This Hike Has the Best Views in LA—And You’ve Probably Never Heard of It 🏞️
Los Angeles is full of glitz, glam, and iconic experiences—think palm-lined streets, Hollywood stars, and endless sunshine. But one of the most underrated ways to experience LA’s true magic is by hiking. Yup, you heard that right.
LA may be a bustling city, but it’s surrounded by hills, canyons, and coastal cliffs that offer some seriously jaw-dropping views—and the best part? You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy them.
One of the best hikes in the city isn’t the Hollywood Sign Trail (although that’s worth checking out too). It’s Runyon Canyon—a favorite among locals but still a bit of a hidden gem for visitors. Think skyline views, people-watching, and fresh air, all within minutes of Hollywood Blvd.
If you’re planning your first trip to LA and want a feel-good hike that delivers major views without a ton of effort, Runyon Canyon is calling your name.
🚏 Table of Contents
- 📍 What Is Runyon Canyon?
- 🗺️ Where to Start & How to Get There
- 🥾 Hike Details at a Glance
- 📸 Best Viewpoints Along the Trail
- 💡 What to Bring (Especially If It’s Your First Time)
- 🚨 Runyon Canyon Tips for First-Timers
- 🍽️ Where to Eat After Your Hike
- 🧭 Why It’s the Perfect First LA Hike
📍 What Is Runyon Canyon?
Runyon Canyon is a scenic trail nestled in the Hollywood Hills, right at the edge of the city. It’s where locals go to stretch their legs, walk their dogs, break a sweat, and soak up postcard-worthy views of downtown LA, Beverly Hills, and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
The trail is unique because:
- It’s totally free (no permits, no fees)
- It has off-leash dog areas
- You’ll see everyone from fitness influencers to dog-walking grannies
- The views are insane (seriously, bring your camera)
While it’s loved by Angelenos, many first-time visitors miss it entirely—either because they haven’t heard of it or they’re chasing the more touristy hikes. But if you want an authentic LA experience that’s not overrun by massive crowds, Runyon is your trail.
🗺️ Where to Start & How to Get There
Runyon Canyon has three entrances, but for your first time, we recommend starting at Fuller Avenue:
📍 Fuller Ave Entrance (Recommended for First-Timers)
Located at the end of N Fuller Ave, this is the most popular entry point and the easiest to find. Plus, the vibe here is super friendly—great for solo travelers too.
🚗 Parking Tips:
- Street parking is available on Fuller Ave and nearby streets.
- Be sure to check street signs to avoid tickets.
- Mornings are best for finding a spot.
You can also Uber or Lyft to the trailhead if you want to skip the hassle.
🥾 Hike Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Distance | 2.7 miles (4.3 km) |
| Elevation Gain | ~800 feet (244 meters) |
| Time Needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate but manageable |
| Dog-Friendly? | Yes! (Off-leash areas) |
| Kid-Friendly? | Yes, for older kids |
📸 Best Viewpoints Along the Trail
If you want that “I’m in LA, baby!” photo, you’re in the right place. Runyon has several major lookout spots, each one better than the last.
🌄 Inspiration Point
About halfway through the trail, this is your go-to for sweeping city views. You’ll see the downtown skyline, Beverly Hills, and on clear days, even Catalina Island.
☁️ Clouds Rest
This spot is a bit higher up and tends to be less crowded. It’s a great place to sit, catch your breath, and just take it all in. Bring a snack or a coffee-to-go for a chill moment here.
🎬 Hollywood Sign Views
You won’t be directly under the sign like on other hikes, but you’ll get a gorgeous angled view—perfect for a wide shot with the city below.
Photo Tip: Golden hour (just before sunset) gives you the best light and fewer people in the background. And remember, photos facing east get that glowy backdrop of the LA skyline.
💡 What to Bring (Especially If It’s Your First Time)
Don’t let the “urban” location fool you—Runyon Canyon is still a real hike. Here’s what you need to bring:
- Water: At least 1 liter. There are no fountains on the trail.
- Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers are fine, but avoid sandals.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and SPF are non-negotiable.
- Snacks: Trail mix or a granola bar will hit the spot.
- Camera/Phone: You’ll definitely want pics.
- Small Backpack: To carry it all hands-free.
Optional: A portable tripod for photos or a mini towel if you’re doing it as a morning workout.
🚨 Runyon Canyon Tips for First-Timers
Here’s the inside scoop to make your experience amazing:
- 🕗 Go Early – Beat the sun and the crowds by hitting the trail before 9AM. Bonus: parking is easier.
- ☀️ No Shade – This trail is very exposed. Avoid midday hikes unless you're solar-powered.
- 🐶 Dog-Watch Paradise – Expect lots of furry friends running around. If you’re bringing your own, keep an eye on leash zones.
- 🎧 People-Watching Gold – Spot actors rehearsing lines, yogis meditating, or even a celeb on a morning jog.
- 📱 Limited Cell Signal – Download Google Maps offline if needed.
🍽️ Where to Eat After Your Hike
You earned that meal! Here are a few great post-hike eats, all within 10–15 minutes of the trail:
🥞 The Griddle Café (Sunset Blvd)
Famous for its insane pancake stacks. Perfect if you want a hearty brunch with LA vibes.
🥗 Joan’s on Third
Trendy but casual spot for healthy bowls, sandwiches, and celeb sightings.
☕ Dialog Café
Chill, quiet place to grab coffee, smoothies, or a breakfast burrito. Ideal for solo travelers or remote workers.
🧭 Why It’s the Perfect First LA Hike
If you’ve never been to Los Angeles, Runyon Canyon is the perfect mix of accessibility, reward, and iconic scenery. You don’t need to rent a car, pack like a pro, or train for a half-marathon to enjoy this trail.
- You’ll see the city from above (and it’s epic)
- You’ll feel the LA lifestyle—active, outdoorsy, and social
- You’ll have a memory that isn’t touristy, but totally unforgettable
Whether you’re solo, traveling with friends, or on a quick weekend trip, this hike makes you feel like you’ve really arrived in LA.
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