Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon Park is a 160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills that offers one of the most accessible hiking experiences in Los Angeles. For families, it provides a genuine nature experience with Hollywood skyline views, all within the city limits and at zero cost. The key question parents ask -- can my kids do it? -- depends on age and which trail you choose.

The park has two main entrances: Fuller Avenue at the bottom (easier access, street parking) and Mulholland Drive at the top. From Fuller Avenue, two routes diverge: a paved road (right fork) that climbs gradually on a maintained fire road, and a steeper dirt trail (left fork). The paved road is the family-friendly choice.

The first major viewpoint is approximately 15-20 minutes up the paved road. This overlook provides panoramic views of Hollywood, downtown LA, the Griffith Observatory, and on clear days the Pacific Ocean. For families with younger children, this makes an excellent turnaround point -- the round trip takes about 40 minutes.

Older kids can continue to the summit (45-60 minutes from the bottom) for 360-degree views.

The trail has virtually no shade on the upper sections, making timing critical. In summer, the exposed hillside can exceed 95 degrees by late morning. Early morning hikes (before 9 AM) are essential during warm months. Winter and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest views.

Runyon is one of LA's most popular off-leash dog areas, and families encounter dozens of dogs on every visit. For dog-loving kids, this is a feature. No water, restrooms, or facilities exist on the trail -- bring everything you need.