stigma. Very friendly folks who aren't in your face, but who willingly talk to you as the moment strikes them or you. A lot of cute doggies of all sizes, ginormous to tea cup. They are not on a leash, however. So, if you're worried about your tiny baby with other bigger dogs, then you'll have to carry it all the time. Downfalls would be, the untrained and/or uncontrolled dogs that run and/or fight each other between your legs. Note to owners, it's not cute to see your sweet, little poochie turn into an alpha male out in "the wild." That's how dog bites happen. And yes, your dog does bite. It just doesn't bite you. Who else will serve him food and plastic wrap his excrement?

  • Pros: Great cardio and legs workout
  • Cons: Smell at the labeled, entrance gate
3 Star Rating: Average

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.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

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!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/04/09

Must see in LA

Contributor

Owesome place for a cardio workout.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/24/09

Runyon Romp - New Boot Camp / Cardio Camp at Runyon Canyon

by KirkPorter

The Runyon Romp is not your typical 'Boot Camp'. In fact it is not a boot camp at all. It does not involve guys and girls dressed up in fatigues calling out military directions to motivate you. The Runyon Romp is an organized outdoor training program that is constantly changing to help challenge your body's strength and cardio capacity, while making sure you have fun in the process!

The Runyon Romp is between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes long. It starts with a short set of stretches then work our way up the East side of Runyon, stopping 2 or 3 times to do both isometric and plyometric exercises. It also incorporates the use of resistance bands to make sure your upper body is getting a great workout as well! The only thing that you need to bring is a relentless need to succeed and it will take care of the rest...definitely a bottle of water too!!!

Check out www.RunyonRomp(dot)com

  • Pros: Best organized workout at Runyon Canyon
  • Cons: none...unless getting into shape is bad!!!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/20/09

A must do if you're in the Hollywood area.

by DavidHaar

If you live in the area, you've got to take advantage of the park right in the middle of it all.

People watching is great. Celebrity sightings are common. Bring the dog, and enjoy the view once you make it to the top.

  • Pros: Something different!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/16/09

hiking

by liltamby5

This is such a great hike. It's a great way to work out while getting a breath taking view of the city!!!! I usually park on Gardner and Hollywood because the parking is a bit difficult, but well worth it. It usually takes me 50 mins to an hour (power walking speed) to do the whole thing...including the distance from my car. Plus it's dog friendly! :)

4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/16/09

Bring Water, wear sunscreen

by MelissaPower

Apply Sunscreen, wear shoes with great traction and bring some water. On sunny days wear a hat.

I've read other reviews, I dont go here to "hike" and enjoy nature, I go here to kick my butt into shape and feel like I can conquer anything by getting up those insane steps. There is a designated parking area on Mullhollad Dr. park there walk down the paved path, there are a few houses along the way and dogs can run free. I do get kind of emotional when its hot out and people bring their Alaskan Huskies out, just seems mean to the poor furry animals. There are alot of different people here so dont worry about what you look like nobody cares trust me. It shouldnt take more than an hour to get through most of it, depends on which trails you choose, but there are some very steep hills so it will challenge you.

  • Pros: Great workout
  • Cons: Dog poo, smog at times

Showing 1-10 of 33 reviews

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