Runyon Canyon Hike - Review

Over the weekend, Theo and I hiked Runyon Canyon.  I’m a big sissy so I love it because it has huge, open trails.  You aren’t running around through trees getting attacked by bugs, snakes, lizards, etc.  It is a dry hike with views of the city and the Hollywood sign.  The best part is that everyone brings dogs and they are allowed to be off-leash!  They have a station at the entrance where you can buy water, fruit, or granola bars for one dollar.  Parking can be annoying on the weekends but I always find a spot eventually.  Go early or later in the day to avoid parking issues.

The hike is pretty hard and I was too nervous to let Theo off-leash while we climbed up the massive deadly steps.  One false move and I would have a pommy pancake.  The steps are the most intense part of the hike and go quite high.  I had to stop twice because I thought I was going to pass out.  However, on the way down I set him free and he happily stayed by my side. 

There are always tons of dogs of all sizes so don't be afraid to bring your dog if he/she is small.  My dog is 5.5 pounds and he DOMINATES this hike.  Few things make me feel worse about myself than seeing tiny dogs zooming by, leaving me in their dust as I gasp and wheeze like a 70-year-old smoker through even the tiniest hills.  I've got to start working out more.

We went on a smoggy day so the pictures aren’t as nice, but some days you can literally see the entire city.  And if you’re lucky, you may even catch one or two celebs. I am still waiting for a Ryan Gosling sighting.  Sigh.

If you look close, you can see the Hollywood sign!

The entrance to the deadly steps