Griffith Park is a City of Los Angeles regional park with more than 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, shady Fern Dell paths and routes toward the Observatory. You can plan around the area you want to visit, then check hours, parking and transit details before setting out.
- Location: Los Angeles; the park address is 4730 Crystal Springs Drive.
- Park hours: published daily hours span 5:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; confirm the schedule before your visit.
- Getting around: the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus links the Vermont/Sunset Metro station with several park stops.
Pick an area of the park
Griffith Park covers a large area, so choosing an entrance or destination first can help you plan your visit. The City Parks Department describes the park as covering more than 4,210 acres, while a separate City parks assessment lists 4,574 acres. Established in 1896, it is a regional park with a broad network of hiking and equestrian trails.
For a shady walk, consider Fern Dell near the Western Canyon entrance. Its winding trail passes more than 50 fern species. If you’re aiming for the Observatory, start by comparing routes near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell on the park’s hiking maps.
The City Parks Department provides official hiking and bikeways maps. Looking at a map before you choose an entrance can help you match your route to the part of the park you want to see.
Trails and outdoor activities
Griffith Park has more than 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, with routes across its hills and around park destinations. The City Parks Department provides official hiking and bikeways maps to help you plan a route.
For an Observatory hike, start by comparing routes from the Greek Theatre and Fern Dell on the park maps. If you’re cycling, ride on paved park roads rather than trails or fire roads. To reach the Observatory by bicycle, use West Observatory Road; East Observatory Road runs one way downhill.
Park rules include a 25 mph speed limit, no open fires, and no feeding wildlife. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited, dogs must be on leash, and bicycles are not permitted on trails.
Griffith Park hours and closures
Published daily hours for Griffith Park span 5:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Bridle trails, hiking paths and mountain roads close at sunset, so check the official site before you go.
Keep the trail and road closing information in mind when planning an outing, especially if your route depends on being in the park late in the day.
How do you get from Studio City to Griffith Park?
From Studio City, you can drive to Griffith Park or connect by public transit, depending on which part of the park you plan to visit. From El Royale Gardens Near Universal Studios, the park is about a 10-minute drive.
For the Observatory area, the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus connects the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station with Los Feliz Village, the Greek Theatre, Mount Hollywood Drive and Griffith Observatory. It runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including days when the Observatory building is closed, and buses stop every 20–25 minutes.
DASH fares are 50 cents, or 35 cents with a Metro TAP card. Seniors and people with disabilities pay 25 cents, children age 4 and under ride free, and you need exact change. The Vermont/Sunset Metro station has no parking in, around or near it.
Parking and public transit
Parking choices around the Observatory include paid spaces near the top and free parking around the Greek Theatre, with different restrictions for each.
Paid parking at the Observatory lot and on West Observatory Road and Western Canyon is enforced Monday–Friday from noon to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fees increase during peak season and holidays.
For free parking around the Greek Theatre, you need to be able to walk uphill for up to one mile. Those spaces are unavailable after 1:00 p.m. on concert evenings. Road closures are possible when traffic becomes congested, so check the Greek Theatre schedule before you go; its concert season generally runs from April through October.
Upper areas of the park can have heavy traffic and limited parking, especially on weekends, holidays and during summer. The City Parks Department recommends the DASH Observatory shuttle for Observatory visits or hikes to Hollywood Sign views.
The Observatory also has accessible parking spaces in the south part of its lot for vehicles displaying official plates or placards. DASH buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps.
Planning a park visit with the Hollywood Sign
You can hike in Griffith Park for views of the Hollywood Sign, but the sign itself is not accessible to visitors. The City Parks Department points to viewing sites around the park instead.
If the sign is part of your plans, choose a viewing route using the City’s hiking maps and factor in the park’s trail-closing information. Routes and access points for getting to the Hollywood Sign from Studio City can help you plan where to view it.
FAQs
Is Griffith Park free to enter?
The supplied park information does not specify an admission charge. Parking near the Observatory can be paid, while parking around the Greek Theatre is free under the stated conditions.
Can you visit the Hollywood Sign?
You can visit park viewpoints for views of the sign, but the sign itself is not accessible to visitors.
Are bicycles allowed on Griffith Park trails?
No. Cyclists must use paved park roads rather than trails or fire roads.