Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History of Griffith Park
• General Tips About Visiting Griffith Park
  • Use AllTrails!
  • Restrooms and Drinking Fountains
  • Stay Hydrated
  • Stick to the Trails
  • Do Not Feed the Animals
  • Don’t Litter
  • Hike With a Buddy
• Safety in Griffith Park
  • Weather Related Dangers
  • Wildlife
• What to Wear While Hiking in Griffith Park
• Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Griffith Park
• Things to Do in Griffith Park
  • Hike to the Hollywood Sign
  • Griffith Observatory
  • The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
  • Autry Museum of the American West
  • The Bronson Caves
  • The Old Los Angeles Zoo
  • See a Show at the Greek Theater
  • Go Hiking
  • Griffith Park Travel Town
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • The Museum of Neon Art
  • The Americana
• The Best Hiking Trails in Griffith Park
  • 10 Peak Hike
  • Mt. Hollywood Trail
  • Glendale Peak
  • Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop
  • The Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive
• Conclusion
• Los Angeles Blogs

Introduction

Griffith Park is not only the largest park in Los Angeles, but it is also the largest city park in California. It is 4,210 acres / 1,704 hectares and is surrounded by North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, and Hollywood. The park is home to many attractions and amazing hiking trails. There are things here to keep someone occupied for days. This blog post will cover the history of Griffith Park, general rules and tips, safety, what to wear, arriving at Griffith Park, parking, things to do, and the best hiking trails in the park.

History of Griffith Park

Griffith Park’s history is rich and goes back to when California was still a part of Mexico. The park was a part of the Rancho Los Feliz and was later named after Colonel Griffith J. Griffith. Col. Griffith owned about 4,071 acres / 1,647 hectares of Rancho Los Feliz after making a personal fortune in California gold mine speculation. Col. Griffith bequeathed 3,015 acres / 1,220 hectares as a Christmas gift to the people of Los Angeles. Even though Colonel Griffith passed away in 1919, the park continued to grow to the size it is now keeping its name and his memory.

General Tips About Visiting Griffith Park

There are some general tips I’d recommend you should know before you visit Griffith Park. Some common factors impact Griffith Park from heat to restrooms to wildlife. In no particular order, here are some useful tips for visiting Los Angeles’ gorgeous parks.

Use AllTrails!

For people who don’t know, let me enlighten you. AllTrails is a godsend when it comes to hiking. The app has millions of trails across dozens of countries in thousands of cities and includes all the trails in Griffith Park. There is a built-in GPS mechanic that tracks you while you are hiking which is a key feature. It is perfect for those trails that are overgrown or confusing as you can track your progression to make sure you are on the right trail. They also have an easy-to-use search option to look up trails wherever you search. Click here to visit AllTrails’ official website and download the app for both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Restrooms and Drinking Fountains

There are restrooms and drinking fountains found throughout the park. Traditional restrooms will normally be found in the parking lots and sometimes in other major parts of the park. Porta potties will sometimes be found along hiking trails and other important hubs. Water fountains can sometimes be found throughout the trails, but are normally near restrooms. The fountains give out safe drinking water and is a great place for you to hydrate yourself.

Stay Hydrated

Los Angeles can get very warm and stay warm for most of the year. All the walking, hiking, and other physical activities you do can make you lose water fast. Please bring some water to ensure you are well-hydrated while exploring. There are also plenty of water refill stations and water fountains throughout the parks, but it’s best to bring your own in case they are out of service.

Stick to the Trails

If you go hiking while on the trails, please stick to the trails. Trails are there for a reason and you should use them. It may be alluring to venture off and find your way, but I highly advise against that. When you go off the beaten path, you open yourself to possible dangers. Rattlesnakes like to hide in the shrubs and some carnivores may have territory or young (which makes them more aggressive) where you are hiking which can lead to a confrontation. It also destroys wildlife by crushing plants and altering the terrain. Just stick to the path and enjoy the natural beauty.

Do Not Feed the Animals

Feeding wild animals can be dangerous to both parties. The animals can act aggressively and harm you. You can also teach the animals bad habits and get them accustomed to approaching people which can get them harmed. This rule goes for all animals from squirrels to birds to larger mammals. Just be an observer and don’t interact with the wildlife.

Don’t Litter

This should be common sense but DO NOT LITTER. There are heavy fines for anyone who breaks this rule and it’s just rude. Bring a bag and place your garbage there. Or even use your backpack or pockets. I see so much trash on the trails, and it’s just sad, be respectful.

