Runyon Canyon Road and Solar Drive Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a short but moderate loop trail in Runyon Canyon Park in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Getting Started

Runyon Canyon is a very busy area with lots of people and difficult parking. See the park description for more details: https://www.gaiagps.com/hike/united-states/california/runyon-canyon-park/

The trail as shown starts in Hollywood travelling up North Vista drive. Unless you are local, parking here will likely be an issue as you'll need to either park in a pay parking lot or on the street where there is limited and restricted parking. Parking at the top at Mulholland Drive is recommended even though this is likely to be busy, again see the link above.

Regardless of where you start it's best to go down hill on Runyon Canyon Road and uphill on Solar Drive, because Solar Drive is steep and trail quality is worn and so there is a chance of slipping. If you have hiking poles this would be a good place to use them on.

Runyon Canyon Road is actually a road, although it's unlikely you'll encounter a car it is possible because there is at least one house on the road. You are very likely however to encounter many people.

Expect to see bushes but very dry terrain. Other than as a workout haven you do have excellent views of the city from places on the trail.

Dogs can be off leash on the trails: https://www.laparks.org/ranger/frequently-asked-questions-park-ranger

Taking Children

No facilities on the trail but at the bottom your in the city of Hollywood. This is a somewhat difficult trail, better for older children. The dog off leash policy is also something to be aware of.