You’re standing at the bottom of Fuller Avenue. You see the influencers in matching spandex and the guy hiking in jeans for some reason. You’re wondering, how long is Runyon Canyon hike? It’s a simple question with a weirdly complicated answer.
Los Angeles doesn’t do "standard." Everything here is a choose-your-own-adventure story, and Runyon is the ultimate example. If you take the paved fire road, you're looking at a totally different afternoon than if you tackle the "Hero Trail."
Most people just want to know if they’ll be back in time for their brunch reservation at Los Vida. Honestly, you probably will be. But let's break down the actual mileage and the sweat equity required so you don't end up gasping for air halfway up the East Ridge.
The Basic Math: Distance vs. Reality
If we’re talking raw numbers, the most popular loop—the Runyon Canyon Road to East Ridge trail—clocks in at about 2.7 miles.
That’s the "standard."
But "standard" is a lie. If you enter from the north end at Mulholland Drive, you’re already halfway up the mountain. Your hike might only be a mile. If you park six blocks away because the Fuller entrance is a zoo, you’ve just added a twenty-minute urban trek to your workout.
The Runyon Canyon Road (the paved one) is roughly 1.9 miles out and back. It’s the "I want to look at the view but I don't want to ruin my white sneakers" route. It’s easy. It’s consistent. It’s basically a treadmill with better scenery.
Then there’s the Star Trail. This is the middle ground. It’s steeper than the paved road but not as punishing as the ridges. Most hikers finish this in about 45 minutes to an hour.
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Why the clock is your enemy here
Time is subjective in Hollywood. On a Tuesday at 10:00 AM, you can fly up the hill. On a Saturday afternoon? You’re navigating a sea of Labradoodles and tourists stopping every ten feet to take a selfie with the Hollywood Sign in the background.
Expect to spend between 60 and 90 minutes for a full loop.
If you’re power-walking like a local who’s late for a pitch meeting, you can do it in 45. If you’re actually stopping to breathe and enjoy the fact that you can see the Pacific Ocean and the DTLA skyline at the same time, give yourself two hours.
The Three Routes Explained (Sorta)
There isn't just one way to do this. That's the beauty of it. You have options, and your choice dictates exactly how long is Runyon Canyon hike for you personally.
The Paved Fire Road (The Socialite Route)
This is the wide, asphalt path. It’s the most crowded. It’s also the safest bet if you have bad knees or a stroller. You’ll see celebrities here. You’ll see people making TikToks. It’s about 1.8 to 2 miles depending on where you turn around. It’s a steady incline, but nothing that will make your heart jump out of your chest.
The East Ridge / Hero Trail (The Lung Buster)
This is where the real work happens. If you enter from Fuller and immediately veer right, you’re on the ridge. It’s dirt. It’s dusty. It has those "stairs" made of wooden planks that always feel like they’re a different height. This route is roughly 2.5 miles for the full loop, but the elevation gain is concentrated. It feels longer. It feels harder.
The West Trail
This is the quiet one. Most people ignore it. It’s a bit more rugged and less maintained, but it offers some of the best views of the canyon itself rather than just the city. It’s about 1.9 miles if you play your cards right.
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What Nobody Tells You About the North Entrance
Everyone talks about the Fuller Avenue entrance. It’s the classic. But if you want a "cheat code," you go to the Mulholland Drive entrance.
Parking is still a nightmare. Don't get it twisted.
However, starting from the top means you do the downhill part first. This is a trap. You feel great, you’re flying, you’re enjoying the breeze... and then you realize you have to hike back up to your car. If you start at Mulholland, a "quick" walk can easily turn into a 45-minute uphill slog on the way back.
The Weather Factor
LA heat is no joke.
Runyon has almost zero shade. If it’s 85 degrees in West Hollywood, it’s 95 on the ridge. The sun bounces off that light-colored dirt and cooks you from both sides. This significantly impacts how long you can actually stay out there.
During a Santa Ana wind event or a mid-July heatwave, that 2.7-mile loop feels like a marathon. Bring more water than you think you need. There are water fountains at the bottom, but once you’re on the ridge, you’re on your own.
Let’s Talk About the Dogs
Runyon is famous for being off-leash. It’s basically a giant dog park with a view.
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If you aren’t a dog person, this will be the longest 90 minutes of your life. You will be dodged by Golden Retrievers. You will see a Frenchie struggling with the incline (relatable). This affects your pace. You’re stopping to let dogs pass, or you’re slowing down because a Great Dane is blocking the single-track portion of the trail.
Realistically, How Long is Runyon Canyon Hike?
Let’s get specific.
- The "I'm just here for the gram" loop: 45 minutes. You go up the paved road to the first big lookout, take your photos, and walk back down.
- The "I actually want a workout" loop: 75 minutes. You take the East Ridge up and the paved road down.
- The "I missed my spin class" burn: 90+ minutes. You do the full perimeter, hitting the highest points and the most difficult terrain.
According to data from trail apps like AllTrails and local hiking groups, the average move time is right around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
The Seasonal Shift
In the winter (or what passes for winter in California), the air is clear. You can see all the way to Catalina Island. You’ll move faster because you aren’t melting.
In the spring, the "superbloom" (or just green grass) makes everyone stop to take photos every five minutes. Your hike time doubles. It’s science.
Practical Steps for Your Hike
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Check the gate times. Runyon usually opens at dawn and closes at dusk. The rangers are strict. If you’re still up there when the sun goes down, you might get a ticket or find your car locked behind a gate if you parked in the small lot at the top.
- Park smart. Fuller and Vista are the main gates. If they’re full, try parking a few blocks south of Sunset and walking up. It adds 0.5 miles to your "how long is Runyon Canyon hike" total, but it saves you 20 minutes of circling for a spot.
- Wear actual shoes. I see people in flip-flops every single time. The dirt is slippery. The ridges have loose scree. Wear sneakers with some grip.
- The "Honesty Box". There’s often a spot at the bottom with water and fruit. It’s based on the honor system. Carry a few bucks in cash.
Making the Most of the Miles
Runyon isn't just about the distance. It’s about the culture. It’s the most "LA" thing you can do. You’re hiking through 160 acres of prime real estate that somehow stayed wild while the rest of the city turned into concrete.
Whether you're doing the 1.8-mile paved stroll or the 3.3-mile full-perimeter grind, you're getting one of the best views in the world for free.
Next Steps for Your Runyon Adventure:
- Download a trail map: Even though it’s hard to get "lost," the different paths can be confusing the first time. Use an app to track your actual distance.
- Hydrate early: Drink 16 ounces of water before you start the incline at the Fuller gate.
- Timing is everything: Aim to hit the trail before 8:00 AM on weekends or during the "Golden Hour" just before sunset to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds.
- Check the air quality: If there’s a fire nearby or a high smog day, the canyon traps that air. It’s better to skip it and head to the beach instead.