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Fern Dell Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 531 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fern Dell Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Serene enclave at Griffith Park featuring walking paths amid tropical foliage & a man-made brook.
What runners say about Fern Dell Nature Preserve
“Hi everyone I went walking today to this beautiful place it is so beautiful peaceful and calm .”
“Hi everyone I went walking today to this beautiful place it is so beautiful peaceful and calm .”
Start here and park free. I go up pass the parking lots, up to the Observatory and sometimes to the top. Enjoy the trails, wildlife and GR8 scenery!
This place is so magical!! There’s a babbling brook on either side of the trail. There’s lots of benches to sit and relax on. I love how the trail leads all the way up to the Observatory. I’ll definitely be coming back throughout the summer.
Really lovely park and trail. Well maintained area and there's also a playpark for the children. It's quite steep in places and there's limited shadow so you need to be aware of this if walking/ running up. I'd also recommend that you bring a bottle as although there are water stops, they're not frequent.
Calming nature walk-through starting at the entrance to Griffith Park. Easy for all ages, some wildlife can be spotted, and if you choose you can continue all the way up to the Observatory (active level people) and skip paying for parking! P.s. the trail that goes to the right is easier than the one by the restrooms.
Trail conditions & character
“Hi everyone I went walking today to this beautiful place it is so beautiful peaceful and calm .”
“Easy for all ages, some wildlife can be spotted, and if you choose you can continue all the way up to the Observatory (active level people) and skip paying for parking!”
“Hi everyone I went walking today to this beautiful place it is so beautiful peaceful and calm .”
“It's quite steep in places and there's limited shadow so you need to be aware of this if walking/ running up.”
“People being their dogs and there are lots of random creatures like frogs, crawfish, butterflies, lizards, butterfly(and rarely snakes).”
“Easy for all ages, some wildlife can be spotted, and if you choose you can continue all the way up to the Observatory (active level people) and skip paying for parking!”
Plan your run at Fern Dell Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(323) 666-5046
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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