Runyon Canyon Hike

While in quarantine, my phone has been giving me plenty of notifications of the “On this day one year ago…” type nature. Ordinarily, this is a nice reminder of the memories from the years prior. However, it hits differently right now. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I don’t like to be reminded of all the great things I was doing last year, when all I can do right now is sit inside quarantine and practice social distancing. In addition to my Europe trip, my phone also reminded me of how I spent my 21st birthday. While I spent the night of my actual birthday at the Beverly Hills Hotel with my friends, I decided to go and hike Runyon Canyon for the first time the day before. At the time, I told myself that I would write a blog post about it, but I never did. I suppose quarantine is as good of a time as any to do the things you always said you would! 

Before I talk about Runyon, I should really prelude this by saying that I am not much of a hiker. I’m not even much of an outdoorsy person. Growing up, I preferred excursions to museums over camping at national parks, and I spent most of my childhood inside at school or the dance studio. I sunburn incredibly easily, I have an irrational fear of bugs, and I don’t like to get dirty. Getting sweaty doesn’t bother me. After all, I grew up an athlete, and I still am an athlete. Even dry, dusty dirt doesn’t bother me quite so much. It’s mud that I have a real problem with. My time spent outside was primarily limited to meals eaten on patios, walks, and the many afternoons spent at the beach or the pool. I don’t mean to sound like such a priss. It’s just that I prefer a concrete jungle versus an actual jungle. Despite my unusual distaste for getting out into nature, I oddly enough get a weird itch to be a little outdoorsy about once or twice per year. However, my limit for being outdoorsy is probably a lot lower than the average person. The perfect solution? A very well-traversed and busy hike in the middle of the city. 

Runyon is a notoriously famous hike in LA. It sits right in the middle of Hollywood, and it is usually packed with people. I don’t advise hiking alone for obvious safety reasons, but you aren’t really hiking Runyon alone when you go by yourself. The hike is really busy, especially if you go in the after work hours or on a weekend morning. You may be there by yourself, but there are people all around you…like a lot of people. If you want that peaceful, serene hike in the wilderness, this isn’t it. If you just want to get your fix of the outdoors and the sunshine without leaving the city, then Runyon is perfect. 

There are a few different routes you can take. I wasn’t sure which one I was doing until I got there. I just started on the path and kept going forward. I figured I would find my way back down to the start eventually if I just followed the people in front of me. Luckily I was right! Officially, there are three loops you can take, but even if you just want to go part way and double back, you’re more than welcome to. My excursion turned out to be just under three miles, and I did it in about an hour and a half. Runyon isn’t a difficult hike. There are people who do this hike every Saturday morning, and there are people (like me) that have never been there before. Just wear your running shoes and get started!

While one of the biggest cons of going for a hike at Runyon is the lack of parking, it certainly makes up for that in other ways. Yes, the parking is bad enough where you might not even get to hike. Street parking is extremely limited, so keep an eye out and be ready to put your parallel parking skills to the test. However, the views are absolutely worth it. You can even see the Hollywood sign! It’s crazy to think that you are in the middle of the city. That has always been my favorite part of being a California native. I grew up fifteen minutes from the beach, a few hours from the mountains, and only one hour from the city. Now that I moved to the city, I’m only twenty minutes from the beach, another twenty minutes away from hiking, and still close to the mountains. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Southern California really is something special, and I am such a California girl at heart. Having spent the majority of quarantine in Texas has only confirmed my California roots. As much as I agree with the necessity of quarantine, I sincerely miss my little local adventures. I am itching for some sunshine right now. I would go outside more in Texas if it weren’t so miserable. The allergens in Texas seriously get to me. Every time I come home from a run or a walk, my eyes and body won’t stop itching. Sometimes, a shower isn’t even enough, even though I have started taking a Claritin every night. Alaway eyedrops have been a life saver! Fortunately, I am headed home soon, and my summer is looking up as quarantine measures begin to be lifted across the nation. As always, I hope that everyone stays safe. 

xx

Emily