Picnic and Pictures: Griffith Park

Griffith Park is an iconic park in Los Angeles with an extensive network of trails, perfect for hiking, walking, and exploring with your furry companion. From the stunning views of the Hollywood Sign to the serene tranquility of the Griffith Observatory, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, there is no entrance fee!


Entrance & Parking

One option is the main entrance on Los Feliz Blvd, marked by the iconic bear statue. Keep in mind, parking near this entrance can be a bit of a puzzle, but fear not! As you venture further up the road, you’ll discover more parking spaces. Just a friendly tip: this entrance tends to get bustling, especially on weekends and holidays, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

For a slightly more relaxed experience, I recommend considering an alternative entry from the North Vermont Avenue. Along this route, you’ll pass by the Roosevelt Golf Course and the Greek Theatre, and a spacious parking lot awaits beyond the Greek Theatre for convenient access. Additionally, street parking is available in the surrounding area, offering further options for visitors.

Trails & Sights

If you are able to successfully snag a parking spot upon entering Griffith Park via Los Feliz Blvd, you can explore two notable trails:

  1. Charlie Turner Trail
  2. Mount Hollywood Trail

On the other hand, if you’ve chosen to escape the crowds, parking near the Greek Theatre reveals the picturesque Riverside Trail, conveniently located just across the street from the Greek Theatre parking lot.

No matter where you choose to park, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll up to the Griffith Observatory. Marvel at the wonders of the observatory, soak in the panoramic views of the city, and snap a picture with the famous Hollywood Sign in the background.

Our Journey

To catch a glimpse of the the bear statue, I decided to try my luck entering the Griffith Park via Los Feliz Blvd. However, luck seemed to elude me when it came to finding parking. So I drove through the Mt. Hollywood tunnel and managed to find a spot on the street near the Greek Theatre.

Toby and I kicked off our Griffith Park exploration by going up to the Griffith Observatory. We embarked on a delightful walk up the North Vermont Canyon Road, taking a left onto the East Observatory Road, which led us all the way to the observatory itself. The view of the city with the Hollywood Sign was simply beautiful, despite the grey clouds and sprinkling spring rain.

After our observatory adventure, we retraced our steps, making our way back down the North Vermont Canyon Road. Just before reaching the Bird Sanctuary entrance, we stumbled upon a couple of inviting picnic tables. The rain had stopped just in time for us to take a quick break — me enjoying my sandwich and Toby happily lapping up some water from the supply I had brought along.

Our journey continued as we proceeded down the North Vermont Canyon Road, heading towards our parking spot. We then embarked on the Riverside Trail, a charming dirt trail with a gentle incline. The walk was easy and picturesque, treating us to stunning views of Los Angeles. It’s worth noting that the Riverside Trail isn’t a loop; if you continue, it eventually ends at Vista Del Valle Dr. We ventured about halfway along the trail but, unfortunately, a sudden downpour forced us to turn back and head to the car. Despite the weather interruption, it was an incredibly enjoyable adventure.

Interactive Map

View our interactive map on Google Maps. Select the “Griffith Park” layer for a detailed map of our walking route!