How to Do the Hike from Griffith Observatory — Local Tips and Sunset Views

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If you’re looking for the best hike from Griffith Observatory, you’re in the right place—and no, you don’t need to be an LA influencer in yoga pants to enjoy it (though no judgment if you are). After living in Los Angeles for 15 years, I’ve done the Griffith Observatory hike more times than I can count. It’s one of my go-to moves for killer views, a quick sweat, and a reminder that LA is more than traffic and overpriced smoothies.

This trail is iconic for a reason. You get panoramic views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and cotton-candy sunsets that make you forget you’re in the middle of a massive city. But what most tourists (and even locals) don’t always know is how to do this hike right.

That’s where I come in—with tips on where to start, what to bring, and how not to end up alone in the dark with 2% phone battery. (Been there. Don’t recommend.)

Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this guide will help you make the most of the hike—including an optional detour to one of LA’s best hidden viewpoints.

Let’s go!

🗺 Want to see trail maps, reviews, and elevation details? Check out this hike on AllTrails before you go.

Prefer a video version of this post? Check out my YouTube video where I walk the Griffith Observatory hike at sunset:

HOW TO HIKE TO GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

Watch this video on YouTube

What Makes the Griffith Observatory Hike Special

Let’s be real—there’s no shortage of hiking trails in LA. But this one? It hits different. The Griffith Observatory hike gives you instant payoff without a grueling trek, which is exactly what I want when I’m short on time but still want to feel mildly accomplished (and get that sunset shot).

Here’s why it stands out:

The views: Within minutes, you’re looking out over the entire city—downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and on a clear day, even the ocean.
The Observatory: Not just a pretty building. Inside, you’ll find science exhibits, a giant Tesla coil, and one of my favorite hidden gems: a hallway of stars made from jewelry pins. Sounds weird, looks magical.
The movie vibes: Ever seen Rebel Without a Cause? It was the first film shot here. There’s even a statue of James Dean outside. Add in La La Land and other cameos, and this spot is pure Hollywood.
Romance points: I’m not saying this is the most romantic place in LA… but I’m also not not saying that.

Whether you’re hiking up for fitness, photos, or just to impress a date, this trail checks all the boxes.

👉 Prefer to hike with a group or just want someone else to handle the route? Sign up for this guided Griffith Park hike and enjoy the views without the guesswork.

Where to Start the Hike from Griffith Observatory

Outdoor signs for The Trails Cafe, near the Griffith Observatory hike, are posted beside a tree-lined road and stone steps, advertising pies, sodas, and coffee. — *Image: Flickr via @bfick*

One of the biggest mistakes people make? Starting this hike from the top. Sure, you can park near the observatory, but you’ll pay up to $20 for the privilege—and miss the actual hike part.

Here’s what to do instead: start at the Ferndell entrance near Trails Cafe. It’s easier, prettier, and best of all—free.

Here’s the address of Trails Cafe: 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA

Park along Ferndell Drive and you’ll see the trailhead right by the playground. It’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure trailhead that doesn’t require you to battle for a spot or hike through gridlocked traffic.

Why this spot is the best:

Plenty of street parking (for now, at least)
No observatory traffic drama
Shaded and scenic at the beginning—nice if it’s hot out
Trails Cafe is nearby, so you can bribe yourself with a pastry

Skip the Hillhurst or Vermont entrances unless you enjoy getting stuck behind tour buses. Starting from Ferndell lets you actually experience the trail and the views along the way, rather than just parking near the top and missing the full hike.

Trail Overview: What to Expect

Silhouette of a hill with the Hollywood sign and a transmission tower at sunset, orange and yellow clouds in the sky—a view you might catch on a hike from Griffith Observatory.

This hike is short, sweet, and slightly sweaty. Starting from Ferndell, you’ll kick things off with an uphill climb that’ll get your heart rate up fast.

But don’t worry—it levels out, and the views start showing up within the first five to ten minutes.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Distance: About 2.5 miles round trip to the observatory, a bit more if you head to the extra viewpoint
Elevation: Moderate incline—nothing wild, but enough to feel like you earned that brunch
Time: Plan for 60–90 minutes, depending on your pace and how many photos you stop to take

Once you reach the observatory, you’ve got two options: explore the building and call it a day, or keep going to Tom LaBonge Panorama. If you’ve got the daylight (and the energy), go for it.

People sit on benches near a large sign reading "Tom LaBonge Panorama" at a scenic overlook, a popular spot to rest after the Griffith Observatory hike, with a clear sky in the background. — *Tom LaBonge Panorama in Griffith Park, Los Angeles*

This lesser-known extension takes you to one of the most peaceful, wide-angle views in the park. Totally worth it—just don’t forget that headlamp if you’re pushing close to sunset.

