Hike 1324
June 21, 2017
Griffith Park – East Loop
Steve Babcock, Hike Leader
Meet at 9:00 am for start at 9:30 am
Summary: This hike explores the eastern portions of Griffith Park.
Directions to trailhead: We will meet at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round upper lot. From I-5 north take Griffith Park exit, turn right on Crystal Springs Drive then left at the Merry-Go-Round sign. From I-5 south take the Los Feliz west exit, turn right on Los Feliz, turn right on Crystal Springs Drive then left at the Merry-Go-Round sign. Restrooms are available nearby, as are pony rides!
Basic Hike (5.6 miles RT, 1464 ft. elevation gain): Take the Fern Canyon Nature Trail to Fern Canyon Trail and turn left up to 5 Points. As of this writing the trail we want from here is closed due to a water project construction, so we will have to make a short detour along pavement. Follow the sign to the Joe Klass water stop with shade trees and tables. Turn right on paved Vista Del Valle Drive and walk past the construction. Look for a green wooden pump house on the left located at the junction of Riverside and Hogback Trails. Bear right on the Hogback Trail steeply up the ridge to Dante’s View and Mt. Hollywood. Follow the North Trail keeping right at two junctions (follow signs for Bee Rock) down to Vista Del Valle again. Turn right and walk down the pavement a short distance past a water stop to the Bill Eckert Trail. Follow this down to the Old Zoo area, past the Bee Rock Trail to take the Upper Old Zoo Trail back to the parking lot.
Short Option (3.3 miles): Take the Fern Canyon Trail up to 5 Points, then return via the Coolidge and Lower Beacon Trails.
Long Option (6.6 miles): Take Lower Beacon and Coolidge Trails to 5 Points, then follow the Basic Hike instructions from there.
Refreshments will be served on the picnic tables next to the Merry-Go-Round. Hopefully we can get Dan or Phil to record an OTP group carousel ride!
Google Earth - Griffith Park Combined A. East Loop is the green track.
Elevations:
Parking Lot Start Point - 400 ft
Beacon Hill – 1000 ft
Mt Hollywood – 1625 ft
2017-07-20
