Los Angeles' best-known urban hike through the Hollywood Hills with views of the city; the West Ridge trail was closed after the January 2025 Sunset Fire, so check city alerts before going.
Runyon Canyon Park is a city park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, and the setting for one of the city's best-known urban hikes. The main entrance is at 2000 N Fuller Ave, with a second entrance at the top of Vista St and Franklin Ave side. There is no on-site parking and street parking in the surrounding residential streets is heavily restricted, so most visitors arrive by rideshare, on foot, or by Metro bus to the Hollywood/Franklin area. The standard loop is about 3 miles (4.8 km) with roughly 600 to 700 feet (180 to 210 m) of elevation gain and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Difficulty is easy to moderate: the surfaces are a paved and graded fire road in the lower canyon and packed dirt on the upper trails, with a sustained climb on the way up. Shade is minimal, so the route is exposed to sun and heat. The park is popular with dog owners and part of the park is an off-leash area; visitors who bring dogs should check the current rules. The upper trails reach ridge viewpoints with sweeping views of Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and, on clear days, the Pacific coast. After the January 2025 Sunset Fire, the West Ridge trail was closed, so hikers should check City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks alerts for current trail status before going. Visitors can turn around at the lower viewpoints for a shorter walk or complete the loop for a full circuit. Water is not available along the route and there are no shelters, so hikers carry their own. Weekend afternoons and sunset are crowded.
| Distance | About 3 miles (4.8 km) loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Car, rideshare or Metro bus to Hollywood/Franklin; no on-site parking, street parking restricted |
| Best season | October-May; sunrise and sunset to avoid heat |
| Address | Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Hollywood Hills
What to bring
- 2 liters of water
- Sun hat
- Dog leash if bringing a dog
Location
Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
34.1060, -118.3506 View on map
Highlights
- Wide views of Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific from the ridge trails
- Off-leash dog area and a lively local hiking scene
- Quick access to a canyon hike from central Hollywood
- Multiple route lengths, from a short lower-canyon walk to a full loop
Tips for visiting
- Check City of Los Angeles park alerts for trail closures, including the West Ridge trail after the 2025 fire.
- Use rideshare or Metro; street parking near the entrances is restricted and ticketed.
- Hike at sunrise or sunset in warm months to avoid the exposed midday heat.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water; there is none along the trail.
- Keep dogs leashed outside the designated off-leash area.
When to visit
October to May is most comfortable, and sunrise or sunset avoids heat and midday crowds. Weekends are very busy.
Accessibility
The lower canyon fire road is paved and graded, but it is steep in places, and the upper trails are dirt paths that are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Mobility-limited visitors may manage only the first stretch.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Runyon Canyon loop?
The standard loop is about 3 miles (4.8 km) with 600 to 700 feet (180 to 210 m) of climbing. It usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is there parking at Runyon Canyon Park?
There is no on-site parking, and nearby street parking is restricted. Rideshare or a Metro bus to Hollywood/Franklin is the usual approach.
Is the West Ridge trail open?
The West Ridge trail was closed after the January 2025 Sunset Fire. Visitors should check current City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks alerts before going.
Are dogs allowed at Runyon Canyon?
Dogs are common in the park and part of it is an off-leash area. Dogs must be leashed elsewhere, and visitors should check current rules.