Walking route
Griffith: West Observatory Trail
From Fern Dell, climb the West Observatory Trail to the observatory. Return along the same route; total distance depends on parking.
Walking route
- Distance
- ≈ 4 km
- Duration
- ≈ 1.5 hrs
- Elevation gain
- ≈ 200 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Distance, duration and elevation are estimates for the described route. Check the official trail map; detours and your pace change these figures.
Follow this route
- 1
Start in Fern Dell and follow official trail signs
- 2
Climb with city views
- 3
Pause at the observatory and return
Starting point
Fern Dell / Trails Café trailhead
Open starting point on the mapBefore leaving, check park alerts, trail status, heat and fire warnings. Inclusion in this guide does not confirm the trail is open today.
Official park and trail informationInsider tip
Griffith Park has many more trails; from the higher paths you see the Hollywood Sign up close.