GP-eX Segment 6:
FERN DELL – FOUR LOOPS
“HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE.” Explore this double figure-8 in multiple ways. Our approach ticks off elevated sections in the N first before finishing on the flat, shaded Eden of Fern Dell in the S. But do it your way. This compact route offers a hearty walk, classic views from the Observatory, pre-European history, and the perennially-popular Fern Dell. Whichever way you go, a stop at Trails Café afterward is the cherry on the top!
LENGTH
4.1 miles
GAIN
750 ft.
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
DIRECTION
Mix it up! Clockwise below
1.Caution! If you’re crossing Western Canyon Rd. from the N end of lot 9, look carefully for traffic, which may not be able to see you on this tight curve in the road. Begin this first short loop clockwise, just beyond the gate for the “West Trail West” portion of the trail. Get your bearings (sign #20), and read about “Woodland Wonder” (sign #96). Walk N via this wide dirt fire road, passing picnic tables on your L. The trail curves R and downhill (.25) to meet an unmarked junction with West Trail; note the concrete check dams on your L. Continue downhill R/S past a stately live oak on the L until you reach West Trail East (.53, sign #21). Voila! Loop 1 complete.
2.Turn L to walk NE on the N side of aptly-named Loop Trail. Coast live oak trees dot the center of this loop. You reach the top of the loop with the trail curving R and downhill (.82). Continue on the S side of the loop, and note a giant split boulder on the R. Ignore any crossing trails and continue to a narrower, single track trail on your L (1.09) to reach a sign facing Western Canyon Dr. marked “19.” Loop 2, check.
3.At the “19” signpost (1.11) you can take the first L/S, a short, steep downhill that has footsteps cut in the trail on the L side. Alternately, you can turn L/E to take another trail that bends back R/W to rejoin the canyon floor just below the steep section. Walk straight/S onto the tree-lined trail, passing picnic tables and a hitching post with horseshoes welded to it on your L. Then pass picnic tables and the entrance for West Canyon parking lot 9 (1.2) on the R/W. Continue straight and step over a short stone fence. Notice the lovely Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stonework on your R. Stay L at a trail junction.
4.You arrive at a large playground and restroom with a red-tiled roof, a vintage 1926 “comfort station” (1.35, sign #22). This is the start of loop 3. Here you can choose to continue in your clockwise pattern and walk up the slightly steeper West Observatory Trail, or cross a small bridge to the more gradual East Observatory Trail and turn L; this takes the East Trail.
5. Continue on this curvy uphill fire road, pausing for a stunning view of the Observatory (1.45) with Captain’s Roost in the distance (1.6). At the junction with West Observatory Trail (1.8, sign #23), you can take the bonus below (+.35) or turn L here to take the West Observatory Trail back downhill.
Bonus
Turn R at the junction to continue SE on West Observatory Trail, up a 120-ft. climb to a bench at the junction of Boy Scout Trail (sign #24). Enjoy the expansive vista of the entire Los Angeles basin before retracing your steps back to the junction with East Observatory Trail. (This short section is also covered in GP-eX Segment 10.)
6.Continue straight to the West Observatory Trail (2.15). Turn around for a silhouette of the Berlin Forest and Captain’s Roost to the NE (2.2). Soon after, there’s a gorgeous, close-up view of the Hollywood Sign and curvy Western Canyon Dr. Photo op! (2.38) The trail slopes downhill and can be slippery (2.44); stay to the R side to take advantage of “steps” cut into the fire road. The trail curves L again (2.62), and you pass the junction with the bridge and East Observatory Trail to arrive back at the playground (2.74). Loop 3, complete.
7.Continue forward, then bear left, passing a small wooden bridge on the L followed by lovely “faux bois” railings and some raised picnic overlooks on the L. Soon you see an entrance to the upper end of the Fern Dell nature trail on your R (2.88); you’ll take this on the second half of this loop. Continue straight/L on the paved path. You arrive at the elevated Soroptimist picnic area; note the Minnie M. Barton Memorial plaque tucked between two old fountains. Barton was the first female probation officer hired by the LAPD (2.94). Barton dedicated her life to improve the lives of women and children in need. Cross a small wooden bridge over a creek (3.14) and continue diagonally SW toward Los Feliz Blvd.
11.After walking under the Fern Dell Dr. underpass and the historic Pedestrian Bridge (rebuilt in 2019 by FoGP with RAP), you cross bridge 7. Continue and cross bridge 8, then turn L/W (bridge 9 is to your R/E) and climb the stairs to see the former Ranger Cottage is on the NW corner of Red Oak and Fern Dell Dr. Turn R on the path and L at the next junction to go down stairs with faux bois handrails. Turn R/N to pass around sandbags on the R and toward the diagonal parking spots (use caution on uneven pavement) and take the first dirt path on the R. Pass a bench on your R and take the next L/N. Pass a few benches on your L and one (unnumbered) bridge on your R. Turn R at the next bridge (3.75) and read about riparian areas – “Where Land Meets Water” (sign #97). You could stop here at Trails Café, retrace your steps back W across the bridge and take the dirt path on the R up and cross the street. Otherwise, turn N and continue straight to the playground for the third time. Loop 4, done… you’re four for four!
12.Continue N past the playground through a picnic area and a dry creek with stone boulders on your L. You can either continue straight, or cross the bridge on the L and turn R (3.87). Stay straight at the picnic tables (3.95), and continue N to the trailhead. Pass lot 9 on your L and walk up a short, steep hill (taking the R or L trail). You see a white gate on the L (4.03); continue on paved Western Canyon Rd. and turn R to finish at the West trailhead.