Top 10 Hiking Trails In Griffith Park, California

hiking in griffith park
Ryan Joshua
Ryan Joshua 
Updated
| 4 min read

Griffith Park in California is known to be one of the largest and the most distinct parks in the whole of the United States. In fact, it is much larger than the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and the world-famous Central Park in New York. Its whopping size made it become also one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country, especially that the park has numerous trails and routes to follow. Maintain your fitness routine, jog, walk or run through these amazing hiking trails, and get to see some of the best views of the city as you get through the top hiking trails in Griffith Park, California.

1. Griffith Park to Hollywood Sign Viewpoint (from USD 29.0)

See the best views of the Los Angeles skyline as you start on this 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) hike to Griffith Park, one of the highest points. Embark on this journey while following your expert guide as they share some of the best stories of the history of Los Angeles and Hollywood itself. Have a brief stop at the world-famous Hollywood sign to take some photos before you end your tour at the iconic Griffith Observatory, where there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do. Your hike also includes amazing views of the San Fernando Valley and even Pasadena.

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LA Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory Hiking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

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2. Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee Summit Loop

hiking in griffith park | wisdom tree, cahuenga peak and mount lee summit loop
Source: instagram

Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak, and Mount Lee Summit Loop is lovely 3.7 miles (5.95 kilometers) loop trail with fantastic views of Los Angeles. This heavily trafficked hiking trail is known to be a bit difficult route to take, but you will surely love the beautiful wildflowers and the thriving wildlife that you will see along the way. Aside from hiking, this trail is also popular as a place for running, bird watching and nature trips.

Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak, and Mount Lee Summit Loop

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

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3. Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

GriffithObservatory
Source: Photo by user Wheelofphotos used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

This short trail that encompasses Ferndell in Griffith Park is one of the most unique hiking trails in the whole of Los Angeles. The trail is known for the very relaxing shade of sycamores that protects you against the heat of the sun. You can enjoy the lush greenery of the ferns and the forest that surrounds you all year long, thanks to the recycled water that comes from the Griffith Observatory.

Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

Address: Western Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

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4. Glendale Peak Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mount Hollywood and Mount Lee might be the most preferred points to climb by every hiker in Griffith Park and Los Angeles, but Glendale Park is considered as an underrated hiking trail as it also offers incredible views of the Los Angeles skyline, the San Gabriel Valley, and the San Gabriel Mountains. It might not be as high as the other mountains, but Glendale Park assures you of views you have never seen before. Check out this 3.6 mile (5.8 kilometers) trail that is heavily trafficked but is a moderate climb for hikers.

Glendale Peak Trail

Address: 2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

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5. Bronson Cave Trail

Bronson Caves, Griffith Park-4976196486
Source: Photo by user Al Pavangkanan used under CC BY 2.0

The Bronson Cave is one of the most preferred filming locations across Hollywood. It is an artificial tunnel that was bored into the rock wall of an old quarry in Griffith Park. It became popular when it became the entrance of Batman’s Batcave in the 1960’s Batman TV series. Get to see this amazing cave as you follow the short Bronson Cave trail. It is just 0.6-mi (about a kilometer) long so it should just be a short and easy hike for you.

Bronson Cave Trail

Address: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

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6. Old Zoo Trail


The Old Zoo Trail is just the remaining of the once-popular LA Zoo that was abandoned when the zoo transferred locations. As this old zoo closed, picnic benches were installed to the former animal cages and it became the Griffith Park. Enter the Old Zoo Trail through the fifth freeway entrance of the Griffith Park and proceed to the parking lot until you reach the merry-go-round. It would just be a five-minute walk to the old zoo.

Old Zoo Trail

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

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7. Burbank Peak Trail

Burbank Peak from Cahuenga Peak
Source: Photo by user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Burbank Peak is like a summit perch at the end of the ridge that extends westward from the Cahuenga Peak, known as the highest point in Griffith Park. While a lot of hikers just hike the trail for their own enjoyment, some hikers walk through this trail for them to reach the ever-popular Wisdom Tree. Some also want to have their photos taken from the summit, where an American flag was erected to commemorate the 9/11 tragedy.

Burbank Peak Trail

Address: Tree of Life Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

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8. Riverside Trail to Vista Viewpoint

hiking in griffith park | riverside trail to vista viewpoint
Source: instagram

Riverside Trail to Vista Viewpoint is yet another nice trail to conquer for those wanting to have a glimpse of the natural beauty that surrounds the bustling city of Los Angeles. The trail encompasses around 2.5 miles (4.2 kilometers) and is laden with beautiful wildflowers and a variety of wildlife. While the trail offers a lot of activities for you along the way, it is suggested that you start hiking before the sun completely comes out, as it can be very hot and humid when it is already past 8am.

Riverside Trail to Vista Viewpoint

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

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9. Fern Canyon Trail

Fern Canyon pano 1
Source: Photo by user WolfmanSF used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You will surely love to walk and hike through a narrow canyon that is bounded by walls covered with exotic ferns and lush mosses where there are droplets of water falling from it. Yes, you can do it as you embark on a hiking journey through the Fern Canyon Trail. Renowned director Steven Spielberg even called the Fern Canyon as “an unforgettable natural wonder” as he selected the trail as one of the locations for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.

Fern Canyon Trail

Address: Orick, CA 90027, USA

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10. Ferndell to Mount Hollywood

Ferndell griffith park
Source: Photo by user Amatullah Guyot used under CC BY 2.0

Mount Hollywood is one of the most preferred peaks to hike in Griffith Park. Located just right above and behind the Griffith Observatory, you will surely be amazed by the breathtaking 360-degree views that you can see from the summit. In fact, the views from Mount Hollywood are the ones being used on postcards that depict the views of downtown Los Angeles, San Gabriel Mountains, the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory itself. The hike is 5.2-mi (8.4 km) long and is usually very crowded.

Ferndell to Mount Hollywood

Address: Fern Dell Nature Trail, Los Angeles, CA, USA

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Experience the best hike of your life at Griffith Park

Griffith Park indeed has an abundance of hiking trails that you will surely embark on. You will surely never miss the amazing views and the great experience of hiking these top hiking trails in Griffith Park, California.

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Ryan is a Computer Engineer with a heart for traveling and writing. Born in Pasay City, Philippines, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he is now based in the Philippines' City of Smiles, Bacolod...Read more

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