Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Los Angeles and often shows up on publishers’ lists of best hikes in LA. This 130-acre dog park is located in Hollywood on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains, providing hikers with a few overlapping loops and great views over Hollywood and the surrounding area. The trail system works well if you want to customize your workout based on time and energy level.

For a quick outing, try the 1.65-mile loop with 500 feet of elevation gain. If you want something more substantial, there’s a 2.65-mile loop with 700 feet of elevation gain. To really get a solid workout, extend things further for a 3.25-mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain. All three routes give you that classic Hollywood backdrop with the city sprawling below you.

What matters most to know: this place is crowded. On weekends especially, you’ll encounter plenty of people, their dogs, and the general Hollywood scene. If you’re after solitude and quiet trails, Runyon Canyon probably isn’t your spot. But if you enjoy people-watching while getting outdoor exercise, or if your dog thrives in social settings with other active dogs, it’s genuinely a great choice.

Runyon Canyon is officially a dog park with designated off-leash areas where dogs can run free. The trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate, even with multiple options branching off. Parking can be challenging during peak hours, so arriving early in the day makes a real difference. The trail heads off Mulholland Drive, and once you’re on the path, the energy is distinctly more active and social than many other hiking spots in LA—which is exactly what draws so many locals back again and again.