The Runyon Canyon Park contains several hiking trails, including a paved fire road option. For more information about Runyon Canyon, visit https://www.laparks.org/runyon/
Take the Metro
Coming from Downtown LA, grab the North Hollywood B Line train towards North Hollywood and get off at the Hollywood / Highland Station, heading upstairs to the street. Due to the typical busyness of Hollywood Boulevard, I head west from Franklin Ave, one block north of Hollywood Blvd. From the station head left to the corner of Highland and turn left, walking one block to Franklin Ave. Cross at Franklin Ave and turn left down Franklin Ave towards North Fuller Ave. You will walk past the Magic Castle on Orchid Ave. Turn right at Fuller Avenue and head up the hill to the entrance of Runyon Canyon Park at 2000 North Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Limited Street Parking
There is limited street parking on both sides of the street. Be mindful to not park across drive ways or anywhere the curb is painted red.
Note: There is a small bike rack near the entrance and another smaller bike rack near the beginning of the trail inside the park. Several porta potties are near the start of the trail inside the park, along with a water fountain, which includes a dog water dispenser. There is even a bottle fill option.
Park Hours and Amenities
Park hours are Sunrise to Sunset. Dogs are to be leashed at the beginning, but there are off leash allowed areas along the path. No bikes or smoking is allowed on the trail.
There are trash cans along the way, as well as water fountains, but restrooms in the form of porta potties are only available near the start of the hike on the east side trail. And there are a few picnic tables near the start of the actual East trail, which is a good spot for something light to eat before you hike up. Sitting in the picnic area you can hear the birds, which is awesome. [Insert bird chirping audio here]
East Trail
The east trail is the main one used, with the West trail being closed at the time of this post. While the first little bit of the East path is paved, is does eventually becomes unpaved.
After a nice bit of upward climb at a nice incline you hit a spot which meets up with the fire road, And then it’s paved from there to the end. At the top of the East Trail, if you wish to return back down the fire round, turn around at the top gate.
There are some really nice opportunities along the path to stop at scenic spots and grab photos. Unfortunately it seems every time I take the trail it’s overcast, so you end up with overcast photos.
Fire Road Trail
There is a fire road running the length of the Runyon Canyon Park and you will use it on the upper bit of the trail. It is accessible from the Runyon Canyon Road Park Entrance, or you can cross over to it from the Fuller Ave Entrance shortly after entering the park.
West Trail
At the time of this post, the west trail is closed with a fence placed over the lower entrance. You can check the status of the trails and get more information about the park at https://www.laparks.org/runyon/