GP-eX Segment 4:
ANZA – AUTRY – MAIN
THERE’S HISTORY in this long flat route that offers a few tranquil spots despite the din of the adjacent freeway traffic, with bonus options to stop at some major attractions. This straightforward out-and-back is also a great choice for the directionally-challenged. Bring friends along for that long-overdue catch up conversation.
Note: LADWP is replacing poles along the Main Trail south of the Autry during weekdays through Sept. ’25. Portions of the trail may be closed during that time.
PARKING
Adjacent lot (W of trailhead)
LENGTH
5.42 miles
GAIN
150 ft.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
DIRECTION
Out-and-back
1.Start from the L.A. Live Steamers sign and cross Zoo Dr. N at the crosswalk to the dirt Western Ave. Equestrian Trail. Proceed straight to the Main Trail and turn R/E. This is your “home” for this segment, along with many runners. For most of the hike, you continue on this wide, sometimes-shaded path to your turnaround point at the Anza Native Garden near the Visitor Center, with freeways on your L on the outbound and on your R as you return.
2.A quarter-mile in, you see tunnel #6 on your L, one of several underpasses for horses to enter the Park from the Equestrian Center to the N. Construction of the 134 freeway in the ’60s separated the northern end of the Park. Shaded picnic tables are on your R, and foraging ground squirrels dart back and forth along the trail around you.
4.At 1.05, you see signs for visitor parking for the LA Zoo and Autry Museum. At 1.10 you enter an exquisitely-lovely section of the trail, with sections of effervescently-green lawn shaded by mature sycamores. Continue straight at the junction to your R at 1.18 that leads to a tunnel under Zoo Dr. to the Skyline trailhead.
5.At 1.21 the Autry’s tower is in the distance and the L.A. Zoo’s parking lot on your R. Music lovers take note: the Hollywood Bowl’s convenient shuttle departs here during the summer season. At 1.44, the trail curves slightly and passes through tunnel #4, an underpass for a freeway exit to the Zoo and Autry.
Bonus
After passing the Autry at 1.5, turn R, walking E toward Crystal Springs Dr. The small cluster of buildings on your R is yet another of the Park’s secret treasures: the North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet Center. Established in 1981 to instruct students in animal studies and biological sciences, the Center is consistently rated among the top magnet schools in the country. Retrace your steps W to the Main Trail and turn R.
6.The next mile is marked by a red and white cinderblock wall on your R. It’s a straightaway and a good opportunity to maybe pick up your pace – and join the joggers? Golfers and golf carts putter at Wilson-Harding Course on your R.
7.At 2.63 you come to a junction on your R; this is your turnaround point. Check out what’s blooming at the Anza Native Garden on the R, planted entirely from seeds from Griffith Park by FoGP volunteers.
Bonus
The Park’s Visitor Center and Ranger Headquarters are about 3/10ths of a mile W, where inside you can learn more about the Park. Signage outside describes P-22, the Mountain Lion of Griffith Park. Can you find P-22 peeking out from the three-walled “Invisible Neighbors” mural front of the Auditorium (commissioned by Friends of Griffith Park)? There are also restrooms here and fountains to refill your water bottle. Now walk E to the Main Trail.
8.Back on Main, simply retrace your steps going N. The 5 freeway will be on your R and Wilson-Harding golf course on your L until you reach the point where the trail passes through tunnel #4 again and the trail curves W. Then the 134 freeway is on your R. Continue straight, passing through tunnel #5 below Riverside Dr. and continue forward for .6. You pass the Park Service Yard Building on the L and then turn L just past the three-trunked tree to walk S on Western Ave. Equestrian Trail to Zoo Dr. Walk across the crosswalk to your starting point next to Live Steamers.
Bonus
Before driving off, walk 1/10th mile E to check out the site of Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn and plan a future visit.
