There is also a trailhead on Solar Dr., which you can find by looking up the address 2450 Solar. I like that trailhead because it leads to a flatter, easier loop around the top of the mountain that is stroller friendly. Plus it is much less crowded and parking is easy! To do the loop, you go through the gate at the end of Solar, head down towards Runyon Cyn Road towards the Mullholland parking lot, walk through the dirt lot, then go through another gate where Desmond Estates Road dead ends, and that hidden trail takes you back out to Astral which leads back to Solar. There's room on that loop to add an out and back to the peak of the park by taking a right on Runyon Canyon Rd.

And P.S. on the drive up to Astral you pass by Trebec Open Space (named for the Jeopardy host who donated the land) on Nichols Cyn Road. There's a quiet, uncrowded short-ish, unofficially-leash-free out and back hike there.

went there with my little brother (15) and had a really fun and relaxing time. It can get pretty hot, so make sure to bring lots of water because there isn't very much shade... There are a TON of exercising people, and a lot of friendly dogs that are off-leash in both the on and off-leash parts of the hike. It has a great view of the city and the hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory.
Very nice! - Jaime - rating:5 stars - 2009-04-08

Wonderful hike that is close to the city. If you start at the bottom it goes up, then down. There are a few small trails skirting off and the view is great at the top. The day I went (weekend) there were many people on the trail and the parking is tight, but good to break in a first date. - Taro - rating:3 stars - 2008-05-22

Great hike, bring a dog! Watch out for street parking, there are residential restrictions and the ticket cost $50. Great view of the Hollywood sign. - Brian and Martha - rating:5 stars - 2007-10-08

This is a good quickie - it usually takes about 30-45 minutes, and you feel like you got a bit of a workout. Very nice if you have an animal friend to bring, since dogs are allowed - off leash, no less. It is not a terribly leisurely hike - lots of goal oriented excercisers, not necessarily nature lovers, per se. It's more like Hollywood's crowded outdoor gym with dogs. Oh, and the scent of dog urine is rough at the start and finish, but ok once you get into the hike. All in all, very convenient, and a nice bit o' nature to escape to in the middle of the city. - genny - rating:4 stars - 2007-02-18