Hike With a Buddy

Hiking with a partner (if possible) is one of the best tips you can get. If something goes wrong, you have someone to help or call assistance. There are plenty of stores of people who hike in pairs or groups and save each other from literal death. If possible, bring a buddy or at least, let family or friends know your location and what trail you are going on.

If you want more tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.

Safety in Griffith Park

Just like any natural area, Griffith Park has its own set of unique scenarios that a visitor needs to be aware of. Although your trip to the parks will go off without a hitch, there are natural dangers and wildlife that you need to be aware of. This section will go over some of the potential animals, plants, and natural scenarios that you may encounter.

Weather Related Dangers

Like most other places around the globe, southern California is not immune to weather events. The good news? Well, in southern California, extreme weather events are quite rare. I guess the stereotype holds that the weather is sunny and warm year-round. Rains, earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides/landslides are the big ones that plague this city but again, they are not that common.

• Earthquakes

Starting with the most uncommon is earthquakes. I feel like there is this thought that L.A. is always being hit with earthquakes. Well, earthquakes are not too common. Technically, they do occur a lot, but the ones that people feel? Maybe once every two or three years. Statistically, earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or more hit Los Angeles every three to four years. It’s best not to worry about them, as it’s improbable you will experience one. But please be mindful of landslides which can come soon after or during an earthquake.

• Wildfires

Wildfires have become more common due to warming temperatures, and they are very destructive. I have witnessed multiple major wildfires in California and they are very impactful. Of course, as a tourist, this won’t affect you too much, but it can worsen air quality. I do feel like California is getting better at combating the fires and will often get outside help from Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and states much further away. Wildfires can occur at any time of the year since rain isn’t too common in the area. But major fires are usually during summer to early winter (June to December)

• Mudslides/Landslides

Mudslides and landslides are effectively the same thing but require different conditions. These both can occur after earthquakes, wildfires, and rain and can be very destructive and even make some trails and roads unusable. They are normally restricted to more steep mountainous areas. This is another to not worry about as it is unlikely, but again, worth mentioning.

In general, Los Angeles is still safe from a weather standpoint, and the city sees warm to hot temperatures for most of the year. Don’t let these small possibilities scare you, you will have fun and explore the best natural area around Los Angeles.

Wildlife

Many parks in Los Angeles contain hundreds of species of animals. Countless birds, fish, replies, mammals, and insects can be found across the city, and you will definitely see some wildlife in Griffith Park. Some of the wildlife does require some warnings as they can ruin a trip.

• Insects

Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in Griffith Park, but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.

• Rattlesnakes

The most common animal that can cause harm in Griffith Park and all of southern California are rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in hiking areas, particularly under rocks and shrubs. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California, and all can be fatal if bitten. The good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom. Remain calm and call 911. 

Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in Griffith Park. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.

• Coyotes

Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen in hiking areas, as well as, around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in some instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine. 

• Bobcats

Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off. 

• Poison Oak

Poison oak can be found all around Griffith Park and inconvenience your trip. Poison oak contains an oily resin (urushiol oil) that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It is not life-threatening, but the rash can last days and ruin your trip. If you come into contact with poison oak, rinse the affected area with soap and cold water and remove any clothes that may have come into contact with the oak. If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment, click here to go to the FDA’s official website.

• Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions are the most intimidating animals in the area, but also the most elusive. Sometimes referred to as pumas, cougars, and panthers, mountain lions are the apex predators in the areas and are found in the Angeles National Forest as well as the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu. On occasion, one mountain lion is located in Griffith Park, and as of September 2024, there is one. Sightings are rare, and there has never been a recorded attack on a human in Los Angeles.  If you see a mountain lion, wave your hands above your head and make noise so they get frightened and leave your area.

If you want to learn more about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.

What to Wear While Hiking in Griffith Park

What you wear can make or break an excursion. Griffith Park remains relatively cool in the morning and night, and warm throughout the day, but that can change depending on the time of year. Wearing proper clothing can assist in keeping you safe from the elements and prevent injury, bites, rashes, and discomfort. Here is a list of things I’d recommend you bring before you explore Griffith Park.

• Good Shoes

Hiking boots are great, but you can get completely fine with good running or walking shoes. Most of the main trails in Griffith Park are well-marked, wide, and flat. Of the two, I recommend you get some hiking boots. Hiking boots also have a collar which can help prevent twisted ankles and other ankles-related injuries.

• Hiking Pants

Long hiking pants are my favorite item to bring on hikes. They can prevent scrapes, ticks, poison ivy, and insect bites. Some of the trails may have overgrown shrubs and prickly foliage and these pants can be a great asset.

