Every local my husband and I met during our long weekend in Los Angeles said the same thing: we had to go hiking in Griffith Park. In truth, a hike to see the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign was already on my list of must-dos. But hearing it recommended over and over was reassuring.
When locals tell you to do something, you listen.
Seeing the Hollywood Sign is arguably one of the most iconic LA experiences. And while there is no shortage of spots around the Hollywood Hills to see those big white letters, combining a hike in Griffith Park with a visit to the Griffith Observatory is one of the city’s best fun and free things to do.
A Brief History of Griffith Park
Located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, Griffith Park comprises over 4,000 acres. There is no fee for the park and hiking is one of its most popular activities. And it’s easy to see why, as it has a network of 53 miles of trails.
Created in 1896, the park is home to countless attractions, including the Los Angeles Zoo and the Greek Theatre. But perhaps its most famous residents are the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory.
The Hollywood Sign
The sign, dating from 1923, was originally an advertisement for a real estate development, “Hollywoodland.” 26 years later, the “land” was removed, and a star was born. Driving or hiking to the sign is discouraged because of its remote location on a steep hill and the lack of permanent infrastructure. Instead, seeing the sign from the Griffith Park hiking trails offers a more nuanced experience, where the familiar hills surround you.
Griffith Observatory
Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory is the most visited public observatory in the world. Architects John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley used the initial designs of Russell W. Porter. The building, which has offered free admission since day one, blends Art Deco with Greek and Beaux-Arts. Among the museum’s notable exhibits are a Tesla Coil and a historic 12″ Zeiss Refracting Telescope, the most viewed telescope in the world.
Hiking Routes with Hollywood Sign Views
With dozens of trails for hiking in Griffith Park, there are plenty of options and no wrong answers if you have the stamina and are prepared. For a tourist looking to walk to Griffith Observatory, the best route for seeing the Hollywood Sign starts with the Fern Dell Trail.
The roughly half-mile-long Fern Dell Trail makes you feel like you’ve been transported out of LA and to somewhere far more exotic. The trail runs along a small stream with unusually lush plants (for Los Angeles) towering overhead.
From there, the trail meets up with the Observatory Trails. There is an East Trail and a West Trail. For optimal views of the Hollywood Sign, take the West Observatory Trail.
By this point, all of the green foliage and protection from the sun are a mere memory. The West Observatory trail is dusty, at times very steep (and deceptively so), and offers little to no shade. But beautiful low brush covers the hillside along the trail and birds sing and dart between plants.
The trail was more challenging than I expected, but the views kept me going. The Griffith Observatory’s domed-white building grew larger with every step, perched on the hill like a beacon. To the west, there are stunning views to the west of the Hollywood Sign, and to the southeast is the City of Angels, spread out like a toy town with its downtown skyscrapers as a central reference point. On a good day, you can even see the Pacific Ocean, making you feel truly on top of the world.
Once at the top, the terrain around the museum is strikingly flat with some picnic benches. Off to the side is a bust of James Dean, a tribute to the actor’s scenes in 1956’s Rebel Without a Cause that took place atop the hill at the observatory.
Tips for Hiking in Griffith Park
The most important tip for hiking in the park is to be prepared and to stay on the marked trails. It is important to bring water and wear the proper footwear. Also, consider the weather and time of day. Setting out for the hike shortly before sunset will not give you enough time to return in daylight while going out at the sun’s peak may make the hike more challenging.
While there are no benches along the Observatory Trail, you’ll find flat spots to take breaks.
Getting There
The best place to park for hiking to Griffith Observatory from the Fern Dell Trail is on Fern Dell Drive. There is free street parking along the road during park hours. However, the park’s popularity means finding parking can require patience.
If you don’t have access to a car, the alternatives are using a rideshare or public transit. With public transit, the Hollywood/Western stop of the Metro’s B Line gets rail riders just over a half-mile from the Fern Dell Trail. With the Metro’s bus lines, the Western/Franklin stop of the 207 line drops riders about a third of a mile from the trail.
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All photos and opinions are my own.