Griffith Park -- Fern Dell to Mt. Hollywood

Griffith Park from the Fern Dell to Mt. Hollywood and back to the Fern Dell via the Observatory. Five miles roundtrip.

Easy to moderate, but novice hikers are likely to have difficulty with the elevation gain as the trail to Mt. Hollywood is a steady uphill climb.

Up Western Canyon to the hilltop behind the Observatory (not to be confused with Hollywood sign a mile to the west above Beachwood Canyon). Then down along different trails and fireroads with a stop at the Observatory. Elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Approximately two and a half hours, including stops to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area from atop Mt. Hollywood and at the recently renovated Observatory. Those who wish to linger can visit the Observatory exhibits before descending the last mile along the fire road to the Fern Dell parking lot on their own.

Enter Griffith Park from Los Feliz Blvd., 100 yards east of Western Avenue, between a bust of Leif Ericsson (leader of the Vikings who reached Newfoundland 1,000 years ago) and a statue of a "rampant" (i.e., standing on his hindlegs) bear. Don't confuse this entrance with the Vermont/Hillhurst entrance, also on Los Feliz Blvd., a mile to the east. Drive uphill about 0.6 mile into the park, past Trails Restaurant on the left and a children's playground equipment on the right, to the entrance of a large parking lot on your left. Look for a white Volvo sedan parked on the far side of the parking lot and one or two small black dogs (thought by some to resemble small black bears). Parking is free.

The group will depart at 8 a.m. You should plan to reach the parking lot a few minutes early, but if you miss us there are multiple trails and fireroads leading up to Mt. Hollywood and to the Observatory. You will enjoy your walk in the park with or without the group.

Trails Restaurant, 0.2 mile from the parking lot, serves breakfast for those want to eat under the trees after the hike.

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