Ferndell to the Mount Hollywood Summit

Most people drive to the top of Griffith Park. Starting at Ferndell is the better way to earn it. The trail begins in a shaded canyon where ferns grow along a small stream, then climbs out of the trees to the Mount Hollywood summit.

Where: Ferndell, off Red Oak Drive near Los Feliz Boulevard Distance: about 3 miles round trip Effort: moderate, mostly a steady uphill

Down in the ferns

The first stretch is cool even in summer. Stone bridges cross the stream, and the canyon walls hold in the damp. Kids like it here, and so do the picnickers who spread out near the trailhead. It is a gentle opening for a climb that gets less gentle.

Up to the summit

Past the canyon the trail switches onto the open ridge and the shade disappears. You climb through chaparral with the Observatory dome coming into view on your left. The summit has a wide flat top, a few benches and a view that takes in the downtown towers, the Hollywood Sign from behind and, on a clear day, the ocean.

Go early. By midday the slope bakes and the summit gets busy, especially on weekends. Wind picks up near the top, so a thin layer is worth packing.

Coming down

Many hikers loop back by a different path to the Observatory and return along the ridge. That adds distance, so plan for more time and water if you do. Bring a hat. There is little shade after the canyon.

Before you go

Check before you go: Griffith Park trails and parking lots close for fire danger, storms and special events, so look at the current notices first. For a map and route notes, see the Mount Hollywood route on AllTrails.

More outdoor ideas are on the Outdoor events page.