Covering 160 acres, Runyon Canyon Park, at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains in LA gives hikers amazing views over Hollywood. Here’s a guide to a Runyon Canyon Park hike.
How To Get To Runyon Canyon Park Hike
Getting around Los Angeles couldn’t be easier. There are generally 4 options:
By Car:
Aside from downtown LA, the majority of tourist spots are a little spread out in the Los Angeles area.
So hiring a car and exploring is certainly the most convenient way to get around!
We recommend booking one in advance, and fortunately car rentals are relatively cheap in Los Angeles. Plus all major car rental companies have offices at the airports.
We always go through rentalcars.com to compare prices before locking something in prior to our trip.
There is public street parking available in most places around Los Angeles, just be sure to have a card ready to pay for the hourly parking meters.
Parking for Runyon Canyon is quite difficult. I usually park around Franklin Ave and head in via Runyon Canyon Vista Entrance.
By Public Transport:
The Los Angeles Metro is affordable, relatively easy to use, and services most of Los Angeles County and its top attractions.
The public transit system consists of Metro Buses, DASH Buses, and Metro Rail Trains.
To ride these buses, trains, and subways, we recommend purchasing a reusable TAP Card. These are available at TAP machines located within most bus or subway stations. Or you can simply download one and add it to your Apple wallet!
You CAN pay cash when you board, but you’ll need the exact fare as bus operators don’t carry change.
Otherwise Uber is a super easy and very popular way of getting from one place to another quickly in Los Angeles!
By Hop On Hop Off Bus:
Standard buses are available around Los Angeles, if you can figure out the bus routes.
However, there is also of course the famous Los Angeles Sightseeing Hop-on-Hop-off Bus.
The bus lets you explore Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica Pier and Beaches. With options of a 24, 48 or 72 hour pass.
This is always popular among tourists, and a is great way to see many famous landmarks around the City of Angels at ease.
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Runyon Canyon Park Hike Entrance Fee
It is free to do the Runyon Canyon Park Hike.
Runyon Canyon Park Hike Opening Times
Monday to Sunday – Sunrise to Sunset
Best Time To Visit Runyon Canyon Park Hike + Tips
This is a very popular and busy park so early or later in the day would be advisable if you want to avoid the crowds on your hike.
This is a very popular dog walking area so expect to meet lots of dogs. Also, be aware that dogs are allowed off lead in 90 of the park’s 160 acres.
Take a picnic or some snacks, as there are some great spots to sit and enjoy some food whilst also enjoying the beautiful views.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and water as it can get quite hot on the exposed parts of the hike.
There are no toilet facilities in the park.
Most importantly – don’t forget your camera – the views are amazing!
What To Pack
What To Expect At Runyon Canyon Park Hike
Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Los Angeles and is frequently named on lists of best hikes in LA.
The majority of the trails in Runyon Canyon Park are wide dirt and paved fire roads. However, there are also single track trails giving the option of a more challenging hike over less maintained terrain.
It’s an extremely simple circular route to follow. Starting and ending at the same point!
With Runyon Canyon’s proximity to residential areas of Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, celebrity sightings are quite common – if you like a bit of celebrity spotting!
However, if you’re not fussed by celebrities then you’ll certainly be sure to see a few cute dogs on the trail, as Runyon Park is a popular hike for dog walkers.
Facts
The highest point in the park, at an elevation of 1320 ft (402 m), is known as Indian Rock.
From here you get sweeping views from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains, as well as great views of the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
Great in the day, but also a calm spot for sunset, Runyon Park is one of my favourite things to do in Los Angeles as you can be up and round in an hour and it gives some inspiring views over the city!
Whilst in Griffith Park, don’t forget to check out some of the other awesome hikes such as Hollywood Sign Hike and Tom LaBonge Panorama.
Where To Stay In Los Angeles
Luxury – The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
Known as ‘The Pink Palace’, this luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard features the full-service La Prairie Spa and a beautiful outdoor pool.
Downtown Beverly Hills is just 1 mile away.
The bright and elegant rooms of The Beverly Hills Hotel feature marble bathrooms and 2 TVs.
There is also a minibar, coffee maker and ironing facilities included.
The Polo Lounge at the hotel is a popular dining place for celebrities.
Mid-Budget – Clean Modern Room
Clean Modern Room features accommodation with a shared lounge, free WiFi and a shared kitchen.
The air-conditioned homestay also offers a flat-screen TV, a seating area, washing machine and a bathroom with a bath and a shower.
Beverly Hills is a great choice for travelers interested in food, shopping and restaurants.
Budget – Empire Inn
Empire Inn is located in Los Angeles, just 5 miles from the centre.
It provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and all rooms include a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV.
South Los Angeles is a great choice for travellers interested in tourist attractions, sunshineand beach walks.
For other places to stay in Los Angeles, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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