Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory — Attraction in Los Angeles

This is a beautiful trail and merits 5 stars for several reasons. It's great for both the experienced and the novice hiker because it is just over a mile long yet has a couple of steep climbs. The trail is safe as there are always plenty of people getting their exercise. So far no reports of mountain lions.

Before you arrive you should decide whether you want to begin the hike at the top or the bottom of the hike. Beginning the hike at the top means that you'll need to drive to the top of the hill where the Observatory itself is located. Depending on the day and the time you may find parking very easy or very difficult. If there is no parking in the parking lot in front of the observatory then you'll have to park on E. Observatory Rd which is the street leading up to the observatory. Depending on how far away you park, you may have a short hike up to the top where the trail begins. Then you can hike down Firebreak Trail. You'll be nice and warmed up.

About five to 10 minutes into the hike (depending on your pace) there is a bench overlooking a drop off where you can sit and view downtown L.A. It's a perfect place for photos, especially during sunset. Then you continue down the trail. There are restrooms, a water fountain, and benches at the bottom of the trail that you can use before you make your way back up.

If you begin the trail at the bottom you'll want to park on Western Canyon Rd which is accessible through Los Feliz.

Wherever you decide to start, the hike will take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending...

I recently had a great hike in Griffith Park, starting from one of the Observatory Trailheads, and it’s a perfect urban escape. The signage is clear, offering several short, accessible options like the West Observatory Trail (0.7 mi) or the Loop Trail (0.2 mi), making it ideal for a quick workout or a relaxed family outing. The trails themselves are mostly wide, dirt fire roads, which were well-maintained and easy to navigate. The best part, of course, is the views. Even on an overcast or slightly hazy day (like when I was there), the vistas are stunning. As you hike up the wide, dusty path, you get that iconic perspective of the Griffith Observatory dome rising over the green hills behind you. Then, when you look out over the city, you are treated to sweeping, classic views of the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline in the distance. Quick Tips: Parking: Parking near the Observatory can be a challenge, so consider starting your hike from a lower access point like Fern Dell Drive (which is listed as only 0.1 mi away from this junction) and walking up. Sun: The trail pictured is quite exposed, so definitely bring water and sun protection on clear days, even if it feels cool at the start. Footwear: Standard athletic shoes are generally fine for these wide paths. This is a quintessential L.A. hike that's perfect for both locals and visitors. It offers a great payoff in views for a minimal time...

It was my first time hiking up any of the trails to Griffith Observatory. Almost upon entering the park, we found confusing signage. Some signs posted saying that the entrance would be closed at sunset, and others saying the park closed at 10pm, we were confused. In addition, signage also indicated that parking required payment at some locations, but not others.

Being a weekday, there were plenty of parking spaces in the lot. The trail we took was alongside the road for cars; a concrete berm separates traffic from hikers. Many pine tree needles are on the trail, so it can be a bit slippery. Since you're climbing up a hill on a narrow path, there are some areas where you will step onto the paved road (that cars drive on), so watch for cars.

The views of Griffith Observatory & downtown Los Angeles are great. We left after dark, so our flashlights & blinking bike lights helped us safely walk down the...