For residents of Central Los Angeles neighborhoods like Hollywood, Thai City, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, and Silver Lake, Griffith Park is broadly thought of a shared yard of kinds. Sitting beside tons of of 1000’s of Angelenos, this haven for out of doors lovers is house to plenty of main LA landmarks just like the Griffith Observatory, the Outdated (and new) Los Angeles Zoo, and the enduring Hollywood signal.
With the summer time months upon us, Los Angeles generally is a nice trip spot for households. It might additionally act as a fast pit cease on the best way to different SoCal hotspots like Malibu, the San Diego space, or Disney World. Even higher, Griffith Park is simply exterior of Hollywood — a notably standard cease for vacationers with loads for youths to dig into.
After your loved ones explores among the must-stop places off Hollywood Boulevard (the TCL Chinese language Theatre, the Stroll of Fame, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Ripley’s Consider It Or Not, and extra), think about a Griffith Park detour for excellent metropolis views and a variety of choices match for the entire household.
Household-Pleasant Hikes in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is filled with nice trails. Many households choose to easily present up and discover, seeing the place they wind up. There are additionally loads of nice play areas and quaint trails to peruse with out even making your manner up the hills. Nonetheless, you gained’t remorse setting apart the additional time for these one-of-a-kind treks.
Whereas this listing is way from exhaustive, listed here are among the greatest family-friendly hikes in Griffith Park.
Griffith Park Outdated Zoo Loop
Problem: Simple
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: 390 ft. achieve
Time: Approx. 1-1.5 hours
When you’re after a fast and straightforward hike with some fascinating sights and historical past alongside the best way, the Griffith Park Outdated Zoo Loop is the best way to go.
Begin out on the Merry-Go-Spherical car parking zone. The closest handle is 4668 Crystal Springs Dr. — you’ll see loads of indicators guiding you to “Merry-Go-Spherical,” and parking is free in Lot #1 together with surrounding areas. From right here, you’ll head southwest alongside the Fern Canyon Nature Path and pivot northwest to start climbing uphill.
This hike gives a singular take a look at the Outdated Los Angeles Zoo, with quite a few retired animal enclosures energetic up till 1966 when the park closed. Together with the attraction of the outdated zoo landmarks, be sure you benefit from the extra views of the encompassing neighborhoods and hills of Griffith. There are many areas to cease and relaxation alongside the best way, so that is additionally a fantastic choice to plan forward for a day picnic.
As you proceed alongside the path, it loops southeast and finally takes you again to the car parking zone the place you began. Bear in mind that this generally is a pretty standard hike, so that you’ll possible run into loads of locals and vacationers alongside the best way. When you’d quite have extra privateness, goal to reach earlier than midday or schedule forward for a weekday outing.
Griffith Park Outdated Zoo Loop Ideas:
- Bogs are positioned between the Merry-Go-Spherical and the tennis courts, although the outdated zoo additionally has restrooms close to the shaded areas and picnic spots.
- There are a number of methods to make your manner as much as the zoo, so you possibly can at all times pursue one other path for an alternate expertise.
- The massive, deserted displays are positively a spotlight and could be enjoyable for youths to discover. The small animal displays are fascinating sights to see as effectively.
Fern Dell Nature Path to Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory / Picture by C.Valdez on Unsplash
Problem: Average
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 616 ft. achieve
Time: Approx. 90 minutes with out stopping
If you’re trying to knock out a hike and an LA staple in a single swoop, think about a fast trek as much as Griffith Observatory.
Begin by coming into Fern Dell Park from Los Felix Boulevard and Fern Dell Drive. Road parking is free, however it could take a while to discover a spot throughout peak occasions (weekends and afternoons).
To get the blood pumping, you possibly can take the Griffith Observatory Path as a straight shot to the legendary landmark. Bear in mind that this path could be considerably steep, so your kiddos might must take a number of fast moments to relaxation up and hydrate earlier than persevering with. There may be additionally just about no cowl from the solar, so be ready with sunscreen or plan forward for a cloudier day.
Luckily, it’s a reasonably extensive path and quick distance to journey — you’ll be stunned at how rapidly you make it to the highest. There’s additionally some flat spots alongside the best way with stellar views of the DTLA skyline within the distance. Right here, the Observatory is correct inside attain.
When you make it to the Observatory, you possibly can calm down on the garden or go inside if it’s open. Admission is free, with a number of flooring of displays targeted on astronomy and the Observatory’s historic previous. The reward store additionally has some fairly distinctive trinkets and academic toys, resulting in an out of doors balcony should you want some additional time to catch your breath earlier than heading again. When you’ve had your fill, merely return the best way you got here.
Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory Ideas:
- When you don’t have the vitality to make it to the Observatory, there may be loads to soak in with out leaving Fern Dell. That is an extremely cozy space with loads of shade, pure nooks, and even wildlife like turtles and fish to identify within the small creeks scattered all through the park.
