Beacon Hill and Glendale Peak in Griffith Park - Feb. 15, 2016

A day off from work to celebrate Presidents Day was an ideal time for a hike in Griffith Park…my first one for this year. I had to go into my office in L.A. for a few hours so I figured I would do a short hike to begin the morning. As I headed west on the 210 and 134, I pondered what trails I might cobble together. I decided that the two peaks at the east end of the park would be good.

I exit the I-5 at Los Feliz and take Crystal Springs drive to the large parking lot near the merry-go-round. Lots of cars in the lot and lots of walkers, hikers, and runners.

9:10 a.m. - Begin hike. I head southeast on Lower Beacon Trail. The temperature is pleasant, the sky is blue, and the hillsides are green from winter rain. In a couple minutes I round a hip and reach my junction. A narrow use path cuts to the right up a steep bank. Up I climb the informal route which ascends a broad ridge due south. It’s mostly shaded and I have the path to myself. The din of traffic on the I-5 is ever-present. I enjoy expanding views of Glendale to the east with the San Gabriels as the backdrop. I can see my car in the lot below to the northwest. Across the canyon to the west, Glendale Peak, Baby Bell, and Mount Bell define the skyline. It’s disheartening to see that someone has torn out all the young wild cucumber vines along the way. Why would someone destroy native plants? After a few minutes the steep path mellows out and I can see the summit of Beacon Hill. Soon the route gets steep again and at 9:27 I reach Upper Beacon Trail, a wide dirt road. I turn left (east) and climb the final steep pitch to the summit.

9:29 - Beacon Hill (1001’). This broad-top summit stands as the easternmost point of the 40-mile-long Santa Monica Mountains. Clear skies provide good visibility today. It’s simply a beautiful day in L.A.! Burbank and Glendale basking in the morning sun sprawl to the north and east. The downtown L.A. skyline stands silhouetted to the south. Distant Palos Verdes Peninsula floats as a slender line above the marine layer. Glendale Peak and Hogback Ridge outline the parkland to the west. I look north toward Glendale beyond the 134 to spot the old control tower of the long-gone Grand Central Air Terminal. The airport got its start in 1923 and was the Southland’s main air terminal. The beacon light that stood on this summit guided those early aviators.

9:35 - Leave Beacon Hill heading west on Upper Beacon Trail. I’m really enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and surrounding park as a wildland island amidst a vast metropolis. Six minutes delivers me to 5-Points junction. I encounter my first humans of the hike. Of the two routes that head west toward Vista Del Valle Drive, the one on the right has a sign that notes that the trail is closed 0.25 mile ahead for a construction project to expend the water recycling system. It will be closed through June 2017. Two gals head up that road, so maybe they know of a way to skirt the construction.

I take the road on the left which climbs west. A lady and her dog off leash are coming down the road. The dog jumps up on me. I tell her the dog needs to be on a leash according to park regulations. She laughs and says, “Yeah, your right.” But she continues down road while occupied with her smart phone. What’s with these people?! I continue along the eucalyptus-lined dirt road and in five minutes reach the Joe Klass Water Stop. I top off my water bottle and continue west, now on paved Vista Del Valle Drive. A couple minutes delivers me to the construction project, which occupies a large area on the knoll adjacent to the Vista View Point (helipad). I have views west now toward the grand observatory and Mt. Hollywood. The L.A. basin sprawls out on the southern panorama. Lots of people on the trails today.

I round the bend north to see Glendale Peak inviting me up. At the junction for Hogback Trail (aka Bridal Trail), behind the green pump house, I ponder the treacherously steep route climbing about 15 feet up the shire granite road-cut. The first time I encountered this obstacle was in August 2010 on my six peaks hike. I had left Glendale Peak heading east thinking it was a short-cut, only to be stopped by this cliff. So I turned back. But today I stand here looking at the obstacle and think, you know, I can climb that thing. So up I climb, carefully negotiating each step, each handhold, summoning the nerve to keep climbing. At about half way I look down and realize that one slip would have horrible consequences. I dislike hospitals, so I will myself safely up. Wow, that was exhilarating! What a relief. The narrow path now leads me comfortably up the ridge five minutes to the peak.

10:08 - Glendale Peak (1184’). This is a splendid little summit. Great views today. I love how green everything is. And there is such a contrast between the surrounding ruggedness and the massive human sprawl beyond. And as always, I have the peak all to myself. Ant-like figures crawl along the roads webbing throughout the park around me. It’s getting warm now. Thankfully it’s all downhill from here.

