Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles: Address, Phone Number, Runyon Canyon Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
4.5
About
Located off Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills, this park is especially loved by dog-lovers since they can hike with their dogs without a leash.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Woodland Hills
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,005 within 3 miles

Tiago Coffee Bar & Kitchen
212
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Magic Castle
402
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

Yamashiro Hollywood
869
0.4 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian

25 Degrees
860
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine
512
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Brazilian • International

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
285
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American

Pink Pepper
94
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Shin
37
0.4 mi$ • Japanese • Sushi • Soups

california PIZZA KITCHEN
1,234
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza

El Compadre
304
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
407 within 6 miles

Hollywood Hills
661
0.1 miNeighborhoods

Madame Tussauds Hollywood
3,267
0.6 miSpeciality Museums

Hollywood Bowl Museum
1,396
0.7 miSpeciality Museums

Hollywood Bowl Overlook
378
0.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Dolby Theatre
1,063
0.6 miTheaters

The Hollywood Museum
770
0.7 miSpeciality Museums

Mosaic Church
1
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

St. Thomas the Apostle Church
1
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Griffith Observatory
20,390
2.9 miObservatories & Planetariums

Hollywood
1,418
0.7 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,225 reviews
Excellent
756
Very good
348
Average
86
Poor
23
Terrible
12
Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA2,373 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Popular hiking/running spot with views of the LA cityscape. It’s still open during covid and there are still a ton of people. Don’t come here if you’re expecting to get peace and solitude. Come here for the people-watching / to catch up with friends (in a safe way!). Dogs are allowed, although in certain spots, they must be leashed.
Parking is tough and you’re most likely going to have to circle around for 15-20 min if you don’t get there early enough. No bathrooms are available. The trails themselves are clearly defined and made of a compact gravel, although there are some points coming East to West where it can get a bit gnarly. Sneakers are fine, but if you want to play it safe, hiking boots aren’t a bad idea. The trail is exposed so wear sunscreen and plenty of water.
The lookout points have good views of the city on the west side, and you can see the Hollywood sign off in the distance on the east side. You can park at the north end of fuller, or you can start your hike by going uphill by parking on the south side of the park.
Parking is tough and you’re most likely going to have to circle around for 15-20 min if you don’t get there early enough. No bathrooms are available. The trails themselves are clearly defined and made of a compact gravel, although there are some points coming East to West where it can get a bit gnarly. Sneakers are fine, but if you want to play it safe, hiking boots aren’t a bad idea. The trail is exposed so wear sunscreen and plenty of water.
The lookout points have good views of the city on the west side, and you can see the Hollywood sign off in the distance on the east side. You can park at the north end of fuller, or you can start your hike by going uphill by parking on the south side of the park.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
leigh732 Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA53 contributions
Dec 2019
Runyon is very central, basically in the middle of Hollywood, and definitely the busiest of park hikes. Choose from 3 paths to the top - middle paved route is the easier but still good fitness, left (looking up) is the busiest and has a bit of a challenging/potentially slippery section, right is a bit hard to find the entry, but just follow people, it's also the longest, most challenging and the path least followed:) The prize of walking to the top of Runyon is not only fitness, but also fantastic city views. No matter which path up, most people will choose the right (or the left, if you're looking down) to descend, so it can get a bit busy.
Parking is a nightmare....so walk or take other transport to the park if you can.
You can also start from the top, where there's a small parking lot, and you can also just enjoy the city views by taking the drive up on Mulholland Drive. From the top parking lot to the very top of the park (most people don't walk to the tip top from the bottom, though it's quite easy once you get to the main crest where the 3 paths meet) and city views is a pleasant stroll in itself - that's where you'd take your parents, kinda place, though slowly in one sandy small section.
There are also other much quieter parks in the Hollywood/Santa Monica Hills, though without the skyline views. Try TreePeople for a comparable fitness experience, perhaps more as it's a longer hike, and it has good parking at both the top and bottom; and also the only hike location where I've seen A List celebs, though just a small handful; part of the walk, if you take that route, is also through a wealthy residential area. Alternatively try Franklin Canyon Park, which is a much easier and quiet/peaceful walk; no problem parking. Both are also accessible from Mulholland Drive.
If you go further towards the coast on Sunset Boulevard you get to a treasure trove of other parks/hikes in the Pacific Palisades area with great city and ocean views as well; Will Rogers Park is a very pleasant walk, pretty easy, with wonderful nature/city/ocean views (take the turnoff path to get to the tip top; it's a great place for a picnic); Temescal Canyon is the most fitness challenging of all, but worth it for the accomplishment and views; free parking on the streets approaching both parks, though they both also have pay parking lots. There's other great hikes in that area, but you'd need exact details to find them...buy a guide:)
