Hero's Welcome

If you're looking for solitude at Runyon Canyon Park, you're in the wrong place. With a central location, knock-out views of Los Angeles, off-leash hiking areas for dogs, and trails to tone the thighs, the park is popular. But if you're more into a workout and less into the crowds, there's a trail for that. Known as Route C or the Hero's Trail, the grueling path up the park's westernmost ridge isn't for the faint of heart and sees fewer hikers as a result. The trail also has some of the best views the park has to offer: below you'll see the streets of Hollywood, downtown's smattering of high-rises, and (on a clear day) the Pacific and Santa Monica Bay. Go at sunset to see the city's grey buildings doused with pink. Because the ascent is steep, heading down can be hard on the knees, so we suggest making a loop and descending via the park's easternmost path (sometimes called Route B), or taking the central fire road (Route A). All in, this loop hike is about 3 miles (round-trip). You'll be joining the throngs on these trails, but this is Runyon, after all: see and be seen.

Park on N. Vista St. or on N. Fuller Ave. If using the Fuller entrance, after passing the fenced-in green area (often used for yoga), take a left on the dirt path between a palm tree and a water fountain. You'll soon pass gates on your left-hand side; this is the N. Vista St. entrance. Continuing uphill, take a hard left on the unsigned uphill dirt path that appears immediately after a gate marking an off-leash area. This is Route C or the Hero's Trail. Continuing on this path, you'll hike under power lines, pass a large mansion, and take circuitous stairs to the northernmost area of the park near Mulholland Dr. On the descent, you have the choice to take the main fire road (Route A) or take the park's eastern trail (Route B). Dog-friendly!