10:15 - Leave Glendale Peak heading east on Henry’s Trail. I’m thoroughly enjoying the scenery. I stop to photograph wild Canterbury bells. There has been very little in bloom today: some wild cucumber, everlasting, deerweed, ceanothus, tree tobacco, and the typical weeds of mustard and filaree. I ponder my return route and think I’ll climb down from the bridge to Vista Del Valle Drive. When I reach the junction it appears to be awfully steep and perilous. But I’ve done it up and down before, so I know it is safely doable. So down I go (starting at the point directly behind the Henry’s Trail sign). It is somewhat precarious, but I negotiate it safely. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart.

I turn right (south) on Vista Del Valle and stroll along. Looking east down into the canyon, I see a well-worn path along the canyon bottom heading down to Fern Canyon Trail. Oh, that’s going to be my return route. I walk past the junction of Hogback and Riverside trails and find my route adjacent to the Vista View Point (helipad) just to the left of the lower trail heading back to 5-Points (blocked right now by a construction fence). I head down the trail. It’s a splendid path and I enjoy being off the wide fire roads. But, as with most narrow trails in Griffith Park, it doesn’t last for long before it deliverers me to a wide dirt road.

10:51 - Fern Canyon Trail. I turn left and mosey down the dirt road. Lots of foot traffic today. A ranger drives up the road and I give to him a set of keys I found on Glendale Peak. I also reported to him the destruction of the wild cucumber vines. It’s quite warm now and I’m glad I’m heading down. Several families with young kids trudge up road under the warm sun. The kids don’t look like they are enjoying themselves. I don’t blame them. Dragging kids up a steep road under ponding sun is not a good way to endear them to hiking. At 11:08 I leave the road and transition onto Fern Canyon Nature Trail, a most pleasant route for my final stretch. The area is rebounding nicely after the devastating fire of May 2007, but some dead trees still stand as a reminder of the raging inferno.

11:17 - End hike. It’s about 87 degrees. Good for 8,539 steps on my Fitbit.

Epilog - What a pleasant outing! Warm sun, fresh air, blue sky, green hillsides, splendid views, some adventure, and good exercise. In all my hikes in Griffith Park over the years, I’ve never repeated a hike. I’ve used many of the same trail sections, but combined them for different hikes. So on today’s hike it was fun to visit two familiar peaks yet cobble together different routes for a unique hike. I never get tired of the amazing Griffith Park.

  See Hiking Griffith Park at Dan's Hiking Pages
 (includes links to my other blog posts for hiking in Griffith Park)

Relevant trail descriptions for this hike at Dan’s Hiking Pages:

• Glendale Peak (1184')
• Beacon Hill (1001')

PREVIOUS > Griffith Park Teahouse, Mt. Bell, Mt. Hollywood - July 24, 2015

Beacon, Glendale, Bee in Griffith Park - November 21, 2012

Very uncharacteristic for me, it’s been nearly seven weeks since I’ve been hiking. So I was eager to hit the trail, and a half day off work before Thanksgiving offered an ideal opportunity to hike in Griffith Park. For my many hikes in the park over the years, I’ve not repeated one yet. I’ve used many of the same trail sections, but combined them for different hikes. For today’s hike I tried out a use path to Beacon Hill, a use path to Glendale Peak (which I’ve been down but not up), a section of Vista Del Valle Drive (which I’ve not been on before), and descended Bee Rock Trail (which I’ve climbed but not descended).

I leave my office in Echo Park at 1:43 and navigate to the merry-go-round parking lot off Crystal Springs Drive on the east end of Griffith Park. I walk back to the parking lot entrance and walk across the street to the trailhead.

2:15 PM – Begin hike on Lower Beacon Trail (#2) heading southeast. Within 3 minutes I reach an outward bend and am pleased to find my path heading up the ridge. I pre-scouted the route on Google maps aerial and it showed a clear, distinct trail. I turn right and begin to climb the narrow path up the broad ridge. The temperature is pleasant and the sunshine feels good. There’s a gentle breeze. Haze obscures the views today. The din of traffic on the I-5 provides an ever-present soundtrack. The route is somewhat steep but not bad. It feels good to be hiking. The yellowing leaves of black walnut add a splash of fall color. Soon Bee Rock to the northwest comes into view over my shoulder. As the trail mellows out, Beacon Hill comes into view up ahead. The 2007 fire incinerated this area, but vegetation is coming back well. It seems like the climb went quickly as I reach Upper Beacon Trail in 20 minutes. I turn left (east) on the dirt road and make the final steep climb to the summit.

