A teeny-tiny two-stall public restroom with a whopping price tag has popped up at the foot of one of Los Angeles’ most popular hiking trails.
Runyon Canyon, a favorite trail for locals and tourists offering sweeping city views, went years without a permanent restroom. That all changed Thursday when the city wheeled in the new facilities, complete with two stalls and two water fountains.
Public records show construction of the toilet is ahead of schedule. The California Post
The restroom includes two toilets and two water fountains. The California PostThe cost for the new restrooms is close to $1 million, a jaw-dropping number for some of Runyon’s visitors.
The California Post has reviewed the documents for the project, revealing a total cost of $961,125.48. Of that total cost, $700,972.62 is for “deferred maintenance funds” and $260,152.86 is for “park fees,” according to the documents.
It also appears the project moved along faster than anticipated, as design started in June 2024 and construction was to run through April 2026, according to the building plans.
Runyon is a popular destination for tourists, locals and celebrities. Getty Images
The new restroom is worth a reported $1 million. Fox11“I look in there and the structure is so little and it’s $1 million. I hope the toilets are the ones that wash your butt. We gotta get our $1 million worth, Mitch Gries, a regular at Runyon, told The California Post.
“I thought it was absurd from the start, and now seeing it, it’s even more absurd,” Runyon Park visitor Shira Scott Astrof told FOX 11. “They wheeled in what looks like an extra-large dog house,” he added.
“Why did it cost the city a million dollars?” hiker Nick Moschetto asked FOX 11.
Runyon is also frequently visited by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and Melanie Griffith.
Nithya Raman, the LA Councilwoman who is currently running for mayor, said the restroom is funded through a grant.
The restrooms feature two stalls and two water fountains. Fox11
Justin Bieber is among many celebs to have hiked Runyon in the past. Pap Nation / Splash News“We’re excited that this grant-funded restroom facility is a step closer to being available for public use at Runyon Canyon,” a statement from her office said. “Runyon is one of the most heavily used parks in Los Angeles, and providing restrooms is basic park infrastructure that benefits everyone who visits.”