• Long-sleeved Shirts and Sweaters

I know Los Angeles is very warm, but if you hike early in the morning or anytime during winter, long-sleeved shirts or even sweatshirts are a must. Once you reach Mount. Lee the winds can be a little strong and quite chilly. 

• Backpacks

This addition is one of the best and most useful items you can bring. You can put away any unwanted items or trash. You can pack extra things like sunglasses, sweaters, socks, snacks, and water. Try not to overpack because it can easily turn into a burden on your back.

• Sunglasses

I never knew the advantage sunglasses have on a trail. The sun can turn you into a squinter and that takes away from the experiences and views of the Hollywood Sign. I’d recommend some sunglasses that can strap around your head to ensure they do not fall off.

• Sunblock

Sunblock can be really advantageous. There is little to no shade here as it’s only found on the Brush Canyon Trail section, so please wear sunblock. Being burned on vacation can ruin your vacation and even prevent you from doing certain activities. 

• Insect Repellent

If you are here for spring, summer, or autumn, insect repellent is a must. Mosquitos, flies, June bugs, and gnats can wreak havoc on you while you hike. Remember to consider the annoyances they can cause.

Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Griffith Park

• Arrival

The only realistic way to get to Griffith Park is by taking a ride-share app (Uber or Lyft) or driving. There are city buses that stop on the outskirts of the park, but unless you are with a local who knows how to use the buses I don’t think you should use them. They can be confusing, dangerous, and dirty.

Taking a ride-share app can be a bit confusing depending on where you may want to go, but just communicate with your driver, and they can adjust the drop-off location or even just take you to a more convenient spot. If you are driving, make sure you have the correct part of Griffith Park on your map application since two major highways surround the park.

If you do decide to take the bus, there are two options: the DASH bus and the city bus. The DASH bus goes directly to the Griffith Observatory. There are DASH buses every day that go from Los Feliz to the Griffith Observatory. Click here to go to the DASH bus official website.

To use the public buses in Los Angeles, you will need a Tap Card. A Tap Card is a reloadable card that you use for public buses, L.A. Metro, and the electric bikes offered throughout the city alongside the DASH bus. You can get a physical Tap Card by going to a TAP vendor located around the city. You could also get a digital Tap Card by downloading the Tap Card Application called “Tap LA.” To look up TAP vendors in certain areas, click here. Tap LA can be downloaded for free in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Buses across the city will either have a farebox or mobile validator. The farebox is for the physical card and the mobile validator is for the phone. Just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price to take the bus is $0.35 / €0.32 for a one-way trip.

• Parking

If you are driving please be mindful of where you will park. There are plenty of parking lots in Griffith Park but since the park is so big, make sure you are parking near your desired location otherwise you have a hike between your car and destination. There is free parking at the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West located on the northeastern portion of the park. If you want to hike to the Hollywood Sign, you can park at 3200 Canyon Drive, but spots are limited so get there early. 

• Transportation Within Griffith Park

There are two ways to get around the park, hiking and driving. Hiking is the most fun and fortunately, the hikes in Griffith Park are stunning and well-marked. There are over 50 miles / 80 kilometers of trails that will take you anywhere you may want to go. There are also lots of roads to get you to your desired locations in case you don’t or are unable to walk throughout the park.

Things to Do in Griffith Park

Since Griffith Park is the biggest park in Los Angeles, it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of things to do. The park has museums, a zoo, amazing picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails. The next section will discuss the best hiking trails in Griffith Park, so this section will not go into too much detail about hiking. In no particular order here is what I recommend you do in Griffith Park.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

The infamous Hollywood Sign is located in the southwest part of Griffith Park. Hiking to the Hollywood Sign is one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles. There are a few different ways to get to the Hollywood Sign and I have created a separate blog post discussing everything you need to know about getting to the Hollywood Sign.  If you want to learn more about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “How to Hike to the Hollywood Sign” blog post.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most recognizable travel destinations in Los Angeles and has the best views of Downtown Los Angeles. It has stood proud in Griffith Park, defining the hills behind the Los Angeles skyline for decades. The Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and has been L.A.’s gateway to the stars ever since. The building offers the best views of Los Angeles (on a clear day) and has galleries dedicated to space exploration and all things interstellar. It describes the planets, satellites, and how space is studied and explored. There is also the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theatre which has shows throughout the day for an additional cost.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Los Angeles Zoo can be a great place for families, especially for children. The zoo is not that large and is mildly hilly located across from the Autry Museum of the American West. It features over 1,700 animals with over 270 different species. The species range from gorillas to sea lions to giraffes. When compared to other zoos in the United States, it can be underwhelming. I was expecting a little bit more when I went, but it’s a great place for kids and also has some good ice cream.