2:35 - Beacon Hill (1001’). This isn’t a grand summit, but it stands as the eastern most point of the 40-mile-long Santa Monica Mountains. Glendale spreads out below me. The San Gabriel Mountains, dominating the skyline from the North to East, are virtually invisible today, as is downtown L.A. to the south. A man arrives and keeps going. I’m bummed that my camera lens cover is not retracting all the way.

I leave the summit at 2:55 and head west along the eucalyptus-lined road. Six minutes delivers me to 5-Points junction. I continue straight on the middle fork. There is nothing in bloom. Winter grass begins to push its way through the soil dampened by recent rain. A young couple passes walking some dogs. I pass below a water tank, round the bend to the south, and arrive at Vista View Point and the paved Vista Del Valle Drive.

I turn right (north) on the paved road and in about 100 yards reach a 4-point junction at 3:16. Folks are coming up Riverside Trail from the west. The grand observatory sits as a hazy silhouette to the west. I turn left, pass the green shed, and head west on Hogback Trail, signed “Bridle Trail.” In a few minutes I reach an outward bend and my short-cut route. I’ve been down this way but not up. I turn north and am thankful for long legs as I negotiate several big steps cut out of the steep granite to begin the climb. The use path is steep and the footing is comfortable in the soft dirt until near the top where the footing gets dicey on the exposed rock.

3:25 - Glendale Peak (1184’). The breeze is cool and the views are obliterated with haze. Ant-like humans dot the summit of Mt. Hollywood to the west. I post a picture to Facebook. It’s peaceful here. I consider heading north on Henry’s Trail to the bridge and seeing if there is a route down to the road. But I don’t have enough daylight to be taking chances on possible alternate routes.

I leave the summit at 3:40 heading down the same path. It’s a little more precarious descending. Back at the road I retrace my steps to the 4-point junction. There’s a fair amount of foot traffic here. For several years following the 2007 fire, this portion of Vista Del Valle Drive had been closed due to fire damage, thus I’ve not yet hike it.

I turn north on the paved road. I’m in total shade now and it’s cool. My pace is brisk. Shortly I arrive at the ravine with the footbridge above and discover that there is indeed and well-beaten route down the steep slope from the south end of the bridge. I can’t resist trying it out, so up I climb. It’s a little precarious and not for the faint of heart, but careful steps deliver me to the beginning of Henry’s Trail and the bridge. Three walkers pass. I take a few pictures and climb back down to the road. The side trip took 10 minutes.

I continue north as the road gently ascends contouring along the mountainside. The sun still rests on Beacon Hill to the east. I can see the merry-go-round parking lot below. As I round a bend at the power tower, “Baby Bell” comes into view to the northwest with the sun still resting on it. The sun sets in about 35 minutes so I press the pace. Across Spring Canyon, tiny figures stand on Bee Rock. I’m enjoying the views of the various features at east of the park from a different perspective, but I wish I had better lighting. After what seemed like a long walk, I finally reach the bend and transition unto the trail descending east along the ridge for a 3-minute walk to the rock.

4:33 - Bee Rock (1056’). The mountain casts shade on the west portion of Glendale while dim rays of sun rest on highpoints on the east side. The San Gabriels are but a faint outline through the thick, orange haze. It’s breezy and quite cool now. I briefly take in the views, snap a few pics, put on a long-sleeved shirt, and leave at 4:37.

It’s only 10 minutes till sunset but I know I’ll have plenty of light to navigate the narrow trail down. This is the first time I’ve descended Bee Rock Trail. My other visits to Bee Rock were the first stage of loop hikes that took other routes down. My camera doesn’t really capture the beauty of dusk. The yellow leaves of black walnut almost glow. My pace is relaxed now. It takes me 15 minutes to the dirt road where I turn east. In a few minutes I reach the junction of Old Zoo Trail.

I pass through the fence and saunter through Old Zoo Park. Western sycamores display beautiful fall colors but the lighting is too dim now to capture it. A family strolls across the grass with their dogs. Some young men are exploring old animal cages. The walk is peaceful as I head southeast to complete the loop. Glendale is now a blanket of twinkling lights seen through the trees. I have happy memories of other hikes in Griffith Park that ended in nightfall.

