How to Enjoy L.A.'s Runyon Canyon with Your Dog

Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most scenic spots you'll find in all of L.A.--both in terms of its spectacular views and seeing celebrities (and their dogs). It’s a great hiking area with paved and more challenging paths, easy to get to from both the Valley and the city, AND has an off-leash dog park. Both you and your dog will think you're in the middle of a wilderness instead of a metropolis. What could be better than that? Here’s some tips on how to enjoy with it your best friend…

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water for you and your dog
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Hiking shoes

1. 

   Decide which one of the entrances you'd like to start your hike from. If you park at the bottom, on Fuller Street in Hollywood, just north of Franklin, you'll have a more challenging hike up the hill, though you can choose the paved path or the steeper dirt road. If you're not into hiking at all, just inside the main gate and a little ways straight up the hill is a picnic area with space for dogs to play off-leash and a water fountain for them as well.

2. 

   If you park at the lesser-known upper entrance on Mulholland, where there's a nice large parking lot, you can start your hike walking down. Since I'm what you might call "athletically challenged," I usually walk down to the overlook, then turn around and complete a less, though plenty arduous for me, hike back up to the car.

3. 

   Pay attention to the posted signs. Heed the rattlesnake warnings by keeping a close eye on the trail and your dog. I have actually seen snakes on the path and have not been charmed by them.
   
   Towards the top of the canyon, dogs must be on a leash. I've rarely seen a ranger here, but if you're caught, you'll probably get a steep ticket, definitely dampening your enjoyment.

4. There are no separate areas for large and small dogs. It's basically one big nature free-for-all. So keep a sharp eye on the little ones.

5. 

   Midway up the hill, you’ll find an outlook called Cloud’s Rest. Take a deep breath and take in the gorgeous view. On a clear day, you can see to Catalina. Now thank your lucky stars you live in or can visit such an amazing place with your pooches!

Tips & Warnings

• Please remember to pick up after your dog.
• Just because it's an off-leash park, doesn't mean it's okay for your dog to run wild and lessen other people and dogs' enjoyment of the park. If you don't have control, don't let him off leash.
• The hotter it gets, the buggier it gets. So be prepared.

[julie0323]

on 4/18/2007 If memory serves me correctly there isn't any water at the top of the hill so be sure to be some if it is hot out! Mandeville Canyon is another great place to take your dog on a hike in LA! Off leash and the dogs are friendly!