Griffith Park is a 4,210-acre public park in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of Los Angeles, one of the largest urban parks in the United States

Griffith Park sits in the eastern Hollywood Hills and is open to the public year-round at no cost. The park contains hiking trails, picnic areas, a zoo, an observatory, a Greek Theatre, golf courses, and horse riding paths. Most of the park is undeveloped chaparral and oak woodland, with paved roads and maintained trails running through it. Parking is free at most trailheads and facilities, though some areas charge a small fee.

The park was donated to the City of Los Angeles in 1896 by Griffith J. Griffith, a wealthy businessman. It has been managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks since then. The park remains one of the most visited urban parks in the country, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Griffith Park is free to enter and open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., though some facilities inside have separate hours.
  • The park has over 50 miles of hiking trails ranging from straightforward walks to steep climbs, with trailheads marked at multiple entry points.
  • Griffith Observatory is free to enter and offers views of the city and night sky, with a planetarium show that costs money to attend.
  • The Los Angeles Zoo and Greek Theatre are separate paid attractions located within the park boundaries.
  • Parking is available at most trailheads and picnic areas, with some lots filling up on weekends and holidays.

Main Trails and What to Expect on Each

Griffith Park has over 50 miles of marked trails. The most popular is the Griffith Observatory Trail, a 1.3-mile round trip from the Observatory parking lot that climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the city. This trail is paved for most of its length and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The path is steep in sections but well-maintained.

The Mount Hollywood Trail is a 3.2-mile round trip that starts near the Observatory and reaches the highest point in the park at 1,625 feet. This trail is unpaved, more strenuous, and takes about two hours. The view from the top includes downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean.

The Bronson Canyon Trail is a 3.3-mile round trip that leads to a tunnel used in old Hollywood films. The trail is moderate in difficulty and passes through oak and chaparral woodland. The tunnel itself is a popular photo spot. This trailhead is accessed from the Bronson Canyon parking area on the south side of the park.

The Fern Dell Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip through a shaded canyon with a small stream. This is one of the easiest walks in the park and stays cool even on hot days. The trailhead is near the Los Feliz Boulevard entrance.

Griffith Observatory and the Planetarium

Griffith Observatory is a white copper-domed building completed in 1935 and sits at 1,134 feet elevation. The building and grounds are free to enter. Inside, there are exhibits about astronomy and the night sky, and visitors can look through telescopes on clear nights. The Observatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and closed Mondays.

The planetarium inside the Observatory shows films about space and astronomy. These shows cost money to attend—ticket prices vary by age and show type. The planetarium typically runs shows every 30 to 60 minutes during open hours. Tickets can be purchased at the Observatory or online in advance.

The Observatory grounds offer views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown Los Angeles, and the surrounding hills. The building itself is a popular spot for photographs. On clear nights, the view of the city lights and stars is one of the most visited vistas in Los Angeles.

Picnic Areas, Facilities, and Amenities

Griffith Park has multiple picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms. The largest is near the Griffith Park Drive entrance, which has a playground, picnic tables, and parking. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served and do not require reservations. Some areas have water fountains, though not all trails have water access, so bringing your own water is recommended.

Restrooms are located at major parking areas and near the Observatory, but they are not present at every trailhead. The park has limited cell phone service in many areas, particularly on trails away from main roads. There are no food vendors inside the park, so bring snacks or a meal if you plan to stay for several hours.

The park allows dogs on leash in most areas, including trails and picnic areas. There is a separate off-leash dog park called Barrington Dog Park on the west side of the park. Horses are allowed on designated trails, and there are stables near the park where horses can be rented.

Los Angeles Zoo and Greek Theatre Locations

The Los Angeles Zoo is located within Griffith Park near the Los Feliz Boulevard entrance. It is a separate paid attraction with its own parking and entrance fee. The zoo is open daily and houses animals from around the world. Hours and admission prices vary by season and can be found on the zoo's website.

The Greek Theatre is an outdoor concert venue also located within the park. It hosts concerts and performances from spring through fall. Tickets are sold through the venue's website and vary by event. The theatre has its own parking area separate from general park parking.

Parking, Hours, and Safety Information

Most parking areas in Griffith Park are free. The main parking lots are at Griffith Observatory, Bronson Canyon, Fern Dell, and near the Los Feliz Boulevard entrance. Parking lots can fill up on weekends, holidays, and during special events. Arriving early in the morning is recommended if you plan to visit on a busy day.

The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some facilities like the Observatory have different hours. Hiking after dark is not recommended due to limited lighting and uneven terrain. The park has rangers on patrol, but remote areas can be isolated.

Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days—the park has little shade on many trails. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as trails can be rocky and steep. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails can become muddy after rain and visibility is poor during fog. Cell phone service is unreliable in many parts of the park, so let someone know your route and expected return time.

Getting to Griffith Park by Car and Public Transit

Griffith Park is located in the Los Feliz neighbourhood, about 5 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. By car, the main entrances are off Los Feliz Boulevard, Crystal Canyon Drive, and Griffith Park Drive. From downtown, take the 101 freeway north and exit at Los Feliz Boulevard. Parking is free at most trailheads.

Public transit to the park is limited. The Metro Red Line stops at the Los Feliz station, about a mile from the nearest park entrance. From there, you can walk or take a local bus. The DASH bus system also serves some areas near the park. Check the Metro website for current routes and schedules, as service changes frequently.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area and can drop you at trailheads or the Observatory. Biking to the park is possible from nearby neighbourhoods, though the park itself has limited bike paths—most trails are hiking-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Griffith Park safe to visit alone?

The main areas near the Observatory and popular trailheads are generally safe and busy with other visitors. Remote trails and areas away from main roads can be isolated, particularly in early morning or late afternoon. Visiting with others and staying on marked trails reduces risk. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Can I bring my dog to Griffith Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed on leash throughout most of the park, including on trails and in picnic areas. There is also an off-leash dog park called Barrington Dog Park on the west side. Dogs must be under control at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and clear views. Summer can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit on exposed trails. Winter is cooler but trails can be muddy after rain. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. Avoid visiting during Santa Ana wind events, when fire danger is high and the park may close.

Do I need a permit to hike in Griffith Park?

No permit is required for day hiking. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served and do not require reservations. If you want to film or photograph commercially, you need a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Are there water fountains on the trails?

Water fountains are located at major parking areas and near the Observatory, but not at every trailhead or along trails. Bring at least two litres of water per person, especially on longer hikes or hot days. Some trails pass small streams, but water from streams should be treated before drinking.