Fern Dell / Observatory Loop

Centrally located in one of the nation's most populous cities, Griffith Park is a nice reprieve where local hikers and trail runners can escape from pounding pavement and enjoy the 50+ miles of trail throughout the park. 

Start from the Fern Dell Nature Trail Trailhead off of Vermont Ave. Street parking is available from sunrise to sunset and can get crowded on the weekends. Continue along Fern Dell Dr. via the sidewalk or parallel single track trail. You will ascend a gradual climb for 1.5 miles before reaching an unnamed trail on your left. You can choose to stay on the road for the rest of your climb or follow the tracks in this route which ascend a short (.2 miles) but steep, single track. 

Turn right when you reach Mt. Hollywood Road. Continue along the gradual descent until you reach an intersection at West Observatory Road. Turn right, and take the first left up a dirt road to the Berlin Forest. From the forest continue to descend until you reach the Charlie Turner Trailhead and the paved parking lot for the Griffith Park Observatory. 

Continue down East Observatory Road which will turn into Vermont Canyon Road. Stay straight, you will pass the Greek Theater on your right, and then turn right at Commonwealth Canyon Road. Here you will find drinking fountains and bathrooms if needed.

Take the first dirt road on your right and begin the climb up Boy Scout Trail until you reach a flat pass just below the Griffith Park Observatory. Take a moment to enjoy 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding mountains (weather and smog permitting).  Follow the fire road all the way down and turn left at Fern Dell Dr to return to the start.