4 min
Overview
When most people think of L.A.’s iconic Griffith Park, they probably envision things like the Observatory, the Greek Theatre, the Hollywood Sign, the Zoo, and legions of picnicking families. But there’s also a wilder side to this urban retreat, far removed from the wide fire roads and smothering crowds – and we’ll take you there on this adrenaline-soaked rollercoaster adventure across four peaks and down hidden canyons in the park’s surprisingly quiet north end. Begin by parking in the paved or dirt lot adjacent to the Travel Town Museum. You’ll notice a trail that ascends directly next to the parking lot – this is the Skyline Trail, and you’ll pop out of its dusty confines at the end of your journey. Instead, look across Griffith Park Drive, where you’ll find another trailhead just past a yellow fire hydrant. You’ll see the first of many “horse crossing” signs here…and probably the first of several horses, prancing around the dusty open area you just wandered into. This end of the park is frequented by equestrians and their hoofed friends – as such, be on the lookout for fresh piles of steaming you-know-what. Head left across the open space to pick up a fire road (sometimes called the Oak Canyon Trail) that parallels Griffith Park Drive. Head up a gentle incline through some heavenly shade, ignoring side trails that appear on your left and passing by the Forest Lawn Cemetery on your right. As you continue up, the trail morphs into a lush single track, and if you’re like us, you’ll suddenly feel miles away from it all. Around 0.3 miles, you’ll reach the beginning of what’s been affectionately dubbed the “Suicide Trail.” Marked just ahead with a “No horses beyond this point” sign (sorry, hoss), this seriously rugged, steep trail angles sharply up to your left, climbing to meet Mt. Hollywood Drive. The gnarliest bit of this section ascends something like 175’ in 0.1 mile. Translation: you’re gonna feel it. Make sure you turn around at least once, not only to catch your breath, but also to enjoy the sweeping vista
Trail Stats
11.2 km
759 m
495 m
126 m
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