Sunset tip: Start the hike at least 90 minutes before the sun goes down. Trust me, the light disappears faster than you think once you’re up there.

Essential Gear and Safety Tips

A person wearing a pink cap stands smiling at a scenic overlook during sunset, with hills and the Hollywood Sign in the background, enjoying the view after a Griffith Observatory hike.

This hike isn’t intense, but it’s still LA—hot, dusty, and easy to underestimate if you’re not prepared. Here’s what I always bring on the Griffith Observatory hike:

Water bottle – Obvious, but easy to forget. Even in cooler temps, the uphill climb will have you parched fast.
Hat and sunscreen – There’s not a lot of shade after the first section, and LA sun doesn’t play around.
Good hiking shoes – I’m a fan of my HOKA trailrunners—comfy, grippy, and they’ve saved my ankles more than once.
Headlamp – This is the MVP for sunset hikes. I’ve done this trail as the sun dipped fast and was very glad I wasn’t fumbling with my phone flashlight at 2% battery.
Charged phone – Not just for photos. If you’re hiking solo, especially near dusk, it’s good to have it ready in case of anything unexpected.

If you’re going solo at sunset, just stay aware. This is generally a safe area, and I’ve never had a problem, but you still want to be smart. Know your route, let someone know where you’re headed, and skip the true crime podcast till you’re back in the car.

Best Photo Spots Along the Way

Aerial view of Los Angeles cityscape with downtown skyscrapers on the left and the lush greenery surrounding Griffith Observatory in the foreground, a popular starting point for the scenic Griffith Observatory hike.

You don’t have to reach the top to get great photos—this trail delivers views early and often. Bring your camera or just your phone; you’ll want it handy.

Here are a few of my go-to spots:

First overlook (about 5–10 minutes in) – A quick payoff view of downtown LA and the city grid stretching toward the ocean.
Midway ridge – A great angle of Griffith Observatory with the skyline behind it. Best captured during golden hour.
Hollywood Sign viewpoint – Once you get closer to the observatory, look to the left for a clear shot of the sign. There’s usually a crowd, but it’s still worth it.
Tom LaBonge Panorama – If you go beyond the observatory, this spot is quieter and wide open. On a clear day, you can see everything from downtown to the Pacific. It’s one of my favorite places to pause and take it all in.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a “photo person,” this hike might change your mind. The light, the views, and the city backdrop all make it easy to capture something special.

🌟 Want to see the Hollywood Sign up close and personal? This guided tour gets you there with great photo ops and local stories.

Extra Tips from a Local

People stand along a curved lookout at night, overlooking a brightly lit cityscape under a cloudy sky after a hike from Griffith Observatory.

A few things I’ve learned from doing this hike more times than I can count:

Get there early – Especially if you’re aiming for sunset. Give yourself at least 2 hours to get up, take in the views, and get back down before it’s dark.
Check out the Observatory exhibits – If you’ve never been inside, it’s worth a visit. The Tesla coil, the hallway of stars, and monthly star parties are underrated gems.
Parking matters – Around Trails Cafe is your best bet for free parking. The observatory lot gets packed and pricey, especially on weekends and holidays.
It gets crowded – Expect people, especially in the summer. If you want more solitude, go on a weekday or early in the morning.
The trail is well-traveled – It’s a safe hike overall, but still use common sense—especially if you’re hiking alone or close to sunset.

This hike is one of those rare LA experiences that mixes nature, culture, and a solid quad workout. You’ll sweat a little, learn a little, and probably leave with a new photo for your camera roll.

🎟 No time to hike? Don’t sweat it. Take this tour of Griffith Observatory and still soak up the views, science, and stargazing fun—no hiking boots required.

Final Thoughts

People stand along the illuminated balcony of the Griffith Observatory at dusk, with city lights in the background—the perfect reward after a scenic Griffith Observatory hike.

The hike from Griffith Observatory is one of the best ways to experience Los Angeles—views, history, and that perfect mix of nature and city. Whether you’re just visiting or you’ve lived here for years, it’s a trail that always delivers.

If you’ve got two hours, some water, and a decent pair of shoes, you’ve got everything you need. Bonus points if you bring a headlamp and avoid scrambling down in the dark like I’ve done before.

👉 If you’re planning to explore more of LA, especially with a layover, here’s a guide to things to do near LAX that’s full of local tips.

🏨 Ready to book your trip to LA? Check out my recommendations on the best hotels in Los Angeles.

🥾 And if you love a good hike, check out my post on 15 surprising tips to know before your Camino—a very different kind of trail, but just as unforgettable.

Got questions? Send me a DM on Instagram!