Parking is a nightmare....so walk or take other transport to the park if you can.
You can also start from the top, where there's a small parking lot, and you can also just enjoy the city views by taking the drive up on Mulholland Drive. From the top parking lot to the very top of the park (most people don't walk to the tip top from the bottom, though it's quite easy once you get to the main crest where the 3 paths meet) and city views is a pleasant stroll in itself - that's where you'd take your parents, kinda place, though slowly in one sandy small section.
There are also other much quieter parks in the Hollywood/Santa Monica Hills, though without the skyline views. Try TreePeople for a comparable fitness experience, perhaps more as it's a longer hike, and it has good parking at both the top and bottom; and also the only hike location where I've seen A List celebs, though just a small handful; part of the walk, if you take that route, is also through a wealthy residential area. Alternatively try Franklin Canyon Park, which is a much easier and quiet/peaceful walk; no problem parking. Both are also accessible from Mulholland Drive.
If you go further towards the coast on Sunset Boulevard you get to a treasure trove of other parks/hikes in the Pacific Palisades area with great city and ocean views as well; Will Rogers Park is a very pleasant walk, pretty easy, with wonderful nature/city/ocean views (take the turnoff path to get to the tip top; it's a great place for a picnic); Temescal Canyon is the most fitness challenging of all, but worth it for the accomplishment and views; free parking on the streets approaching both parks, though they both also have pay parking lots. There's other great hikes in that area, but you'd need exact details to find them...buy a guide:)
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mark b
Annapolis, MD47 contributions
Jul 2021
This was a great hike! There are three different "trails" to take. The west (which is the hardest), the east (which is not nearly as difficult), and the fire trail (which is paved and very easy). They all loop together so you can take different trails up or down. We took the west up and it was all dirt and rocks which made it much more fun and then the east down. The views of Los Angeles are amazing! I recommend going early as it tends to get quite warm later in the day. I think it's about a three mile loop.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GiGi
Green Bay, WI19 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
While the hike, and views were great be careful on parking! LA, and Hollywood tow are in bed together. Parking anywhere at the top will get you towed. Hollywood tow charged almost $300, and the sleezy city of LA will give you a $93 parking ticket. They purposely closed the parking lot! Park at the bottom on the side streets.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
thesarahbella
Tennessee124 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We did this hike twice during our 4 day stay in the city, we loved it so so much! I love this hike because you can choose a different route each time and see the city and surrounding areas from tons of different vantage points. It can be a short easy hike or an intense workout if you like. It's really up to you how you choose to do Runyon Canyon and I think that's part fo the beauty. It was a bit cloudy the afternoon we went but it still made for a beautiful time. Also be aware there isn’t a restroom at the parking lot. The closet one is 7 minutes down the hill from parking so plan accordingly.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TigerTina301
New Orleans, LA1,260 contributions
Jun 2021
Came here for a hike with my dad and little brother while on vacation. As many others stated in previous reviews, parking did look tricky if you didn’t get a spot outside in the front. We went on a Friday around 1pm and lucked out getting a parking spot in front of the park about 10 cars down. It was not crowded at all and there are indeed no bathrooms. We hiked the East Trail which took an hour. Just enter and go right. There is a small part that is uphill, but it’s not bad. You’ll pass the gate with the padlocks and then come across a spot to view the Hollywood sign. Beautiful views!! We had a great time. Bring a backpack with waters and sunscreen as there are not trees for shade.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David N
Hawthorne, CA420 contributions
Jan 2020
Runyon Canyon is convenient to get to and offers great views of the city. It is quite popular, so you will not be alone on this hike.
You can start at the top of the canyon off of Mulholland Drive, but I like to start from the bottom at the Vista Gate, because there is a steep hill up to the gate before you even enter the park. I also like to do the Hero's Trail, which is the most difficult and steep of the hikes available in the park. If you enter through the Vista Gate, as you go up the road past the water fountain, take the first left after the interior gate and you will be on the Hero's Trail.
You can also just follow the road up and back to stay on pavement the whole time.
If you go on a day after it rains, you can see beautiful views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean, as well as of the whole city.
It is a beautiful spot and a place to get some great exercise hiking some steep hills.
(photos taken on various hikes over the years)
You can start at the top of the canyon off of Mulholland Drive, but I like to start from the bottom at the Vista Gate, because there is a steep hill up to the gate before you even enter the park. I also like to do the Hero's Trail, which is the most difficult and steep of the hikes available in the park. If you enter through the Vista Gate, as you go up the road past the water fountain, take the first left after the interior gate and you will be on the Hero's Trail.
You can also just follow the road up and back to stay on pavement the whole time.
If you go on a day after it rains, you can see beautiful views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean, as well as of the whole city.
It is a beautiful spot and a place to get some great exercise hiking some steep hills.
(photos taken on various hikes over the years)
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
caraj00
