(photo by Cameron Kiszla)

On May 26, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that Runyon Canyon will reopen for hiking with “many new safety measures in place.”

“We have reduced the number of people that can enter at any point in time, instituted a one-way loop, deployed more staff, and installed electronic counters and cameras to monitor crowds,” Garcetti said on Twitter.

Garcetti added that the safety features “are not permanent, but will be in place while we live with COVID-19.”

“If it gets too crowded, we will adjust hours or close the trail if necessary. Please use a face covering when near others and ensure 6 feet of distance with people outside of your home,” Garcetti said.

Mark Pampanin, spokesman for City Councilman David Ryu, 4th District, said funding from Ryu’s office helped make the increased safety measures possible. All four park entrances will feature trail counters, Pampanin added.

“These trail counters give daily data on the number of visitors through each entrance that our office and the [City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks] can monitor as we continue to assess the safety in and around the park,” Pampanin said.

Ryu added that he “will continue working with the community and monitoring the use of the park with safety as the top priority.”

“But the most important step can be taken by the public – wear a face covering and maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet to ensure everyone’s safety,” Ryu said.

Rose Watson, director of public information for the department, said the park will be open from sunrise to sunset. Park staff will be present at entrances and on the trails to ensure the park is not overcrowded and that social distancing is practiced.

“So far, with the other trails, everything has been going pretty smoothly,” Watson said. “Everybody has been patiently waiting for Runyon Canyon to open up, and we’re excited to be doing so.”

Runyon Canyon is located at 2000 N. Fuller Ave. For information, visit laparks.org/covid-19.