Beyond the Observatory: Hiking Griffith Park

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America.

1. The Easy Walk: Ferndell Nature Trail

Located near the bottom of the park, this is a tropical oasis with ferns, streams, and shade. It leads up to The Trails Cafe, where you can grab coffee and avocado toast.

2. The Classic: Mt. Hollywood Trail

Start at the Griffith Observatory parking lot.

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Views: You get a 360-degree view of the LA Basin and a great side-view of the Hollywood Sign.

3. The Hollywood Sign Hike: Canyon Drive

If you want to get behind the letters.

• Start at Canyon Drive.
• Hike up to the Typhoon Canyon.
• This trail takes about 2-3 hours round trip and takes you directly behind the massive H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D letters.

Warning: Bring water. There is very little shade in the park and it gets hot.