Wattles Garden Park Loop

Abutting the western edge of heavily trafficked Runyon Canyon lie Wattles Garden Park and the Trebek Open Space. Trails penetrating the dense brush and rugged gullies of these areas connect with those of Runyon Canyon, making them accessible via the ample parking facilities located at the Runyon Park entrances, such as that located off Mulholland Drive. A loop through Trebek Open Space to the Wattles Drive entrance, and then back up through the canyon of Wattles Garden Park covers just 2.6 miles but will take you over some challenging terrain. Starting at the Mulholland Drive parking lot, follow the West Trail of Runyon Canyon. After descending the wooden stairs, you will arrive at Runyon's western ridge. Here, where nearly everyone else will continue along the West Trail, a smaller trail -- marked by the "W9" sign -- diverges and heads down the far slope of the ridge. When you arrive at a large transmission-line tower, you will begin a short but very steep descent into the canyon. Once you've reached the bottom of the canyon, it's a short, relatively flat hike out to the road. This is the least-maintained (and least trafficked) part of the loop, so you may need to work your way over some overgrown areas. The trail is easy to follow, however. You'll pop out on a residential street where Wattles Drive changes into Curson Ave. Go left, and two blocks down you'll find the well-marked entrance to Wattles Garden Park. Follow the path on the right side of the grassy lawn, up the steps and through the columns to access the trail leading back up through the gulch (for an easier route, you can stay to the left and go up the ridge instead). This section of the loop is the most strenuous and does require working your way up some steep, rocky inclines. Before long, you will reconnect with the larger trail that follows the ridge and leads you back to the West Trail of Runyon Canyon and the parking area.