The park was gifted to the City of Los Angeles in 1896 by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith.
The Mount Hollywood peak offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
It contains the historic Bronson Caves, a former quarry used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows including the 1960s Batman series.
The park includes an authentic miniature railroad attraction that has operated since 1948.
The Ferndell Nature Trail is a lush, man-made canyon featuring tropical plants and a stream, originally developed in the early 20th century.
The park is home to a segment of the Trans-California Trail system, connecting urban areas to regional wilderness.
The Greek Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater located in a wooded canyon, was designed to mimic a Greek temple.
The L.A. Zoo, located within the park, is home to over 2,000 animals representing 270 species.
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the United States, spanning over 4,200 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains. It serves as a central hub for outdoor recreation in Los Angeles, containing over 50 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. The park grounds house major civic institutions including the Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Its topography features rugged chaparral-covered hills reaching elevations of over 1,600 feet at Mount Hollywood. The park offers expansive views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean. Its diverse terrain supports native wildlife, including coyotes, mule deer, and occasionally mountain lions. Multiple picnic areas and paved mountain roads are available for public use throughout the mountainous terrain.
The grassy lawn in front of the Griffith Observatory at sunset.
Carry more water than you expect to need, as the trails offer little shade and the climate is semi-arid.
Use the official park maps to stay on designated trails to avoid restricted ecological recovery areas.
Check park alerts before arrival, as certain trails or roads may close temporarily due to fire risk or maintenance.
Attempting to hike to the Hollywood Sign directly from residential neighborhood streets; use authorized park trailheads instead.
Park trails are typically open daily from sunrise to sunset, though specific attractions like the Zoo or Observatory have their own distinct operating patterns.
Leash your dogs, stay on marked trails to protect local flora, and pack out all trash to keep the wilderness area clean.