Autry Museum of the American West

The Autry Museum focuses completely on the American West, as you could’ve probably guessed. The museum is beautiful and very informative. It goes into all aspects of the West including stereotypes, reality, different participating people groups, and of course history. There was a specific exhibit on the hurtful stereotypes Hollywood displayed normally depicting Native Americans as the antagonists. 

There was a strong emphasis on the native communities that came before American settlers which I appreciated. The amount and quality of information about the Tongva people who inhabited the Los Angeles area before American or Mexican Settlers came was insightful. I had no idea just how diverse L.A. was before it was L.A. Located right next to the Los Angeles Zoo, this museum is worth a visit and in my opinion better than the nearby zoo.

The Bronson Caves

The Bronson Caves are caves found in the southwest part of Griffith Park. The caves are actually just one massive cave that has become a popular spot with tourists. The cave is not long or big by any means but fun to walk through. I’d recommend this is where you sit for a picnic since the area is large, flat, and has great views of the Hollywood Sign. Also, keep in mind that due to mudslides/landslides and earthquakes it is possible the cave will be blocked off.

The Old Los Angeles Zoo

This is a very unique thing to do in Griffith Park. The Old Los Angeles Zoo was where the Los Angeles Zoo was located prior to 1966. The old zoo remains as a popular tourist destination that you can explore. It’s eerie and interesting to walk around where exotic animals were kept during the mid 1900s. There is a free parking lot a short 5-minute walk from the old zoo grounds. There are also information plaques that give you some more information on some of the animals that lived there. The old exhibits are much smaller than today’s standards, but It’s cool to walk around and take some pictures.

See a Show at the Greek Theater

The Greek Theater is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts shows, concerts, and performances. The venue is smaller than others in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t take away from the quality and energy. You can watch stand-up comedians, popular music artists, and other local performances. The venue also contains free parking for Griffith Park on non-event days and before 1 p.m. / 13:00 on event days.

Go Hiking

Griffith Park has over 50 miles / 80 kilometers of trails that will take you anywhere you may want to go throughout the park. Some of my favorite trails will be discussed in detail in the next section, but you will not run out of amazing trails to explore in the gorgeous park.

Griffith Park Travel Town

The Griffith Park Travel Town is located in the north of the park and is a great place for both children and train enthusiasts. There are antique trains that you can walk on and explore and a couple different exhibition halls that display some artifacts and history. There is also a small train that families can ride around the Travel Town. Parking, the main area, and little museum galleries are free, but the train rides do cost extra. Adults cost $4.00 / €3.89 and children cost $3.00 /  €2.92.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood is located just outside the northeastern part of Griffith Park and is one of five studio tours you can take in Los Angeles. Although I’ve only done three, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour was amazing. As I am a personal fan of the show Friends, that alone made the tour worth it as you can get coffee at Central Perk. But major franchises like DC and Harry Potter are also Warner Bros. property, so there is something for everyone. The tours range in price but start at $73.00 / €71.08.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is the most popular theme park in Los Angeles (remember that Disneyland is not located in Los Angeles). The theme park brings in millions of visitors every year and for good reason. Although the park itself is not big, the rides are. The most iconic ride and my favorite is the Universal Studio Tour. This is one of five studio tours that can be done in Los Angeles and the best one. I hope to do a blog post dedicated to Universal Studios Hollywood in the future that will go into detail and give a visitor the “need to know” information.

The Museum of Neon Art

The Museum of Neon Art is a small museum located in the neighboring city of Glendale. This museum highlights neon in all forms. In creative artworks and the signs that dotted the skyline during the 1900s. I found this museum to be very informative and fun. Keep in mind that this museum is very small only consisting of two main halls. However, alongside the main museum, there are also neon classes and neon walking tours offered.

I have not done either the walking tour or the neon class, but the neon class looks like the more interesting of the two. The classes start at $300.00 / €277.18 and give people the opportunity to interact with neon uniquely and create something truly one of a kind. To learn more about the neon classes offered at MONA click here to go to their official website.

The Americana

The Americana is located in the neighboring city of Glendale across from the Museum of Neon Art. The Americana is an outdoor shopping complex. I don’t think calling it a mall does it justice. There is a wonderful little pond in the middle with engaging and entertaining water effects and a lively atmosphere that is hard to rival. It’s a great location to people watch, shop, or grab a bite to eat. The parking is also free IF you park at the neighboring Glendale Galleria. It is a mall that is semi-attached to the Americana and has free all-day parking.

