Runyon Canyon is a hiking hot spot in Los Angeles just east of Hollywood and guaranteed to be packed with hikers and their dogs on any given weekend. Runyon Canyon is also the residence of a 3 legged goat.

Runyon Canyon offers a lot of great activities for Angelinos, here are a few:

• Free yoga classes on Saturdays and Sundays.
• There are 2 different hiking trails, with one being much steeper than the other.
•  The best views of Los Angeles.

One Sunday I was invited for a hike at Runyon Canyon, only to find out that we were taking the trail on the left side of the canyon known as “the longer and steeper trail”.  After 30 minutes we were still hiking, surrounded by the best views of Los Angeles and almost every single hiker accompanied by his or her dog. There were signs all around stating “Dogs need to be on leashes at all times”.  Some hikers did not follow the rule and some do.  At the top of the of the trail, we noticed this ranch look-like residence with a beautiful horse, an old dog and a 3 legged goat walking around.

The 3 legged goat was the result of an altercation between a dog without a leash and the goat.  It took a lot of hikers to get involved when the altercation took place and, with the assistance of Laurel Pet Hospital, the wounded goat was saved.  The 3 legged goat seems to be doing just fine considering what took place.  It seems happy to be hanging around with its horse and dog friends, sharing this fenced outdoor space.

As exhausting as the hike was on this steep trail, it sure was worth it getting to know the story behind the 3 legged goat and hopefully it was a lesson learned for all dog owners during their hikes.  Not only is this goal happily healed, but the story behind the goat became the conversation while going down the trail, which I might add was much easier than going up the trail. Two things I have learned during this hike were:

• Do not have a full breakfast before a hike.
• Do not drink coffee before a hike.
• The entire hike took almost an hour and it’s not recommended to do this on a hot day.
• The dog on leashes requirement is only on the left side trail of Runyon Canyon.

However, if you want to push yourself physically and get a chance to see this special goat, then I recommend taking the trail on the left side at the Fuller Avenue entrance.

How do you feel about dogs being required to be on leashes while hiking?  Have you been to Runyon Canyon?  Please share your experiences and leave your comments below.