Easy Hike to Griffith Observatory — A Local’s Guide

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From the Author: I lived right next to Griffith Park in Atwater Village for years. I hiked through this large park hundreds of times on nearly every trail.

Looking for the hike to Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, one of the most traveled hikes by locals and tourists alike. You’ve landed in the right place. When I lived in Atwater Village (a nearby neighborhood), the hike to Griffith Observatory was my daily walk with my dogs.

The Griffith Park Observatory is located in Griffith Park with an entire 53-mile network of trails.  It’s the largest municipal park in the country. 

There are several ways to get to the Griffith Park Observatory, but I’ll share the easiest and most direct way to see this iconic Los Angeles Landmark via the south sloop of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park.

No time to read? No worries.
The easiest hike to Griffith Observatory is the West Observatory Loop Trail.

Los Angeles is home to the iconic Griffith Park Observatory, a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Nestled in the heart of Griffith Park, the Observatory offers stunning views of downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, and an array of dirt trails that cater to both beginner and experienced hikers.

Easy Griffith Park Hike to the Observatory

You’ll find miles of trails in LA’s Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks. The easiest hike to Griffith Observatory is the West Observatory Trail Loop, which starts at Fern Dell (aka Ferndell) in Griffith Park.

A bear statue marks the park entrance right off Los Feliz Blvd. From Los Feliz Blvd., turn right onto Fern Dell Drive. To begin this hike, head to the trailhead at the end of Fern Dell Drive, right at the playground.

This popular option is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike, about 540 feet in elevation gain, from Western Canyon and offers impressive views of Griffith Observatory and the cityscape below.

This trail is perfect for those looking for a moderate hike with a rewarding destination at the Griffith Observatory. It is a steep incline, so wear good hiking trail shoes.

Depending on your fitness level, the West Observatory trail will take you an hour up and back. I’ve done it 50+ times, and it’s doable for beginner hikers.

Parking for an Easy Hike to Griffith Observatory

When you turn off Los Feliz Boulevard onto Fern Dell Drive, at the bear statue, you can park on both sides of the street for free street parking or head down past Trails Cafe (excellent food) on the left and park in the spots across from the cafe.

You can also go farther to a larger parking area.

If you park right at the beginning where Fern Dell Drive and Los Feliz meet, you’ll come across the delightful Ferndell Trail to the south.

This charming, quarter-mile-long pathway is nestled within a fenced-in parcel along Fern Dell Drive with a cute wooden bridge. It’s magical.

When my daughter was little, we came here to play at least once a week with friends. It’s also covered by trees, so there is plenty of shade.

If you add Ferndell Trail to your hike it brings the distance up to a 2.6 mile hike with 615 feet of elevation change for the total hike.

Take the Lower West or Upper West Observatory Trail

Once you park, you’ll see a child’s playground. You can see the Observatory from the bottom.

Walk past a child’s playground.

Now, choose your own adventure.

You can take the trail on the right or the trail on the left. They are similar trails. Neither provide much shade except for a bit in the beginning. You’re hiking in full sun (bring a hat or hike early, both are preferable, especially in the summer).

The trail to the left is the Upper West Observatory Trail Loop and offers better views of the Hollywood Sign. It’s 0.2 miles longer then the Lower West Observatory Trail, but a bit of an easier hike.

The trail to the right is the Lower West Observatory Trail. This trail provides excellent head-on views of Griffith Observatory. It’s also more of a steady incline and more crowded. This is one of the best hikes with the best views of the Observatory. 

Note: the Boy Scout Trail, which heads toward the Greek Theater, was formerly known as the East Observatory Trail.

Both trails are the same (about) distance to the Observatory and have the same difficulty. It’s apples and oranges. Pick the one that calls to you.

Both trails are wide, and you’ll enjoy beautiful views as each fire road climbs at a reasonable incline.

If you take the Upper West Observatory Trail on the left, at a junction near the Observatory, you’ll come to the Firebreak Trail and Boy Scout Trail, meeting at a small plateau.

This scenic spot offers a fantastic opportunity to admire the breathtaking views, particularly on clear days.

However, for even more spectacular vistas and the chance to delve into scientific wonders, venture a little farther along the trail to the stunning Observatory where you’ll get clear views of the Hollywood Sign and the San Gabriel Mountains.

The Observatory

Once at the top, the magnificent Griffith Observatory will be in full view. It’s stunning. Enjoying this landmark in LA’s urban jungle is one of the pros of living in Los Angeles. 

The Observatory is an impressive architectural masterpiece, blending art deco design with Greek and Beaux-Arts influences.

When you arrive, take a moment to admire its stark white facade, which stands in stunning contrast to the park’s natural beauty surrounding it.

Walk across the large lawn on the outside of the Observatory for views looking east toward the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee and downtown LA.

You’ll see a statue memorializing James Dean and a map of the solar system embedded in the ground beneath your feet at the front of the observatory. 

There are restrooms located across the lawn away from the Observatory, also across from the large parking at the top.

Visiting the museum’s interior is free to the public. To enter the planetarium, there is a fee.

