The Griffith Park - Riverside/Mt Hollywood Trail is one of my favorite trails probably because it was the first one I did once I got into hiking. So the familiarity forces me to continue doing this trail. Eventually I will venture on to others. If you are familiar with Griffith Park, you know there are a ton of trails. Trails to the observatory, the Hollywood sign and more. A quick Google search shows there are allegedly 67 trails in Griffith Park (source Alltrails.com).

The first time I did this one with a friend we got on the way down. It was at this point I stopped talking shit about people getting lost on trails because its actually quite easy. So pay attention.

How to get there: I put Riverside Trail, Los Angeles, in Google Maps. Google Maps will map you all the way to the top of the trail, which is cool to see trail route but you really want the trailhead. So if you follow the Google Maps route stay on N. Vermont Ave. The Riverside trailhead is across the street from the Greek Theater on N. Vermont Canyon Rd. You can park anywhere on N. Vermont Canyon Rd (unless there are signs posted for no parking).

Where to park: There is a free parking lot across the street from the trailhead, however, I prefer to park on the street.

Approximate length: 4 miles, 2 hours

I’ve done a few of them but for the most part I stick to the same route, starting at Riverside Trail to Hogback Trail, to Mt. Hollywood Summit, back to Dante’s View, to the Mt. Hollywood Trail through the Bird Sanctuary trail/Loop back to N. Vermont Canyon Rd. (see map photo).

The beginning of the Riverside trail is a pretty steep incline but don’t be intimidated. I consider this route more moderate. This trail has both flat land and steep hills. You will get your heart rate pumping.

Follow the path, once you get about .5 miles in you will see another sign, follow sign for Hogback Trail, which is about .7 miles ahead. Keep walking. The trail gets steep again. You are still on the Riverside Trail.

Once you get to the next peak (Vista View Point) you will have a few trail options, take the Hogback Trail. The Hogback Trail is steep. You will pass Glendale Peak, you will get to some rocky type areas. Be careful. Keep going. Take breaks as needed. When you get to the top of the Hogback Trail you will be at Dante’s View. Take pics. Take a break. Enjoy nature.

To get to the view of the Hollywood Sign, keep right, stay on the Hogback Trail. The view of the Hollywood Sign is a few minutes from Dante’s View. Once you get to the view point, relax, have a seat, and enjoy nature.

To come down, take the Hogback Trail back to Dante’s View, veer right to take the Mt. Hollywood Trail. Take the Mt. Hollywood Trail to the bird santuary, which will get you back to Vermont Ave. You can take the Mt. Hollywood Trail to Vermont Ave. if you want to go for a little longer hike.

Make sure you take lots of water. It’s not a sprint its a marathon.

Happy Hiking.

What to take:

Water

Sunscreen

Hiking shoes

Sunglasses