Take Hike!
The time is right to take to Los Angeles’ great outdoors. Framed by mountains and the sea, the city offers a multitude of walking trails, popular with those who thrive on adventures in nature. Whether you’re tackling mountain heights or catching stunning sunsets, a hike through Los Angeles’ magnificent parklands fuels the body, mind and soul. by MARINA KAY Runyon Canyon Park, Santa Monica Mountains You’ve probably heard of it: the famous Runyon Canyon hike, popular with celebrities, L.A. residents and tourists alike. Conveniently located a few minutes’ drive from Hollywood Boulevard, the well-trodden trail nestled in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range starts at North Fuller Avenue. Veer right and hike to Inspiration Point for panoramic city views before continuing up the ridge’s steep earthen steps to Cloud’s Rest, where you’ll see the Los Angeles Basin at a 1,040-foot elevation. From here, it’s a leisurely walk down Runyon Canyon Fire Road to complete the 1.65-mile loop. Note: Maintenance work may close parts of 10 SOCALPULSE.COM
the trail—prepare for detours. Since street parking can be a challenge, visit on a quieter weekday morning, or try your luck on Hollywood Boulevard. 2000 N. Fuller Ave., L.A.
The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Seeing the Hollywood sign up-close is one to tick off the bucket list. With Hollyridge Trail closed off to pedestrians and Cahuenga Peak experiencing closures due to overcrowding, a view of the H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D letters is best accessed from either of two alternate hikes. There’s the shorter Innsdale trail that places you front and center with the sign (you’ll see Lake Hollywood Reservoir and downtown L.A., too) and the 6.4-mile Brush Canyon Trail that ends at Mount Lee, home
Culver City Stairs at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Culver City’s 282-step recycled concrete staircase is so grand, you could probably see it from outer space. Those concrete stepping slabs range anywhere from 2 to 20 inches in height. Climbing them affords a great workout that’s paired with scenic views from a 511-foot-high platform. Aim for an evening visit to watch the sky change to pink and orange as the sun sets over downtown L.A., West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean. Either take the stairs back down, or follow the switchback trail as it traces its way to the trailhead’s start at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Hetzler Road. Parking is available on Jefferson Boulevard. 6100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City
Temescal Canyon Loop, Topanga State Park Adventure seekers, this hike is for you! Temescal Canyon Loop starts steep and ends steep, making it one of the more challenging
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to the 45-foot-high letters. This unshaded, undulating hike is not for the fainthearted, so make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Follow the trail until you reach a junction with Mulholland Highway, where you’ll turn left. At the next junction, take a sharp right onto the paved Mount Lee Drive, and steadily climb while overlooking the San Fernando Valley, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Lake Hollywood Reservoir, the Pacific Ocean and basically the entire city—which you’ll see in between the letters of the Hollywood sign. To descend, retrace your steps. Parking is available at both trailheads. Innsdale Drive at Canyon Lake Drive; Brush Canyon Trail, L.A.
