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Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 718 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 Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak'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.
Hilly paths around a landmark observatory rise to this lookout with views across the LA skyline.
What runners say about Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak
“The trail is well-maintained, and the views at the top are fantastic—offering a great perspective of downtown LA and Griffith Observatory.”
“The building itself is beautiful, especially around sunset and at night when the city lights come on.”
Fantastic hiking grounds. Free parking at the observatory up until 12 noon during the weekdays. (10 am weekends)The hike up to Hollywood peak is definitely worth it, not too strenuous. On my trips I’ve seen plenty of 🦌 , a few coyote lots of Jack Rabbits and a crazy amount of different species of 🐦.
This is my 7th time hiking the Hollywood sign & Wisdom Tree 🌳 from Griffith Observatory. It's about 7 miles round trip. We veer off the main trail 3 times to hike up and down the smaller mountains. The trails get smaller & narrow & some occasional rock climbing.4 hours out & back.
An amazing trail that is surrounded by breathtaking views, the trail is definitely something to see when in California. There's simply no other place in the world like this. The peak offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and surrounding natural landscapes.
Stunning hike with your dogs!! Scenery for days and 360 degree view of LA from the top. They do have water troughs along the trail (I'm shaded areas) for people and dogs. And a standing section for dogs to dip their paws into the water to cool them down on hot days. My mini aussies absolutely love the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“There were views for days; and we took great pics, panoramas and selfies which I sent to family out in the freezing regions of the country.”
“If you park by the Griffith Observatory you don't have to pay for parking until noon Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday you pay parking after 10am.”
“The ascent was gradual, making it a pleasant and manageable climb.”
“No matter what time of the day it is; sunrise, noon, sunset and night (city lights and stars), each time of the day transitions the landscape into a view like no other.”
Plan your run at Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak
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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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