Griffith Park Hike @ Merry Go Round Lot

This hike is 4 miles/800 ft in the newly opened burn area, known to the regulars as the "backyard hike". Most of the elevation gain is in a short period of time. The trail on the steep ascent is hard to find because of the fires, so a little bit of adventure is required for this hike.

The fine print:
Wildlife (snakes, bobcats, mountain lions etc) seen in the park, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. Dogs are not permitted on hikes.

Bring Along
Hiking boots and at least 1 Liter Water. Layered clothing in case it's cold. Long pants in case it's hot, to prevent being bitten by insects. Mosquito and tic spray (available at Sports Chalet) are recommended.
No bright (white) flashlights or dogs please. Red, Blue flashlights are ok.

We start at 6:30 PM sharp. If you miss us, there are several Sierra Club hikes that start at the opposite end of the parking lot at 7:00PM.

Directions:

134 Westbound (From Eagle Rock/Pasadena Area): Stay in the far right lane as if you are getting on Interstate 5. The Zoo Drive exit is almost hidden at the I5/134 Interchange. Exit Zoo Drive and proceed on the road, underneath the freeway, and make a left at the first stop sign (Western Heritage Way). At the fourth stop sign, make a right hand turn. There's no street sign, but there should be a sign in the median stating the Merry Go Round is to the right. Make a right hand turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot at the back side of the "yield" sign, near the driveway entrance to the lower parking lot. You won't be able to see the actual yield sign, but you'll see the pole.

134 Eastbound (From Burbank area): Exit Victory and make a right hand turn. Make a left hand turn into Griffith Park. Go five stop signs. There's no street sign, but there should be a sign in the median stating the Merry Go Round is to the right. Make a right hand turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot at the back side of the "yield" sign, near the driveway entrance to the lower parking lot. You won't be able to see the actual yield sign, but you'll see the pole.

From Interstate 5 (either direction)
Go West on Los Feliz. Make a right on Riverside drive into Griffith Park. Go two stop signs and make a left turn. Continue up the road. The road forces you to make a sharp right hand turn into a parking lot. Go through the parking lot. You'll hit a small dark road (it's lit if it's daylight savings time) for a short period of time, followed by a brightly lit lot. Park in the back of the lot (the part you entered in). Meet at the back of the lot at the back side of the "yield" sign, near the driveway entrance to the lower parking lot. You won't be able to see the actual yield sign, but you'll see the pole.

If you know the park well, it is Merry Go Round Lot #2, just at the path to the lower lot.
If you'd like a visual, here is a map.

http://angeles.sierra...