GP-eX Segment 3:
CRYSTAL SPRINGS – ATWATER PARK
ALL ABOARD! This fun expedition is a sure-fire hit with adventure-loving kids and adults who are kids at heart. Railroads, tunnels, bridges and more are in this flat loop. Bring along a picnic and be sure to check out the Griffith Park Visitor Center and the fun bonus options.
Note: LADWP is replacing poles along the Main Trail during weekdays through Sept. ’25, so portions of the trail may be closed during that time.
PARKING
Same lot as trailhead
LENGTH
2.7 miles
GAIN
130 ft.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
DIRECTION
Either, counterclockwise below
1.Start from the NE corner of the paved parking lot and walk N on the wide dirt Main Trail. Veer R at the Parkline Shuttle sign and pass remote parking for the Greek Theater on your L; you hear (!) the 5 freeway on your R. Continue below an underpass for an off-ramp into the Park. You meet plenty of runners on this popular, flat trail.
2.After a slight downhill, you arrive at a sign for the “Pony & Train Rides” on your L at .56. Turn R/E and walk through a tunnel beneath the 5 (it can be muddy/slippery after rain). At the end (.60), turn R up a ramp, L at the bike path and R to cross the North Atwater MultiModal Bridge (aka La Kretz Crossing). Use the wooden pedestrian and cyclist deck on the S; the N side is for equestrian use. The impressive center spire is 325 ft. long and rises 126 ft. into the air.
3.Pause to appreciate the peaceful L.A. River below you and the wildlife it attracts before continuing to the end of the bridge. Turn L (.71) and walk N on the dirt path. Turn around near wooden benches to savor a picture-perfect view of the bridge with Beacon Hill in the distance. Continue N, passing an “Atwater Village Equestrian District” sign and a 2012 National Park Service marker for the L.A. River, part of President Obama’s “America’s Great Outdoors” program.
4.Turn R/E to walk up stairs to a raised deck with picnic tables; you’re now in North Atwater Park, a seldom-visited section of Griffith Park. It was separated when the 5 Freeway was built in the late 1950s and destroyed 200 prime acres of parkland. There also are small plaques with names of native plants on the rocks surrounding the base of the deck. Take time to explore; from the center trail to the R of the water fountain find an interpretive sign for the Park’s Water Quality System.
5.Walk down the dirt steps with railings and take a dirt single track that parallels the River-side trail you just walked on. You see junctions for other trails here; keep to the L. You pass short stone fences and a corral with interpretive signs. Continue straight past stairs on your R and veer R after passing a baseball field and equestrian ring on your L. Look up to see the bridge spire peeking above the trees. At 1.03, turn R at the brown railroad ties and walk up to rejoin the path on the E side of the River.
Bonus
Add some flat mileage (1.5 mi.) and visit a secret picnic spot by taking this out-and-back before continuing. Walk S on the E side of the River and enjoy more views of this soft-bottom section. Continue for .75 miles to Los Feliz Blvd., and you’ll arrive at the extravagantly-named “Rio de Porciuncula Picnic Area” (two whole picnic tables!). You can also walk through a stone gate to arrive at the Los Feliz Café. The Café and 9-hole golf course are part of Griffith Park, also separated in the ‘50s by the 5 Freeway.
Retrace your steps walking N to the bridge to get back to the trail.
7.Turn R and walk N on the wide, sandy path, passing the Crystal Springs parking lots on the L. At 1.47, you come to a junction with a trail to the L/W. On the NW corner ahead is the Anza Native Garden, planted by volunteers from Friends of Griffith Park with seeds gleaned from Griffith Park. An interpretive sign in front describes Southern California landscapes. (This is the turnaround point for the GP-eX Segment 4 hike.)
8.Turn L/W passing the Crystal Springs picnic area on the L and the Wilson & Harding Golf Courses on the R. At 1.72, you arrive at a fence cut. Turn L to cross a paved road to the back garden of the Griffith Park Visitor Center. Investigate the Visitor Center (there’s a restroom inside). Learn about P-22, the Mountain Lion of Griffith Park, at the interpretive sign here. See if you find P-22 peeking out from the three-walled “Invisible Neighbors” mural in front of the Auditorium, commissioned by Friends of Griffith Park. A map of the Park with information about an Urban Wilderness (sign #98) is just opposite the mural.
10.At 2.10, you arrive at the junction of the Main Trail and the tunnel. Turn R at the “Pony & Train Rides” sign to take Main Trail S, retracing your steps to the start. At 2.52, you cross the underpass and notice tracks for the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad on your L, beyond the chain link fence. Continue along Main to the start of the trail in the Railroad parking lot.
Bonus
Before you leave, there’s lots to explore just S of this segment, all within a few minutes’ walk.
Check out the historic and popular Griffith Park & Southern Railroad on the E side of the parking lot, and the detailed miniatures in the windows of the Los Feliz Passenger Center depot.
Continue S past the site of the Pony Rides. While closed now, the Rides were considered a “contributing factor” to Griffith Park’s designation as Historic-Cultural Monument (#942).
Finally, the photo op-friendly Western Town facades along Crystal Springs Dr. can help capture happy memories of visits to the Park.
