Hiking to Glendale Peak is an easy excursion with excellent views of the city and the surrounding area. The peak is located in Griffith Park, a 4,310-acre park that offers many trails. It is a popular destination for hikers and bikers in the LA area. However, it is seldom seen by the casual walker. Located in the southeast corner of Griffith Park, the peak is 1175 feet high, 320 feet above the valley below.
To get to the peak, you can take a short but rugged trail to the top, or you can start from the popular Mount Hollywood trail. If you’re in the mood for a less rugged hike, the Riverside Trail is the way to go. The trail leads to the crest of the peak, and then takes a more gradual course along the ridge. This is an excellent route if you want to view the City of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Observatory.
Other options include the East Ridge (Hogback) Trail. This is a narrow, curvy path that wraps around the southern edge of the peak. You can also take an alternate route that takes you up the ridge and through a secluded canyon. The trail also offers great views of the area. Afterwards, you can head back to the trailhead.
Another hiking option is the Henry Shamma Trail, which is a short and scenic detour. The trail is named after Henry Shamma, former leader of the Sierra Club. His trail is a narrow, rocky path that ends up in a high place, and is only 0.25 miles long. One of the most interesting things about this trail is that it is a rare example of a fire road. Despite its relative ease of access, the trail is still in need of repair. Nevertheless, the trail does offer some great views, particularly of the Observatory.
For the less ambitious, you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the Hollywood Sign. The sign is a little uphill to start with, but it does provide plenty of stops to admire the scene. During the loop, you can enjoy the Hollywood sign, the LA Basin, and the surrounding areas.
A final choice would be the 3.3-mile hike to Mount Hollywood. The trail starts at Vermont Canyon Road. There is parking available in a small parking lot in front of the trailhead. In addition, there are a number of parking spaces near the playgrounds and along the street.
Regardless of which route you choose, you’ll be pleased with the views. There’s an especially nice view from the summit, where you can gaze at the city below you and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Unlike other parts of the city, you’ll have a cool breeze to cool you down as you climb. On a clear day, you’ll have even more vistas to see.
To see the sights in Griffith Park, you may choose to visit the nearby Observatory or the Greek Theater. The observatory is visible from a bluff on the west side of the park. Additionally, you can enjoy sweeping vistas from the San Gabriel Mountains to the ocean.