Adelaide, Australia45 contributions
Mar 2020
I really enjoyed this hike, I was able to get some good exercise while on holiday, and it also offers fabulous views over the whole city of Los Angeles.
I exercise regularly including the gym, so while some of the dirt trail did make me puff, there were plenty of places to stop to catch my breath and keep going. However my hiking companion found it tough going and gave up halfway.
The fire path is easy underfoot, and a good option for those who don't like coming down hills on a dirt track.
Keep an eye on the ground to watch out for snakes near the top - I almost stepped on a little one!
I exercise regularly including the gym, so while some of the dirt trail did make me puff, there were plenty of places to stop to catch my breath and keep going. However my hiking companion found it tough going and gave up halfway.
The fire path is easy underfoot, and a good option for those who don't like coming down hills on a dirt track.
Keep an eye on the ground to watch out for snakes near the top - I almost stepped on a little one!
Written May 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
858sharlae
Warminster, PA168 contributions
May 2019
Even though I was having a rough morning from our night out in West Hollywood, after a fulfilling breakfast, I was in need of some fresh air and to sweat out the toxins. Runyon Canyon park has street parking in the surrounding streets near the entrance. It wasn't too difficult to find free on street parking fairly close by. We walked about two blocks from our parking spot and entered Runyon Canyon and started on the trail over to the right. It turned out to be the more difficult and steeper dirt part of the trail but ultimately led us to the awesome views of the city as well as excellent views of the Hollywood sign. We also walked right up past the chain link fence with all the locks on it. At the top of the trail there were water refill stations. Once at the top and with water bottles replenished, we had the easier walk back down the other side. As difficult as the walk was since I was out of shape, I really enjoyed it and appreciated the views. It was totally worth it in the end.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sophia P
Dubai, United Arab Emirates4,463 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We entered the park from the top, the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. We took the walk along the trail all the way to the bottom which took us about 35 minutes. It’s quite steep going down but such amazing views. It was busy with dogs but thankfully no bikes allowed. Just incredible views and well worth the hike.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shaggie22
Whitby, Canada117 contributions
Hi,
I’ll be driving from Laguna beach to Hollywood hills to see the sign and visit Runyon canyon. Are there places to park to explore the trails?
Thanks!
Kelly
JessiAnn85
Palm beach gardens 555 contributions
Runyon has a parking lot up at the top of the trail. It fills quickly so try to be there early. There is street parking around the bottom but check the signs for permit requirements
Dove si può parcheggiare l auto?
Mimmo D
Lanciano, Italy231 contributions
c'è un parcheggio abbastanza ampio nei pressi del parco, lasciata la macchina si prosegue tranquillamente a piedi
skagrandma
Augusta, GA12 contributions
going to visit son who loves to hike but we are in our 60 an have bad knees and diabetic feet, he wants us to see the view but not sure we can do the walk?
Carole P
Success, Australia150 contributions
Go to the top entrance of Runyon Canyon and you can walk down the paved road to the view. Will take about 30 minutes to get to the view.
There are a a couple of benches on the way down or up to rest.
HGreenwell
Chicago, IL8 contributions
Visiting from out of town without a car. Is Uber/Lyft to and from an option?
Stephanie K
Houston, TX17 contributions
Yes that is what we did and it worked out great. Have fun
SafellBGJ
South Korea41 contributions
Hi, is there any lockers or bag storage near the park where I could put my stuff ? thanks
Lauren Ferrante
Florida Keys, FL80 contributions
No there is not!
Yazmin2018
Chicago, IL
Looking for the closest hotel, what area should i seek hotel options?
tvvvv2016
Los Angeles, CA104 contributions
Hi there,
Not really any great hotels near Runyon Canyon.
The closest is an expensive hotel on Highland Ave. I can't remember the name, maybe it's a W, but it's huge hotel and expensive.
MiriamAhuva
Brooklyn, NY1 contribution
I'm middle aged and not in shape really. Is this a very difficult hike? I can walk for an hour or so. But is this uphill the whole time? Is there an easier path or a way to hike and then shortcut to the top ? Also. Are there rest rooms and pleases to buy water along the way?
Pattithediva P
Los Angeles, CA417 contributions
Yes there are some nice flat paths you can hike. When arriving at the entrance to Runyon take the path to the left through the gate.
Even een vraag over de runyon canyon hike? waar begint deze? hoelang is die ongeveer? vanaf hoelaat mag je het park(loop) in?
Frequently Asked Questions about Runyon Canyon Park
- We recommend booking Runyon Canyon Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Runyon Canyon Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Runyon Canyon Park:
- 2 Hour Hollywood Walking & Hiking Tour for Epic LA Views // Morning & Sunset (From $20.00)
- Runyon Canyon Hiking Tour (From $149.00)
- Go Legendary Custom Outdoor Adventure [Private Tour] (From $146.32)
- Los Angeles Private 4 Hour Driving Tour (From $75.00)
- Self-Guided Tour of Hollywood in Los Angeles with Fun Facts and Best Photo Ops (From $25.00)
- Hotels near Runyon Canyon Park:
- (0.42 mi) Magic Castle Hotel
- (0.48 mi) Dresden B&B
- (0.57 mi) The Hollywood Roosevelt
- (0.54 mi) Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
- (0.87 mi) The Prospect Hollywood
- Restaurants near Runyon Canyon Park:
- (0.43 mi) Tiago Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- (0.47 mi) Magic Castle
- (0.43 mi) Yamashiro Hollywood
- (0.59 mi) Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine
- (0.55 mi) 25 Degrees
- Attractions near Runyon Canyon Park:
- (0.13 mi) Hollywood Hills
- (0.11 mi) Movie Star Home Tours
- (0.48 mi) Bike Tours Hollywood
- (0.52 mi) We Love LA Tour
- (0.54 mi) Golden Ticket LA