Hiking Fryman Canyon aka “The Prettier Runyon”
If you live in L.A., or even if you’ve just visited a friend who lives here, chances are you’ve heard of Runyon Canyon. It’s like, the most popular quickie hike in the area.
This is not to discredit it. It’s great for a short 30 minute sweat, has beautiful views of the city (when it’s not smoggy), is dog-friendly and close to my house.
Not to mention that you’ve got a 65% chance of spotting a celebrity there. I once followed Amanda Seyfried up the “hard side” and let me tell you: she.is.fit.
Some drawbacks though…a very pungent animal waste smell, an ungodly amount of people on the weekends and it’s extremely hard to find parking.
So when my friend Leah mentioned another nearby trail with all of the positives of Runyon but without the crowds and smells, I jumped at the chance to find a new go-to hike.
It’s called the Fryman Canyon loop.
Located just a hop, skip, and a jump over the hill, Fryman is about a 3-mile-hike featuring gorgeous views of the valley.
It’s also about 5 minutes from my favorite froyo spot, but we’re getting off topic.
Last weekend I decided to check it out with my boys and our houseguest, Mr. Chow’s girlfriend Roster.
Aren’t they just two peas in a pod?!
The hike begins in a parking lot just off of Laurel Canyon and Fryman. If you’re coming from Weho: go up Crescent Heights, it turns into Laurel Canyon. Shortly after you go over the hill, you’ll see the light for Fryman Rd., go left. The parking lot will be on your right.
It costs $3 to park (cash), so don’t forget!
At the trailhead, you’ll see a sign. It’s technically called the “Betty B. Dearing” trail.
The trail begins on a paved road and climbs steadily up for about a mile, switching to a dirt path halfway through.
As you gain elevation, you can see all across studio city and the surrounding Hollywood Hills/Coldwater Canyon area.
Once you reach the top, there’s a water fountain for humans and their furry friends.
And if you need to go to the bathroom, just make a detour past the fountains and go up the smaller trail on your right.
At the top are bathrooms, picnic benches and more parking. Yet another benefit over Runyon. When you’re there and mother nature calls, you better hold it.
About half way down the decline, the trail ends and you enter a beautiful neighborhood on Iredell Lane. For pure nature enthusiasts, this might not be your cup of tea. But for those who want to marvel at beautiful homes and lawns overflowing with flowers, you’ll enjoy this alternative ending.
At the end of Iredell, the street connects with Fryman Road again. You turn left and head back to the parking lot.
The whole hike took us about 45 minutes-1 hour, but we stopped to enjoy the view.
If you’re looking for a reprieve from the chaos of Runyon Canyon, this is absolutely my recommendation for a quick and easy outing. It’s a great trail to give your pup some exercise without overexerting him, and a fun athletic activity to do while catching up with girlfriends.
Why not try it over the long weekend?!
Victoria says:
Ah man that looks like an awesome place to hike! And your dogs are tooo cute ! :)
I’ve only been in LA twice but Ive neved gone on a hike there. It’ll be on the list for next time :)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Victoria! I tons of other recommendations if you do visit, just drop me a line :)
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