Every time I visit LA I put “go to Runyon Canyon for a hike” on my to do list. That box remained unchecked for many years until a recent work trip to LA. I was very last minute … read: I booked an 8pm fight at 1pm and left work to go home and pack. After terrorizing my closet for 4 solid outfits, I ambitiously tossed a pair of sneakers and some work out gear in my carry on. Let’s just say I was uber grateful that I had just done laundry.
Runyon Canyon Park is a 160-acre public park that’s known for great hiking, nature trials and the occasional celebrity sighting. Get some much needed sunshine, burn a few calories, clear my head while enjoying unparalleled view of LA with the possibility of running into a reality “star” or a famous Jennifer (Lopez, Garner, Aniston, Hudson – either will do)? Yes! I am here for it.
Day 1 in Cali was out of the question, I had back-to-back meetings but my second day in LA I woke up early (the advantages of still being on East Coast time) tossed on my kicks and gear and set out to finally cross Runyon off my list. I hadn’t thought to bring a backpack so I slung the most appropriate bag I had with me over my shoulder and headed out to the cab line. I was actually really lucky because I learned that the park was closing for renovations for three months shortly after my trip. Look at God!
The drive up reminded me a lot of the mountains in Haiti. Beautiful homes, lush foliage and winding roads (that make me borderline nervous). Usually I do a bunch of research before I head out on a little adventure but because the trip was so last minute I was winging it. I hopped out of the car at the first entrance I saw, which happened to be at Mulholland Dr.
First thing I notice, I was alone for the most part. There weren’t a lot of other hikers. It was gorgeous but all I could think was “what if I fall and hurt myself” there won’t be anyone around to help me. So what did I do? I FaceTimed my husband. We chatted I grew a pair and set of on my hike.
It wasn’t long till I arrived at Indian Rock. The hike was pretty short based on the route I took so I was a little disappointed but spectacular view quickly made me forget about that! After I finished my thousand SnapChats and before I decided which trail to take to get down, a group of hikers (legit boots and all) joined me. I asked their advice on which way to go down and one guy looked at my shoes and said “with those shoes, I wouldn’t go that way it’s pretty steep and there are a lot of cactuses.” He pointed a few hundred feet below us to a wide and paved road and said “you want to get down there. That’s where the celebs hike.” Oh great, I was on the Jillian Michaels hike instead of the Khloe Kardashian hike. Not what I was prepared for!
Anyhow, I followed the benevolent hiker’s advice and after a few steep and rocky paths, I ended up on the more commonly hiked path. It was a lot more crowded with walkers, runners, dogs and strollers. Yes, much more what I expected for this outing. 75% of the hike ended up being down hill which was still a good work out. Just ask my quads.
If you are considering going out to Runyon for a hike:
- Go early because it gets hot
- Bring water
- Be prepared to see a lot of dogs. There are lots of areas where they are allowed off leash
- If you are going to hit the non-paved portions wear shoes with ample tread
- Do a little research to determine which trail is right for you
All in all, I had a blast and am looking forward to going back! During my hike, I overheard someone pointing out the Wisdom Tree so just ask quickly as I crossed Runyon off, I just added something in it’s place.