- Fern Dell additionally has some fairly sizable playground tools for youths to take pleasure in, with ample seating off to the aspect.
- The Trails Cafe is correct off Fern Dell Drive as you head north, with a handful of tables within the solar and shade to refresh. I virtually at all times make a cease right here once I cease by Fern Dell. They’ve loads of espresso choices to present you a caffeine increase, however their lunch menu and pastries are perfect should you want a fast snack earlier than or after your hike.
- There are porta-potties and restroom buildings across the playground space for any fast rest room break, together with cleaning soap and water to clean palms.
Amir’s Backyard Path
Amir’s Backyard / Picture by Kansas Sebastian on Flickr
Problem: Average
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 275 ft. achieve
Time: Approx. 40 minutes
For good views with loads of greenery on the prime, Amir’s Backyard Path is a reasonably simple hike to suit right into a day of LA enjoyable with loads of secluded locations to cease and relaxation when you arrive.
Amir’s Backyard is an all-volunteer decorative backyard began by Amir Dialameh in 1971, following a serious brush fireplace that ravaged the realm. The preliminary goal was to create a relaxation cease for hikers, and out of doors lovers nonetheless benefit from the area for this objective right this moment.
To succeed in the backyard, go previous the parking space for the Outdated LA Zoo towards the parking tons for the golf course. The path begins in the back of the primary car parking zone. Make your manner towards Camp Highway till you see the signal studying “Amir’s Backyard .8 miles.” The path begins as a large grime highway earlier than breaking off right into a single monitor with plentiful picket steps to make the summit a bit smoother. There may be positively some elevation to deal with right here, however it’s not terribly prolonged — solely a couple of quarter mile. You’ll additionally discover a number of locations to tug off to the aspect if anybody wants a fast reset.
When you arrive on the backyard, you’ll discover it’s effectively well worth the journey. Amir’s Backyard is aptly named, surrounded by wildlife with hidden benches and picnic areas that create a extra secluded feeling even on extra crowded days. As you discover, you possibly can spot indicators that dive additional into the Amir’s life and the backyard’s historical past. Take as a lot time as you’d wish to discover — there are some fairly picturesque factors alongside the best way for scenic views on the metropolis and different hills in Griffith Park.
After you’ve had your fill of the backyard, make your manner again down the best way you got here. In case you have additional time, you possibly can enterprise off to among the surrounding trails and proceed exploring.
Amir’s Backyard Path Ideas:
- It is a nice hike any time of the 12 months, however should you can cease in after some uncommon Los Angeles rain, it’s particularly attractive and inexperienced.
- If it’s essential hydrate, Amir’s Backyard lately put in a water fountain in the primary backyard space.
- You’ll possible wish to cease by the restroom earlier than you get going, as there aren’t any choices alongside the path or within the backyard. There are alternatives close to the car parking zone, specifically on the Mineral Wells Picnic Space and close to the Merry-Go-Spherical.
Lake Hollywood Reservoir Strolling Path
A view of the Hollywood Signal from the reservoir / Picture by Shawn on Unsplash
Problem: Simple
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation: 150 ft. achieve
Time: Approx. 1-1.5 hours
One of the sought-after sights within the space is the legendary Hollywood Signal. This hike will get you up shut and private with out hardly any trouble.
You’ll begin on the north aspect of Lake Hollywood/Hollywood Reservoir, the place it’s pretty simple to search out parking. Enter by Lake Hollywood Drive on the north aspect of the reservoir, and begin making your manner across the physique of water. This hike admittedly is extra of a stroll, perfect for households with younger youngsters or anybody after a extra relaxed out of doors outing.
It’s a serene journey stuffed with wildlife, like deer, rabbits, lizards, and birds. In fact, that is the proper probability to attain some household photograph ops with the Hollywood Signal, minus the size and energy that different close by hikes require.
Lake Hollywood Reservoir Strolling Path Ideas:
- You’ll find porta-potties originally of the hike and about midway by for any wanted rest room breaks.
- Refuel on the water fountain and refill station positioned on the trailhead. You’ll want to take benefit should you want, as that is the one spot to snag water on this hike.
- Whereas the opposite hikes listed are canine pleasant (so long as they’re on a leash), you’ll have to go away Fido behind for this one — canine usually are not allowed.
A Household Go to to Griffith Park
This listing solely barely scratches the floor of Griffith Park. Alongside the numerous extra hikes to discover, you possibly can simply pivot towards any variety of separate trails and attain these similar locations. These are simply among the extra easygoing choices with a faster turnaround. This fashion, you will have much more time to soak in every thing that Los Angeles and Southern California have to supply.
See you on the paths!
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You’ll find them at keeganmwilliams.com or on Instagram @promwitch.
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