The Observatory holds events at night, for instance, when public telescopes are positioned on the lawn so that anyone can look through them and see the stars or observe their own backyard (this is great to do with children).

This is a lot of fun and free to the public. The individuals who bring their telescopes share knowledge of the solar system.

Step inside the Griffith Observatory and check out some scientific exhibits that are also free.

Observatory Facilities and Admission

Griffith Observatory, located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, is an iconic landmark that offers free admission to the building and grounds.

In this section, you’ll learn about the Observatory’s facilities, including the Planetarium and telescopes, as well as any fees for additional experiences.

Planetarium

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a popular attraction within the Griffith Observatory.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium ticket is $7 for adults and children 12 and up.

While admission to the Observatory is free, there are ticket costs for attending planetarium shows.

These immersive experiences provide incredible visuals and educational insight into the cosmos.

Show Schedule: The planetarium hosts multiple shows daily, with varying topics to suit different interests.

Be sure to check their calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and pricing.

Telescopes

A highlight of your visit to the Griffith Observatory is the opportunity to view celestial objects through their public telescopes.

The telescopes are available for free use during Observatory hours and are accessible to all visitors.

Availability: The telescopes are most popular during sunset and weekends, so expect some waiting time during these periods.

However, it’s worth the wait to experience the mesmerizing views of the night sky and its celestial bodies.

As you plan your visit to the Griffith Observatory, remember that the facilities are friendly and inviting.

With free admission, exploring the building and grounds is accessible to everyone.

Don’t miss the chance to delve into the world of astronomy by attending a planetarium show or observing the stars through their impressive telescopes.

Hours of the Observatory

Griffith Observatory is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 10 PM On weekends, the observatory opens at 10 AM and closes at 10 PM.

Other Ways to Get to Griffith Observatory

Via Car 🚘

There is parking for $10 an hour at the top of Griffith Observatory, but parking is very limited.

It’s nearly impossible to park at the top next to the Observatory, and the traffic is unbearable on weekends. You may be able to find a spot in the lot or along the route on weekdays.

It makes more sense to park near the Greek Theatre, off Vermont, at the bottom of the hill and either hike to the top (I’ve done this with a heavy picnic basket) or hop on the Dash.

One important note: If you plan to park at the Greek Theater parking lot, parking is prohibited after 1 PM on concert nights and special events. But parking is free here during non-event times.

The Dash Observatory 🚎

There is a shuttle service called DASH Observatory that operates between the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station and the Griffith Observatory.

Visit the Griffith Observatory website for more information on the shuttle, including schedules and fares.

Food and Leisure

Trails Cafe

If you plan a hike to the Griffith Observatory, you can’t miss the Trails Cafe. 

This charming cafe serves delicious snacks, the best PB&J sandwiches in the world, some of the best scones I’ve ever had, and coffee you can enjoy before or after your hike.

Picnic tables sit among leaves from trees overhead, and you feel nestled into the hillside. It’s a great place in LA to chill with friends. 

It’s a perfect spot to fuel up and relax under the trees near the Fern Dell picnic area. Remember to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun on those hot Los Angeles days.

Picnic Areas

Griffith Park offers a variety of scenic picnic areas where you can take a break and savor a meal surrounded by nature. 

The Fern Dell picnic area, located near the West Griffith Observatory Trail trailhead, features picnic tables and restrooms for your convenience. 

Surrounded by greenery and a bubbling stream, it’s an ideal spot to lay out a picnic blanket, relax under the trees, and enjoy a lovely meal with family and friends.

For a more active picnic experience, try one of the several picnic spots along the hike to the Griffith Observatory. 

Many of these spots come with benches and picnic tables set under the trees, allowing you to enjoy your snacks while basking in the beauty of the park’s natural surroundings. Just remember to pack your hat and sunscreen, as some areas might have less shade.

What to Pack on Your Hike to Griffith Observatory

Plenty of water 💧

You will need it. Sometimes when hiking in Griffith Park, the air is dry, which makes you thirsty faster.

Much of the hiking isn’t shaded (you night walk under the occasional canopy of sycamore trees), especially on a clear day, the sun is intense.

I use the Water-To-Go Bottle. It filters out harmful contaminants so that I can fill it up anywhere. Water fountains are at the top next to the restrooms, but the water from these fountains tastes awful. Use the Water-to-Go Bottle to make LA water drinkable and tasteless.

A sunhat 👒

Please do yourself a favor and wear a sunhat. It makes hiking so much more enjoyable.

Sunblock 🧴

When you live in Los Angeles you wear sunblock 365 days out of the year! 😎

Sunglasses 🕶️

When you live in Los Angeles you wear sunglasses 365 days out of the year! 😎

Easy Hike to Griffith Observatory: FAQS

Wrap-Up: Easy Hike to Griffith Observatory

If you want a longer hike, there many choices from the 53 miles of trail in Griffith Park. They will be included in an upcoming post. I do an 8-mile loop rather frequently.

But if you want more time to enjoy the fantastic Griffith Observatory at the top instead of hiking all day, the best trail for that is the West Observatory Trail Loop to hike to Griffith Observatory. It’s a short and sweet hike.

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