Fly Like an Eagle Rock

Why sit in LA traffic after work when you can fly like an eagle? Or at least pretend to, as you hover over the red lights of the 134’s stop-and-go after a wonderful workout in Eagle Rock.

Your hike begins right under the hipster haven’s dome-shaped namesake—a giant rock outcropping that has a ridge resembling the majestic bird. Follow signs for the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail to begin your quick 1-mile workout. The narrow path begins with a sharp right behind the Respect Wildlife sign, delving deeply into dense chaparral, a fragrant mix of laurel sumac, sugarbush, and oak.

After a short distance, you encounter a Y-junction, where you should take the quicker right path—not because you want to get back to the grind of rush hour, but to give yourself a steeper challenge. You’ll climb quickly and soon reach the vertical finale, where the skyscrapers of downtown, the hills of Hollywood, and Eagle Rock (the formation and the town) come into sight.

Need a rest? Residents have left a charming hodgepodge of plastic chairs for your convenience. Then, for additional views, continue past the chairs on the narrow path along the fence. Want more mileage? When you turn around, take the alternate path down—it’s a bit longer and gentler on the knees—and keep looping while the traffic far below disperses. Whether you do 1, 2, or 5 miles, enjoyed a sunrise or savored a sunset, it’s great to know that this accessible workout is always waiting for you to come and spread your wings.

Take CA-134 to the San Rafael Ave. exit. Head south on San Rafael and turn right onto Colorado Blvd. After 0.7 mile, turn right onto Patrician Way, followed by a left on Eagle Rock View Dr.