Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles is where dusty trails, Hollywood Hills scenery and some of the city’s best people-watching collide just minutes from the streets below.
First impressions on North Fuller Avenue
The man coming down North Fuller Avenue looks like a lost Arctic explorer.
His dog pack is theoretically under his control, but realistically, the motley assortment of mutts is setting the pace.
This is LA, where professional dog walkers are almost as prevalent as failed actors and people on ludicrous fad diets.
Why book the Runyon Canyon hiking tour?
- Iconic Los Angeles trail: Hike one of LA’s most popular urban trails with scenic views over the Hollywood Hills and the city skyline.
- Guided experience: A local guide shares insights on the terrain, natural features and best viewpoints along the way.
- Panoramic photo stops: Reach vantage points ideal for capturing views of Hollywood Sign, downtown LA and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
- Suitable for active travellers: Designed for those who enjoy moderate exercise, fresh air and outdoor exploration in a fun group setting.
- Convenient meeting point: Easy access from central LA means you can fit this hike into your sightseeing plans without hassle.
The road to Runyon Canyon
Going the other way are dozens of people looking like they’re dressed for the gym – all unflattering jogging bottoms and soon-to-be sweaty vest tops.
Some have even managed to find the time to take their own dog for a walk.
This is the road that leads to Runyon Canyon, one of the greatest people-watching spots on earth.
Where Los Angeles meets the Hollywood Hills
It’s where built-up Los Angeles suddenly gives way to the pseudo-wilderness of the Hollywood Hills, and trainers get to pick up a coating of dirt in the name of exercise.
A sign by the entrance warns that you should keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
There’s still a little bit of the wild west about Runyon Canyon, even in the middle of a giant city.
Yoga mats, Instagram and canyon culture
In the one remaining patch of grass that has retained a probably-watered greenness, scores of nirvana-seekers are in meditative poses on their yoga mats, synchronising a temporary calmness.
But that’s shattered by the chatter coming down the dusty track – three girls are discussing precisely how they should Instagram their jog.
Elsewhere, a French-sounding woman is screaming at Ricky, her limping ratdog.
Overheard conversations on the trail
“Aaaaagh! It’s so annoying,” she hectors. “When are you going to stop causing trouble?”
She turns to passing walkers in a bid for sympathy.
“He always does this. I don’t know how I put up with him.”
5 Los Angeles experiences worth booking
- 🎬 See how the movie magic works on the Warner Bros Studio tour.
- 🎢 Take on the rides and enjoy the shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 🚌 Ogle celebrity homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills from an open air bus.
- 🥾 Hike up to the Hollywood Sign, guided by comedians and their dogs.
- 🚲 Pedal along the coast on a Santa Monica and Venice guided e-bike tour.
Why Runyon Canyon is such a spectacle
Earwigging on other people’s conversations is an integral part of what makes a hike up the zigzagging path so glorious.
Theoretically, you come for the exercise or the views out over Hollywood landmarks.
The mansions of Mulholland Drive, the top of the Chinese Theater, the Hollywood sign conducting its long-standing advertising campaign.
Fitness culture at Runyon Canyon
But attention soon flits to those sharing the views with you.
You start to notice a trend – virtually everyone is properly kitted out.
They’ve not come here in whatever they were wearing or whatever they could sling on while they were in the house.
All the gear and none of the running
They’ve all got special running kit – armband heart rate monitors, strap-on drinks carriers, tops designed to keep sweat away from the body.
There’s a huge industry in supplying such stuff to people who want to feel like they’re doing the whole exercise thing properly.
But a key ingredient is missing.
No-one, aside from the odd unleashed dog, is actually running.
They don’t call it La La Land for nothing, you know.
Things to do near Runyon Canyon
Griffith Observatory – Around 15 minutes by car from Runyon Canyon, the observatory combines panoramic views across Los Angeles with astronomy exhibits and is an easy addition to a day exploring the Hollywood Hills.
Hollywood Sign – Runyon Canyon already provides views towards the Hollywood Sign, but several trails and viewpoints closer to the sign offer a different perspective and can be combined with a hike in the canyon.
Hollywood Walk of Fame – A short drive south of Runyon Canyon, the Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard and is easy to combine with the canyon if you want to mix outdoor sightseeing with Hollywood attractions.
Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood – Across the Hollywood Hills in Burbank, the studio tour explores working production facilities, backlot sets and props from film and television, making a useful contrast to the outdoor experience at Runyon Canyon.
Autry Museum of the American West – In Griffith Park, this museum explores the history, art and cultures of the American West and can be paired with Runyon Canyon and Griffith Observatory on a wider Griffith Park day.
Alternative attractions
Descanso Gardens – In the foothills north-east of Los Angeles, these extensive botanical gardens provide woodland trails, landscaped gardens and seasonal displays in a much more relaxed setting than Runyon Canyon.
Mulholland Drive – The winding road through the Santa Monica Mountains has numerous viewpoints overlooking Los Angeles, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, providing another way to experience the scenery without a substantial hike.
Travel Town Museum – In Griffith Park, this free outdoor museum has a collection of historic locomotives, railway cars and other transport exhibits, with several vehicles that visitors can explore.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Stretching west from Los Angeles, this protected landscape offers hiking trails, canyons and mountain viewpoints, providing a much larger natural setting than the relatively compact Runyon Canyon.
Cabrillo National Monument – At the tip of the Palos Verdes Peninsula near San Pedro, this coastal site combines ocean views, walking trails and the Point Fermin area, making it an alternative for experiencing the natural side of Los Angeles.
For a more cultural take on Los Angeles, top attractions include the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, the Peterson Automotive Museum and the Grammy Museum. Head slightly further afield, and you’ve got both the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and the USS Battleship Iowa.
Runyon Canyon FAQs
| Where is Runyon Canyon located? | Runyon Canyon is at the edge of the Hollywood Hills, just north of central Hollywood in Los Angeles. |
|---|---|
| Is Runyon Canyon suitable for casual walkers? | Yes, the trails attract walkers of all abilities, although some routes are steep and uneven. |
| Are there views from Runyon Canyon? | Yes, the trails offer views of the Hollywood Sign, Mulholland Drive and landmarks across Los Angeles. |
| Is Runyon Canyon good for people-watching? | Runyon Canyon is widely known as one of the best places in LA for people-watching. |
| Are there wild animals at Runyon Canyon? | Yes, signs warn visitors to watch for rattlesnakes and other wildlife. |
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More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How West Hollywood became the gay capital of Los Angeles.
- Why it’s worth visiting Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Artists Palette and Rhyolite on a trip to Death Valley.
- The best times to spot Roosevelt Elk at Elk Meadow in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
- Visiting the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine.
- Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.
