TRAIL NAME: Griffith Observatory to Mt. Hollywood to Mt. Lee at Griffith Park.
HIKE DATE: Sunday, March 01, 2020
MEETING TIME: 8:00 am – 8:20 am
(We’ll wait about 20 mins, and we’ll leave the trail head at 7:20 am)
Return Approx: 1:30 pm
HIKE LEAD: Jason Bazalar
HIKE LEVEL: Level 5 – (Moderate Uphill sections with some Rolling Hills areas along the way)
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
(OPTIONAL) HIKE RSVP:
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events
HIKE DURATION: 3.5 Hours (approx)
HIKE DISTANCE: 6.2 Miles Roundtrip (3.1 Miles one-way)
*** NEW HIKE MEETING POINT ***
Please note the new meeting location for this hike (Parking Lot G, noted below).
MEETING PLACE:
Parking Lot “G” – Meet by the benches (under the tree) next to the restrooms.
(The lot is on the left, just after you pass the Greek Theater on Vermont),
Coordinates: 34.121547,-118.297123
Closest Physical Address:
2700 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
DIRECT LINK: https://goo.gl/maps/1PWcUwVQK8RLei1f7
PARKING FEE: None, the park offers free parking in this lot.
TRAIL WALKTHROUGH: We will meet in Parking Lot G (our NEW meeting point). Depending on the group, we’ll either go uphill along the trail that parallels the bird sanctuary until we get halfways up Mt. Hollywood, OR we’ll go up along a narrow road that aligns with Vermont Canyon Rd and go to the Charlie Turner trailhead. Our goal will be to go up and around Mt. Hollywood Peak (aka Dante’s Peak) to save some energy for the rest of the walk. Once around Mt. Hollywood Peak, we’ll continue north on a fire road that will take to an short uphill section that has a pipe next to it, and end up in the area where the “Griffith Park Teahouse” used to reside. We’ll follow the fire road down past Taco Peak (aka Octagon Hill) and Mt Bell until we hit the Mount Hollywood Dr. We’ll cross that road and start going on a rolling hill trail that takes us on the South side of Mt. Chapel until we hit Mt. Lee Drive (expect to see white wooden fencing). Upon the arrival to the blacktop, we will go up Mt. Lee Dr. , past the Cahuenga Peak rock plaque (noting the addition of Cahuenga Peak to Griffith Park) see green fencing. Once there we’ll continue until we get to the top (past the antenna area) where you’ll encounter the American Flag along with an incredible view of the (backside of the) Hollywood Sign letters, Hollywood reservoir, and the surrounding cities. NOTE: You won’t be able to touch the letters as they are fenced off and under surveillance 24/7, but you will be close enough for some great pictures. We return on a slightly similar path, but it’s usually a bit easier once we get around Dante’s peak area, where we will take an easier path down back to the trailhead.
WATER REQUIRED. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. Please note, that we have expectations for Level 5 hikers.
REQUIRED: 2 to 3 Liters of water, sunscreen, a good small lunch/snack for the midway point. Must have a light breakfast bite to prior to the hike.
RECOMMENDED: Comfortable walking shoes (Distance is a factor). Long Wind Breaker Pants (so dry brush doesn’t hit your legs). Double the water you usually take (usually a backpack or Camelbak/hydration pack are good to carry your water). Small Snack to eat when we get to the Hollywood Sign (You’ll want a snack!). Use the restroom prior to meeting time as there are none along the way.
DOG-FRIENDLY?: Yes. However, it must be on a leash, have hiking experience, and must be friendly with other dogs and hikers. Must bring water and a container for it to drink from. And must pick up after your pet.
NOTE:
The Hollywood Sign Hike is quite a demanding trail distance wise, but quite fun! Try to pack as light as possible. Please plan accordingly.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s Details we link at the very top of this page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.