The Best Hiking Trails in Griffith Park

As you could have guessed, there is a plentiful amount of hiking to be done at Griffith Park. There are over 50 miles / 80 kilometers of trails that will take you anywhere you may want to go throughout the park. With all these trials, there are bound to be those better than others. All trail lengths will be displayed in roundtrip length, and please remember this list is very subjective. In descending order, there are the best hikes in Griffith Park.

5. 10 Peak Hike

The 10 Peak Hike began as a DIY (do it yourself) trail as it combines main trails and smaller offshoots to create the most difficult hike in Griffith Park. As the name indicates, this hike will lead you to the ten tallest peaks in Griffith Park. The hike is difficult averaging about six hours and a length of 10 miles / 16.6 kilometers. The highest point in the park is Cahuenga Peak which is 1,821 feet / 555 meters. This hike is definitely for more experienced and physically fit individuals as it’s long and goes over a lot of elevation. Since the route is a little more DIY, you will need the AllTrails app in order to keep to the proper trail. There is also little to no shade, so please be prepared.

• Parking

You can park at the Marry Go Round Parking lot and begin the trail from there. Parking is free and getting to the parking lot is as easy as putting it in your map or ride-share application.

4. Mt. Hollywood Trail

The Mt. Hollywood Trail is a moderate trail that gives you the VIP tour of Griffith Park. On clear days you are sure to see the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and Downtown Los Angeles. The loop trail is about 2.9 miles / 4.8 kilometers and goes about 500 feet / 152.4 meters. It is a great way to experience Griffith Park and take in the nature.

• Parking

For parking you have two options. You can park near the Griffith Observatory or at 3200 Canyon Drive. Both parking spots require you to get there early as they fill up fast but the Griffith Observatory is paid parking and the 3200 Canyon Drive is free. The 3200 Canyon Drive requires a 3.2 mile / 4.9-kilometer hike which will take about an hour and 20 minutes, so you can determine if that is worth the free parking. Parking at the Griffith Observatory costs about $10.00 / €9.28 per hour with a maximum ranging depending on the time of year and day.

3. Glendale Peak

Glendale Peak is another DIY trail as it uses the Mt. Hollywood Trail for half of its duration. It is  a moderate hike with a length of 3.1 miles / 4.9 kilometers and climbs up about 723 feet / 220 meters. Just like the 10 peak hike, this trail is a little more DIY you will need the AllTrails app in order to keep to the proper trail. There is also little to no shade, so please be prepared for that as it’s easy to burn.

• Parking

Since part of the trail mirrors the previous hike, the parking situation will be identical. For parking you have two options. You can park near the Griffith Observatory or at 3200 Canyon Drive. Both parking spots require you to get there early as they fill up fast but the Griffith Observatory is paid parking and the 3200 Canyon Drive is free. The 3200 Canyon Drive requires a 3.2 mile / 4.9-kilometer hike which will take about an hour and 20 minutes. Parking at the Griffith Observatory costs about $10.00 / €9.28 per hour with a maximum ranging depending on the time of year and day.

2. Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

The Old Zoo Loop is the easiest of the five hikes, but the simplicity does not take away from the views (which is why it’s number 2). Alongside the majestic views of Griffith Park, you will also get to see the ruins of the Los Angeles Zoo before it moved to its current locations in 1966. The loop trail is 2.4 miles / 4 kilometers and climbs an elevation of 374 feet / 114 meters. This hike is perfect for families and younger ones as it is not as strenuous and has very interesting things to see.

• Parking

You can park at the Marry Go Round Parking lot and begin the trail from there. Parking is free and getting to the parking lot is as easy as putting it in your map or ride-share application.

1. The Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive

As previously said, the hike to the Hollywood Sign is one of the best things to do in Griffith Park and one that many tourists do to check it off their L.A. bucket list. The hike is peaceful, beautiful, easy, and rewarding. This makes it a prime hike for almost anyone of any age. There is an entire blog post dedicated to hiking to the Hollywood Sign so check it out here if you want to learn everything there is to know about that hike.

Conclusion

This blog post covered the history of Griffith Park, safety, what to wear while hiking, general tips, arriving at Griffith Park, parking, things to do, and the best hiking trails in the park. Have you been to the Hollywood Sign? What was the method you used? What was/is your favorite hike in Griffith Park? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.