The LA Hiking "Hippie"

Well, I guess its not even a hippie thing to hike in Los Angeles, as pretty much everyone does it from time to time, or at least once. Going hiking at Runyon Canyon is just heading to the "hippest" nature spot in Hollywood (now, that's just perfect irony) to meet wannabe outdoorsy people wearing their most awesomely Hollywood designer workout gear. Even so, I'm not going to lie that it does have a pretty cool view when you get to the top, and can definitely make for a moderately challenging workout. However, when going it is best to either bring 1. a buddy, which many people do so they can walk at a leisurely pace (still in their pristine workout getup, of course) in order to run their mouths about some mundane topic typically having nothing to do with either hiking or nature, or 2. an Ipod or similar MP3 device in order to block out the other people around you talking about mundane unhiking and unnaturey crap. Also, I'd highly recommend the Fuller Street entrance, as even though it is by far the busiest, it is the best for the best workout.

The best and for sure most hippie thing about Runyon Canyon is the free yoga. Yeah, that's right, FREE. Well, technically its donation yoga, but hey, if you're a broke hippie like me then don't feel so bad about getting your zen on minus payment. Just be sure to throw a few bucks every couple sessions to at least show your appreciation. And focus extra hard in class so you don't look like a stingy douche. Anyway,the classes are every weekday from 10:30 to 11:45, and then in the afternoon from 2-3. Bring your own mat, be on time, do as the instructor says. I've had sessions with two different instructors, and for all I know there are only two instructors total, but they are definitely different although both fairly fast and not very zen-y or calming. Yet they do push you to do well and you'll for sure get a great workout and will really sweat. In the morning sessions I've seen people bringing their own incense to burn next to them as they work the yoga. Multiple people. In the middle of a park. Yup.

Check out the page at:
http://www.myspace.com/runyoncanyonyoga

And yes, I do recommend the yoga, even though the instructors are a little harsh for my liking and you are most likely either too chilly or too sticky and the little bugs swarm you like crazy. But you'll get  your hippie ass kicked in the best way, that's for sure.