Hike #1494
July 13, 2022
Griffith Park - East Loop

Hike Leader: Phil Unger

Meet at 8:00 am for start at 8:30 am

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.

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, 1,464 ft. elevation gain):  Take the Fern Canyon Nature Trail to Fern Canyon Trail and turn left up to 5 Points.  Take the first left to Beacon Hill for a short detour if desired. Otherwise, follow the sign to the Joe Klass water stop with shade trees and tables.  Turn right on paved Vista Del Valle Drive and walk on the road for a short distance.  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. Turn right to Glendale Peak for short detour if desired. Return to Hogback Trail for a steep ascent up the ridge to Dante’s View and Mt. Hollywood. Take a rest and appreciate the panaramic view.

Descend from Mt. Hollywood and 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 on the left.  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.  It may become a little confusing in the Old Zoo area, but just head towards the Merry-Go-Round (using Google Maps if necessary).. 

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.

BYO refreshments to eat on the picnic tables next to the Merry-Go-Round. Bringing your own chair would be helpful.

Map of Griffith Park South

Google Earth - Griffith Park Combined A.  East Loop is the green track.

Elevations:
Parking Lot Start Point - 400 ft
Beacon Hill - 1,000 ft
Mt Hollywood - 1,625 ft


Updated:  2022-06-22