GP-eX Segment 10:
COSMIC CLIMB – HEART OF GRIFFITH PARK
PARKING
Lot 9/Western Canyon
(Closes at sunset)
LENGTH
5.5-to-5.75 miles
GAIN
1,200 ft.
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
DIRECTION
Either; clockwise below
1.From the lot entrance, walk carefully E across paved Western Canyon Rd., past an “Observatory Traffic” sign on the L. Continue past picnic tables to the dirt West trailhead/East (sign #21) and walk N on a fire road, which runs parallel to the main road. Note the concrete check dams on your L and a “Restricted Entry” sign on your R. At the junction at .3 miles, go R and continue uphill.
3.Arrive at Mt. Hollywood Trail (1.05, sign #16). Turn R to continue through the oasis of Berlin Forest with its shady picnic tables and benches, and views of the Valley to the N and DTLA to the S. Continue W to the Observatory parking lot, stopping to read the “Park After Dark” interpretive sign (#101), the large Charlie Turner TH map (#19) and Mt. Hollywood Hiking Trail lamppost on your L. Don’t miss the George Harrison memorial yew pine directly in front of the trailhead.
4.Turn R/N, cross W. Observatory Rd. to the sidewalk and continue L/W. Just past the restrooms and drinking fountains is sculpture of angel wings, a fun photo op. Pass a few “Hi Spy viewfinders” where .50 cents will get you a close-up view of the Hollywood sign. Continue W past the bust of actor James Dean to enjoy the Griffith Observatory where it has resided on its regal spot on the Southern slope of Mt. Hollywood since 1935. If you have time, explore the exhibits, a planetarium show and telescopes inside this wonderful example of cosmic Art Deco. Gaze up at the Astronomers Monument on the front lawn and note the orbital paths of the planets on the surrounding grounds.
5.When you’re back on Earth, take the S sidewalk (pass sign #25 on R) to return to the Charlie Turner TH. Cross paved E. Observatory Rd. (use caution) and take the sidewalk on the S side of the lot. Look up and ahead at Mt. Hollywood and the stately palm trees at Captain’s Roost, created in 1940 and one of three grandfathered folk gardens in the Park. Retrace your steps through the Berlin Forest to the junction with the West Trail (sign #16) at 1.85.
6.Continue straight to cross the bridge and turn L, taking the gradual, winding uphill of the Mt. Hollywood Trail fire road. Enjoy the expansive views along the way until you arrive at the Tiffany & Co. Overlook (2.3). After a break, continue R uphill on the fire road.
7.Arrive at a junction of multiple trails (2.65, sign #13). Take a sharp R down to the curvy, single-track Bird Sanctuary Trail, passing a junction with a downhill trail to the Observatory (2.86). Note: this trail is two-way; give uphill hikers right of way. Arrive at the chain link fence bordering the Bird Sanctuary (3.2); continue down to the N. Vermont Canyon Rd. un-numbered sign on your R; restrooms on your L (3.4).
8.Turn L and enter the historic Bird Sanctuary via the door in the chain link fence, walking this secret gem loop clockwise up the L/W side. You see some dry, stone-lined irrigation ditches and empty basins created as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps as you walk to the top (3.6). Continue downhill on the E side of the Sanctuary, pass a picnic table on the R and arrive at a small wooden bridge (3.7). Cross the bridge and retrace your steps to the entrance (3.75).
10.Turn L/S on the sidewalk, passing the Greek’s box office and black and white photos of the theater on the R. Stop and look up to see the Astronomers Monument towering above you. Continue downhill, passing a large, shaded picnic area.
11.Arrive at the junction with paved Vista del Valle Dr.; restrooms ahead, across the road (4.25). Keep R on the sidewalk, R again at the stop sign, and R onto the first dirt trail, the Boy Scout Trail (sign #26).
12.The fire road begins somewhat steeply; get your first close-up view of the Observatory looming above (4.5). Cross a narrow, paved road (4.6) and continue up a short single track dirt trail to come out to a magnificent view of the L.A. basin. Scramble up the dirt trail on your R to re-join the fire road, turning L to continue uphill to the bench (4.8, sign #24). Continue past the bench and head down the dirt fire road (caution – it can be slippery).
Bonus
(or continue w/step 13 below) Take a sharp R to continue up the steep Observatory Trail for 1/10th mile to the end, taking in the sweeping vista of the Hollywood Sign to your L as you climb. After catching your breath, retrace your steps down the Observatory Trail to the junction at sign #24, and turn R down the dirt fire road.
13.Arrive at the junction of East and West Observatory Trails (5.0, sign #23). Turn L to continue down East Observatory Trail.
14.Cross the brown wooden bridge on your R (5.5, sign #22). Stay R on a wide, shaded dirt path, pass restrooms, a playground and picnic tables on your L/W. Continue straight until you arrive at the trailhead (5.7).
Bonus
The Boy Scout Trail loop is a glorious route to take at twilight, a fan favorite with both locals and their out-of-town guests (on nights when there is no concert at the Greek). Park at Vista del Valle W of Vermont, take the fire road up to the bench, turn R to take the Observatory Trail up, walk around the Observatory to take in more views, then return via the sidewalk along N. Vermont Canyon Rd. past the Greek to your car. The official hours of the Park are 5 am – 10:30 pm, so plan your hikes accordingly! Lots are locked at the end of the day.