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HIKING IN LOS ANGELES

 

LA prides itself on one being of the most in shape cities in the world. Watching what they eat and working out on a regular basis seems to be the routine for most Angelenos living from Hollywood to Santa Monica. Luckily for the traveler there are several options to stay fit and healthy without buying day passes at one of the many local gyms (although information on where they are located is at the end of this section for those not inclined to enjoy the outdoors). LA offers a broad array of choices when it comes to getting good cardio in, building muscle, and enjoying the outdoors-and all for free. From a jog along the ocean to a hike well into the Santa Monica Mountains, LA has something for everyone.

 

Runyon Canyon:

Location: Fuller north of Sunset. Take Sunset (west if coming from Hollywood make Right on Fuller, east if coming from West Hollywood/Beverly Hills make left of Fuller.) Follow Fuller all the way up and you will see entrance to Runyon Canyon.

 

Situated in the heart of Hollywood and embedded in the Hollywood Hills north of Sunset is Runyon Canyon. The canyon is one of the most popular in LA and on any given day and time you will find hundreds of hikers, many with dogs making their ascent to the top. Beginning at the front gate at Fuller, the trail makes a full circular route so it is very easy to navigate. Wheather you choose the right or the left they both take you up to the top of the hill where Mulholland Drive lies and both bring you back down to the same spot. The left hand trail is a tad easier hike as it has a more gradual climb than the trail to the right which is very steep. If choosing the left hand trail, although wide, there are steep drop offs on the right hand side of the trail, and the higher you go, the further down they dip into the canyon. In the summer months its not uncommon to hear the occasional rattle snake rattling away in the brush off to the left. Upon arriving at the top your efforts will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Los Angeles. All of Hollywood is spread out below, in the distance Downtown will be very visible. To the left you'll see the 101 (Hollywood Freeway) snaking through the hills below and of course the Hollywood sign will be very visible. My looking to the right, or west, you will see the Pacific Ocean, all the westside and the high rises of Century City. Also at the very top is Mulholland Drive which winds its way along the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains all the way to the Malibu area. This area is very relaxing and calm and seems world away from from the hustle bustle of the city below. The total loop around Runyon Canyon is about 3 miles and can be done in about an hour.

 

At the top of Runyon Canyon near Mulholland Drive there several smaller paths that branch out and take you into the Hollywood/Hills/Santa Monica Mountains. Unlike the main path at Runyon that takes you to the very top, these smaller paths are extremely narrow, rocky, hilly and windy. Make sure you bring good hiking shoes for these areas if you choose to venture off the main path at Runyon.

Parking can be tight in this area. The easiest area is along Hollywood Blvd itself and then a walk into to the canyon.

 

The Beverly Hills Run:

Location: At any point on Santa Monica Blvd between Doheny and the cross with Wilshire Blvd. From Hollywood, take Santa Monica Blvd west, from westside/Santa Monica/Century City take Santa Monica Blvd east. From Brentwood/Bel Air/San Fernando Valley take Sunset east to Whittier, make a right at Whittier and follow down to Santa Monica Blvd.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills that circles the entire residential area known as the "Beverly Hills Flats" is a bike/running trail that is about 5 miles long. You can gain access to the trail along any route along Santa Monica Blvd. About 10 feet wide and composed of refined dirt on a hard surface, the trail runs the length of Santa Monica Blvd from Doheny Drive. Where the trail ends at Doheny to the east or along Wilshire to the west you can turn and proceed north through the residential area of Beverly Hills. In this area you will get up close and personal access to multi million dollar estates and palm tree lined streets. By proceeding north the path will merge on to Sunset Blvd. Along Sunset Blvd you will see the Beverly Hills hotel and lush greenery. Its a perfect way to get some exercise in and see a more intimate look at Beverly Hills living.

 

The Ocean Run

The bike path that runs the length of the coast beginning at the Pacific Palisades and winding itself all the down to Venice Beach is about 5 miles in length. The path is loaded with roller bladers, bikers and of course runners. Not only will a run, bike ride or ride with the skates get a good work out, it will also expose you to the numerous sights that line this stretch of coast. If beginning at the north end of the stretch, two areas to begin the trip where there is plenty of parking is either at Temescal Canyon Road and the PCH or at Entrada Road and the PCH. Both areas are on in the Santa Monica/Pacific Palisades area. Of course if you are staying in a hotel lower down on the stretch, you can begin there and work north.

 

When coming from north to south, some of the sights you will see is Patricks Road House on PCH. A greed wooden like structure, Patrick's Roadhouse serves quality breakfast and is known a known meeting spot with the local beach crowd. Patrick's Roadhouse has been popular with such stars in the past including Johnny Carson, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts and Ted Danson.

 

Continuing down the path on the left hand side you will next pass the Jonathan Club. The Jonathan Club is a prestigious private club that houses two private clubhouses in the LA area, one being along the beach in Santa Monica. About a mile after this location you will soon come up to the Santa Monica Pier. From here there is easy access to enter the pier and or dine along the many cheap fun eateries that line the path below it. It is in this area that you can also rent a bike to continue the journey along the path in either direction. After passing the pier on the right hand side you will see the famous ocean front hotel properties of Lowe's, Shutters and Casa Del Mar.

 

Temescal Canyon

Location: In the Pacific Palisades where Sunset and Temescal Canyon meet. You can take the PCH from Santa Monica to Temescal canyon, make a right and proceed up to Sunset, or take Sunset west all the way over from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood.

Temescal Canyon has a variety of hiking trails that are as long as 7 miles in length. The trails take hikers deep into the Santa Monica mountains past a variety of vegetation, wild animals (coyotes, lizards and rattle snakes) past a waterfall and up to a breathtaking view of the California coastline at its top. From there the views are spectacular from Santa Monica all the way out ot Malibu.