An inner-Griffith tour that
circles the middle of the park on wide, gentle trails.
Location: Griffith Park Region: Hollywood/Beverly Hills Distance: 4.6-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate When to go: Year-round Hours: 6 a.m. to sunset Phone: 323-913-7390 Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash Restrooms: In the picnic area at the trailhead Parking: Free
Trail Information
Full Review: Finding a golf ball on a hiking trail might be
considered odd in other parks, but it's par for the course in Griffith,
where "wilderness" is what's sandwiched between the more developed
recreation venues. The first part of this hike runs along the outer edge of
a driving range before rising above a golf course. Eventually you'll make
your way to woodsier terrain. In the meantime, keep an ear out for fores.
On the edge of the Mineral Wells picnic area parking lot, there's a trail
that parallels the road for over a mile. You'll pass the turnoff that leads
to the Boy's Camp, climb a tiny hill and dip back down. Stay along the main
path until you reach an intersection. Follow the path to the right as climbs
up above the old zoo. Keep to the main path as you walk past a water tank to
a ridge above the Boy's Camp canyon. Keep climbing, past water tank 113
(you'll know it by the big "113" painted on the side) to the paved road, Del
Valle Dr. Turn right onto the pavement and walk around the bend until you
see a trail on the left side of the road. Follow the trail up to an
intersection and look up: You're standing at the base of Mt. Bell. Pretty
exciting, eh?
When you're done enjoying the view of downtown and the San Gabriel
Mountains, turn right at the intersection to start your descent. Stay along
the main path as it takes you back down to Del Valle, which you'll cross to
find the trail continue between two tall metal signs. If you look to your
left, you'll see what looks like the beginnings of a housing development.
It's actually the lovely Tonyon Canyon Landfill. Stay on the path that runs
along the border of the landfill. About a half a mile past water tank 112,
the road splits. Turn right to make a welcome departure from the garbage
zone, and follow the ridgeline to a nifty little oasis called Amir's Garden.
This is one of finest picnic spots in Griffith Park, thanks to a volunteer
named Amir, who has landscaped and watered and weeded and de-graffitied this
patch of parkland since the '70s. From the garden, the trail curves to the
left and takes you all the way back down to Griffith Park Rd. You can either
turn left and follow the trail back to the parking lot or cross the street
and walk through the park.
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