Runyon Canyon closing but check out these alternative hiking areas

With popular Runyon Canyon set to be closed for four months for a pipe replacement project, city officials Thursday offered a list of alternative areas with similar hiking and recreational opportunities.

Alternative areas include:

— Franklin Canyon Park, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive;

— Fryman Canyon Park, 8401 Mulholland Drive, in Studio City;

— Hollywood Reservoir, 6399 Weidlake Drive, in Hollywood; and

— Wilacre Park, 12601 Mulholland Drive, in Studio City.

The Runyon Canyon hiking trails and other areas in the park, with the exception of the yoga field, will be closed from April until July to make way for the Runyon Canyon Water System Improvement project to replace one mile of a 6-inch pipe at the park.

The Department of Water and Power has identified more than 30 weak spots along the pipe that are prone to leaks. The pipe is in urgent need of being replaced, especially because the fire department depends on it to fight fires, according to city officials.

—City News Service