GP-eX Segment 15:
MT. HOLLYWOOD EPIC
Note: the only restrooms on this segment are at the start, N of Lot G, and near the end, at the Bird Sanctuary.
PARKING
Greek Theater/Lot G
LENGTH
6.45 miles
GAIN
1,300 ft.
DIFFICULTY
Difficult
DIRECTION
Either, counter-clockwise below
1.From the Riverside trailhead (sign #30), walk SE up the wide dirt trail. When the trail levels out, you can see (E to W) the Vermont Tennis Courts, the Greek Theatre’s seating, the Griffith Observatory and Berlin Forest. Continue on this flat and curvy section which is lined with sacred datura (jimsonweed) for much of the year. After a short downhill, you arrive at a shaded bench (.45, sign #33) with a junction to the R that leads to the tennis courts. Walk forward noting the Cedar Grove in the distance (on the SE/R) and the golf course on your R. Look up on your L (.83) to see the bridge at the Hogback Trail high in the distance – you’ll cross that soon. Soon you pass an entrance trail from paved Vista del Valle (.87); stay L for an uphill climb. Pace yourself.
3.Take a sharp R/S on the narrow, single-track Henry’s Trail. Stay R at the first trail split and L at the second, before arriving at Glendale Peak (1.62). At the 1962 survey marker at the top, you are immersed in stunning 360-degree vistas before retracing your steps N back to the bridge (1.74).
5.At a four-way junction with the Mt. Hollywood Trail/Hogback/North and 3-Mile Trail (2.53, sign #28), stay R, walking NW on the North Trail. Look L down the hill for a lovely view of the 3 Mile Tree and picnic area which you’ll pass soon. Ignore the North Trail that continues down to the R (2.74). Instead, take the single track trail on the L that parallels a pipe. The trail continues NW toward Taco Peak (you won’t summit). Pass the two trails on your L and arrive at a clearing (2.8). Take a quick rest at either a split log bench or a second concrete bench dedicated to Richard Gilmore adorned with a cheery, “Hi, How ya Doing?” greeting.
6.Continue N, passing a single track trail up to Mt. Bell (2.92). Stay on the fire road to the L and check out the 3-Mile Trail and Mt. Hollywood to the S, your soon-to-be destination. Curvy Brush Canyon and Mulholland Trail are below. Arrive at the junction with the North Trail (3.08, sign #62), stay L toward Mt. Hollywood Dr., passing the single track on your R to Mt. Bell. At the next junction (3.16, the green post on your R used to hold sign #63), take a sharp L downhill to Mt. Hollywood Dr. (3.21).
[Raptor photo credit: Gerry Hans]
8. Turn R, passing a secluded picnic area on your L. Stay R (4.19) and at the next junction (4.23, sign #11), stay L. (You return to this spot soon.) You pass several benches provided by the Rotary Club Cedars District and four hitching posts before you arrive at the Tom LaBonge Panorama at the summit of Mt. Hollywood. Two interpretive signs identify distant landmarks and both include Tom’s quote: “Let’s continue to enjoy and love Los Angeles!”
[Tom LaBonge photo credit: Al Seib, Los Angeles Times ]
9.Walk E toward the picnic area you passed earlier. At the junction (4.53), turn L and proceed back to the trail split you also passed (sign #11). This time, stay R and walk downhill toward Captain’s Roost, passing Tank #151 on your R. Arrive at the entrance to Captain’s Roost (4.8) and take a R down to the first bench (also dedicated to Tom LaBonge). Take a moment to explore this folk garden before retracing your steps back to the fire road and turn R/S, continuing downhill to the five-way junction (4.96).
10.Take a hard L/W for a quick out-and-back on the trail – with its exquisite views — leading to Dante’s View. Pass an entrance to the garden on your R, or explore it now if you haven’t yet done so. At the junction with Hogback (5.25, sign #12), turn around and return to the five-way junction (5.55). If you like, take the short spur trail on your L out and back for a hawk’s eye view of the Observatory.
11.Take the single-track Bird Sanctuary Trail (the middle trail L of Mt. Hollywood) downhill. At a bench and trail on the R (5.7), stay L, continuing downhill; use caution on this rocky and narrow trail and remember uphill hikers have right of way. At the chain link fence surrounding the Bird Sanctuary (6.05), turn R and proceed to paved Vermont Canyon (6.2).
12.Turn L and pass the restrooms and Bird Sanctuary on the L, walking SE past picnic tables on your R. Continue on this dirt single-track trail to your start at the Riverside trailhead (sign #30).
