Runyon Canyon Park - Los Angeles, CA

April 14, 2017

It's hard to believe? Runyon Canyon Park is located right by Hollywood! It's a great place for workout and short hikes to explore nature. It also offers a dog park, so pet friendly environment. Trails are moderately steep, and some are very steep, but short. You can choose paved or dirt trails, and also loop or through hike. Like Griffith Park, this is a very popular park among walkers and runners. So, you won't be alone on the trail.

There are a few different entrances depending on where you want to start....from Fuller Ave or Vista St on Hollywood side, or from Mulholland Dr on the north side of the park. West Ridge trail is the steepest and East Ridge is moderately steep. You can loop around both ridges or hike the paved route which runs through between the two ridges.

Views along the trails, Vista points/Inspiration Point and from Indian Rock which is the highest point of the park are spectacular....Hollywood sign, Griffith Park and overlooking Hollywood, DTLA and as far as Parlos Verdes, Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific Ocean to the south as well as San Gabriel mountains and beyond to the north.

Outdoor Yoga class is offered in the park. Parking can be tough as you have to park on the street. Read the sign before you park!

Video by Lifeisamt

Miss American Green Cross Trail & Seven Trees Trail (Library Trail) - Brand Park/Glendale, CA

March 29, 2017

Ditch the crowd in Griffith Park! Brand Park offers a great hike with fantastic views and it's less crowded. The trail is steep, however, and you can choose moderate or extreme. The reward from the top is a Wow! It's part of Verdugo Crest Loop with great views of LA cities and mountain ranges far and near. The park also has some interesting local history, so it's fun to spend extra time to explore....Brand Library/Art Center, Miss American Green Cross statue, Japanese garden and Doctors House museum. Brand Park is really beautiful and peaceful with flowers and trees.

Miss American Green Cross trail and Seven Trees trail (aka Library Trail) are located behind the library. Miss American Green Cross trail gets extremely steep, so be warned. Most people choose to hike Seven Trees trail in/out, and those who want extreme workout or challenge may hike Miss American Green Cross trail to ascend and Seven Trees trail for descending. Once you reach Seven Trees Plateau (1,520 ft), take in a great view before you...wow! From there, if you wish, the trail continues up to the radio towers at Mt. Thom (2,440 ft) where some of the Verdugo mountain roads also intersect. The trail is super steep and a bit slippery, so respect your ability and a hiking pole would be useful particularly when descending. At the top, the reward is sweeping vistas in all directions.

The statue of Miss American Green Cross is a monument of American Green Cross reforestation history which is historically rooted in Glendale back in 1928. Brand Park is truly a hidden gem....two thumbs up!

Hiking distance: Approx. 2.5 - 3.5 miles RT depending on routes.
Gain: Approx. 715 ft to Seven Trees Plateau; 1,640 ft to Mt. Thom.
Ample parking and restroom available.

Video by Lifeisamt