Distance (round-trip)
2.1 mi
Time
1 hrs
Elevation Gain
571 ft
Season
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Weather
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2.1 mi
1 hrs
571 ft
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
–
If you like to hike up to the Griffith Observatory but are getting tired of the usual approaches and firebreaks, or if you’re just looking for a way to create a longer loop trail to destinations deeper in the park’s interior, then much-overlooked Western Canyon may be a nice addition to your Griffith Park experience.
The trail at Western Canyon – listed on some maps as the Hollywood Trail – begins as a broad fire road that seems to extend out of the paved surface of Western Canyon Road at a sharp turn. Directly across from a large parking area just off the road, I was surprised to find very, very few hikers on this route.
This trail is not particular photogenic or jaw-dropping, which may account for its lack of popularity. It begins as a broad fire road with a gentle ascent, climbing through your standard Griffith Park scenery of laurel sumac and dry sycamore trees.
As with most trails in Griffith Park, there are lots of unofficial side and use-trails that will spur off from the path. For the purposes of this easy hike, stay on the main road as it continues its very gradual ascent.
At 0.3 miles, ignore the trails branching out to the left and right and continue straight. At around the 0.6 mile mark, the trail makes a sharp right hand turn and parallels Western Canyon Road for a short distance – you’ll likely see it completely lined by cars fighting for parking spaces for the Observatory.
In another tenth of a mile, the trail turns south and makes a fairly steep incline. At the top of this hill, the trail crosses Western Canyon Road, but before you do be sure to continue south past this crosswalk to reach a small overlook.
From this small perch, you’ll be able to see both a nice view of the Observatory, but also beautiful views of the city and west toward the Pacific Ocean (obviously, nicer on especially clear days).
When you’re done, backtrack a bit and cross the street at the crosswalk – making sure to take some extra time to keep an eye out for cars, as most of them are looking for parking spaces and not pedestrians in their path.
Once you cross the street, you’ll be heading up another short fire road incline that leads directly over the tunnel underpass that Mount Hollywood Road takes underneath the trail. From here, you’ll have some clear (and unique) views of the Hollywood Sign, as well as front-on views of Mount Hollywood.
From here, it’s just a very short side trip to nearby Berlin Forest or a fun, tougher incline up to the peak of Mount Hollywood itself.
When you’re done, head back the way you came or consider returning via the West Griffith Observatory or Observatory Firebreak Trails for some different scenery!
Very good. This route is on well-traveled and well-maintained fire road.
From Los Feliz Boulevard, use Griffith Park's Fern Dell entrance and drive 0.7 miles north, past the Trails Cafe. There is a large parking area on the western side of Fern Dell Road. Transit Accessible with a little walk from the Metro red line station at Hollywood and Western.
9 Comments
The trail itself should be open ... I do know the park was doing some traffic control around the Fern Dell area and they may still be doing that during the weekends. Were they traffic gates or pedestrian gates that were closed?
Hi! I tried this hike around 6:30 this morning and there was a closed gate at the end of the directions. Any way around that for next time? Did I try to go too early? maybe it's closed right now because of the virus? Thank you!
Just got back from a hike here! Sunday morning, arrived at about 8:35, plenty of parking in the lot, even when we got back down around 9:45. A fair number of people about but not crowded. Really nice trail, perfectly easy to follow, and there were a couple of good spots to stop off where we could take a breather and enjoy the views and the breeze. I'd say that the moderate rating is pretty accurate; it was more than a stroll and I feel like I've done a bit of work today, but nothing crazy!
Love this site, thanks for being such an excellent resource!
All distances and times are round trip unless otherwise noted.
This may be a super newbie question, but is the distance reported round trip or one way?
Oh wow. Looks like I had too many searches going on at the same time while I was formatting this. The link should be fixed now.
Why does the detailed driving directions link take you to a google search of 1980's california license plates?
You're right! I didn't think about hiking this one "in reverse" but that weekend shuttle would definitely work.
As another public transit option, there's a weekend LA DASH shuttle that connects the Sunset and Vermont Red Line station with the Greek Theater and Griffith Observatory. They're experimenting with running the shuttle on "holidays," as well; this weekend, it will run on 11/26, 11/28, 11/29 and 11/30. The Observatory is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mondays.
With recent wildfire damage and ongoing waves of COVID-19 infections and restrictions, National Forest, National Park, and other public land closures, restrictions, or social distancing guidelines may be in-effect.
If infection rates are on the rise, please do your best to remain local for your hikes. If you do travel, please be mindful of small gateway communities and avoid as much interaction as you can. Also remember to be extra prepared with supplies so you don't have to stop somewhere outside your local community for gas, food, or anything else.
Please be sure to contact the local land management agency BEFORE you head out, as these conditions are likely to change without enough notice for us to fully stay on top of them. Thanks, and stay safe!
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