Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory, California - 5,557 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, Universal City, California, United States | AllTrails.com

Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

Moderate4.7(5557)
Griffith Park
Length2.6 miElevation gain613 ftRoute typeLoop

Check out this 2.6-mile loop trail near Universal City, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

HikingRunningWalkingDogs on leashKid-friendlyStroller-friendlyWheelchair-friendlyPartially pavedForestViewsWildflowersHistoric site
Ferndell (aka Fern Dell) is a woodsy glen at the lower end of Western Canyon in Griffith Park. Your destination is the historic Griffith Observatory. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. There don’t appear to be any designated accessible parking spaces along Ferndell Drive near the trailhead, but there are a couple of designated accessible parking spots near the Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory trailhead (marked by a waypoint on the map). The trail surface is paved asphalt or a natural surface (dirt, rocks), typically at least 6 feet wide. This trail is estimated to be moderately steep (5-8%) and steep (8-12%) with some steeper sections along the way that may require assistance or need to be avoided.
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory map
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5557 reviews
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April 21, 2024Hiking

Watch out for mud in the shady part of the trail at the beginning

April 20, 2024Hiking

Park at Los Feliz and Fern Dell. Decent walk with reasonable incline. Beginner friendly if you’re overall in decent shape. Pretty good view of the Hollywood sign and you can stop off in Griffith Observatory for a break if needed (restrooms and a cafe available). There would be great views of the city if it wasn’t for the smog. Some steeper rocky areas on the return but nothing too bad. I’d recommend going when it’s cooler outside because there’s no shade. I didn’t see any wildlife.

April 19, 2024Hiking

Lovely hike, quite hilly tho. The first part through the Fern Dell nature trail was the best part!

April 6, 2024Hiking

Good intro to la. You can see the hollywood from far away and the observatory. And the City. Extremely easy hike. Lots of other la characters.

March 31, 2024Hiking

Beautiful train. Nice and wide

March 23, 2024Hiking

Great rainy day walk with the dogs

March 16, 2024Walking

Nice easy trail, great views. Parts of the trail are rutted from the rain but the path is wide so it wasn’t an issue. Cons: Parking was a bit difficult (Saturday morning around 10am) but was able to snag a spot in the parking lot after circling for about 10 mins. Also, the portable toilets at the trail head were completely out of toilet paper and paper towels.

March 15, 2024Hiking

Nice lil loop for an evening hike.

Conditions: Great!
March 12, 2024Hiking

slippy

March 10, 2024Hiking

Mild trail

March 10, 2024Hiking

Beautiful sunrise and views for Esthela’s birthday !

March 9, 2024Hiking

Great trail with lovely views, but my vehicle was broken into, so I will think twice about returning.

March 2, 2024Hiking

Deep grooves from rain, but the trail is wide and not rocky. Perfect for hiking with dogs.

March 1, 2024Hiking

Take the right trail and it’s a steeper incline but overall quick and short.

February 25, 2024Hiking

Always a very busy location on the weekends but still worthwhile.

Very good for a hike on a cool morning, pretty busy

February 24, 2024Hiking

Easier than it looks!

February 24, 2024Hiking

Steep

February 23, 2024Hiking

Nice walk

February 18, 2024Hiking

Populated but beautiful

February 18, 2024Hiking

Beautiful hike!

February 18, 2024Hiking

Crowded

February 17, 2024Hiking

Steep at the beginning but isn’t too long - great cloudy afternoon hike, with treats at The Trail cafe before of after!

February 14, 2024Hiking

Quite steep but quick to the observatory!

February 3, 2024Hiking

Busy but beautiful

February 3, 2024Hiking

Gorgeous views. Would be very muddy on a rainy day. Just regular old tennis shoes are fine.

January 28, 2024Hiking

nice elevated uphill to climb. great views and final destination

January 28, 2024Hiking

flat and wide road. Very kid-friendly!

January 27, 2024Hiking

Slight muddy but great hike

January 25, 2024Hiking

Off trail Steep Very few people Fun

Frequently asked questions about Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

How to get to Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory?

From Los Feliz Blvd. (one block east of where Western Avenue terminates into Los Feliz), turn north onto Fern Dell Drive. See the hike description below the for details from here. You can use the address of the Trails Cafe in your favorite online map program for specific directions: 2333 Fern Dell D

What is the expected weather this week for Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory?

Expected weather for Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory for the next 5 days is:
  • Wed, April 24 - 64 degrees/am clouds/pm sun
  • Thu, April 25 - 64 degrees/mostly cloudy
  • Fri, April 26 - 66 degrees/partly cloudy
  • Sat, April 27 - 72 degrees/sunny
  • Sun, April 28 - 73 degrees/partly cloudy