LA looking at improvements to popular hiking spot Runyon Canyon

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Runyon Canyon Park in the Hollywood Hills is always packed with locals and tourists.

It offers some of the best hiking in LA topped with an epic view.

But, city officials say, its 1.8 million visitors a year have taken a toll on the grounds.

"While we've seen record popularity, it has not seen any facility improvements, erosion control or protection of the national environment in years. Anyone who enjoys Runyon Canyon knows it can take upwards of 20 minutes to find parking," said Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu.

The City Council approved a motion Tuesday to study improvements for the park. The report will look at infrastructure and address that parking problem.

"There are so many more people coming up here with cars than we can accommodate. It's created fighting, not just with the community, but the residents coming up here to park. There's actually been fights over a single space," said Anastasia Mann, president of the Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council.

City agencies will study traffic solutions that could include charging hikers for parking. That would be an unwelcome development for visitors.

"I think a paid lot is unnecessary. We come here to disconnect from the busy life. Paying for things to get connected to nature," said Jasmine Dickens, who hikes Runyon regularly.

For context, the city of LA began charging hikers $4 per hour to park at Griffith Observatory last year. Shuttle service to the base of Runyon Canyon is also an option.

The report will be returned to Ryu in 60 days.