Runyon Canyon Park

Located at the eastern end of the majestic Santa Monica mountains, Runyon Park is one of California’s top hiking destinations with picturesque trails carved out of landscaped mountain valleys. The adventurous dirt roads lined with dense tropical forests offer exhilarating terrain that gradually increases in altitude to an epic point from where you can view almost 2/3rds of Los Angeles city.

The park also has off-leash trails where joggers come with their furry friends. Several picture-perfect vantage points from where you can see the world-famous Hollywood sign sit amidst the west trail. At lower valleys, floral lawns with well-manicured grass are hubs for yoga and meditation groups as well as family picnics. These are also excellent spots for wildlife watching and have plenty of rare Californian wildflowers. Most of the trails run in loops with benches at the highest peaks. Inspiration Point is equipped with benches that overlook the grand Griffith Observatory and Hollywood, while Clouds Rest offers panoramic views of West Ridge from an elevation of 1,400 feet. In case you are not used to hiking along natural trails, you can choose the east trail which has a paved pathway upto an elevation of 800 feet.