5:15 - End Hike.

Epilog - A very pleasant outing. I love Griffith Park and enjoy exploring new routes and experiencing the nuances of this wonderful place. I am pleased and somewhat surprised that all the dog walkers I encountered today were using leashes…that may be a first for me! I look forward to the green of spring when the flowers begin to add color to the hillside and the daylight lingers.

  See Hiking Griffith Park at Dan's Hiking Pages
  (includes links to my other blog posts for hiking in Griffith Park)

See hike descriptions on Dan’s Hiking Pages
(Detailed trail guide including driving directions, recommended season, map, notes, links, and photos)

• Beacon Hill hike description
• Bee Rock hike description

NEXT > Mt. Hollywood and Mt. Bell - April 12, 2013 (via Brush Canyon)
PREVIOUS > Griffith Observatory Space Shuttle Hike - Sept. 21, 2012

Hogback, Glendale, Beacon in Griffith Park - Feb. 17, 2012

This month has been lean on hiking for me, so I had to hit the trail. My employer graciously gave us a half day off on Friday, so an after-work hike in Griffith Park seemed ideal. Normally a car is my mode to get to a trailhead, but this time I needed to use buses, which added to the adventure. Long story short, between delays in getting out of the office and poor transit decisions, I had to put together a different hike on the fly. A Metro 181 finally delivered me to the corner of Los Feliz and Hillhurst at 3:30 and I was ready to start walking.

3:30 PM - Begin walking north on Hillhurst through a residential neighborhood. I’m still not sure what hike I am going to do but I have a little bit of a walk to think about it. After 18 minutes I arrive in Griffith Park at the intersection of Vermont Canyon Road and Boy Scout Road. I decided to hike the ridge route north to “Hogback Peak” (as I call it). I’ve looked at that route from various perspectives and have been eager to try it out. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that but I’ll make it up as I go.

I walk up the road past the Greek Theatre to the trailhead for Riverside Trail on the east side of the road about half way between the theater and the Bird Sanctuary. It always amazes and maddens me that in the largest city-owned park in the country, they can’t scrape enough money together for trail signs. How hard would it be for them to put up a sign saying, “Riverside Trail?!”

3:55 - Begin heading east on Riverside Trail, which is actually a wide dirt road. It’s steep. Views soon open up. The air is cool and sun feels good. Shortly the trail rounds a hip of a ridge and heads into the next canyon. But my route is to cut north and climb the ridge on a narrow use path. I’ve seen people on this route so I know it’s doable.

4:00 - Begin ridge climb heading north. This area was burned in the May 2007 fire but the vegetation is coming back well and some healthy pine trees grace the landscape. The well beaten path climbs moderately up the gentle ridge offering views into the canyons on the east and west. It’s still winter, so there is not much in bloom...just a few occurrences of everlasting, mustard, Canterbury bells, deerweed. There’s a cool breeze. The clear sky affords a nice view of downtown L.A. to the south. I upload a couple photos to Facebook. As the route approaches the upper ridge, it get’s crazy steep. Thankfully footsteps have been hewn out of the crumbling granite making the climb doable.

4:28 - Hogback Peak (1480’). This summit is not officially named, but since it is such a dominate highpoint on Hogback Ridge, the name Hogback Peak seems appropriate. I’m treated with splendid views of Burbank to the north, Glendale to the east, and the Los Angeles sprawl to south. Mt. Hollywood dominates the view west and the grand Griffith Observatory stands majestically to the southwest. The Pacific Ocean is as a sheet of glass reflecting the setting sun. I am not alone for long as a couple young ladies arrive, and then a couple men with dogs off leash. I estimate that about 20% of those who walk their dogs in the park don’t use a leash, a flagrant violation of a city ordnance (LAMC 63.44-B,2.C), which is clearly communicated throughout the park. I don’t know why these people think they are above the law and don’t extend the most basic courtesy to other trail users. Well, in spite of that, I’m enjoying an absolutely beautiful day.

4:35 - Leave the summit and head east down Hogback Ridge Trail (aka East Ridge Trail). The San Gabriel Mountains dominate the horizon to the north and northeast. The afternoon sun casts a warm light on Glendale. Bee Rock, Old Zoo Park, and the other features of the northeast section of the park are in deep shade now. Other trial users are enjoying the beauty of the day. Parts of this ridge route, which is a wide dirt road, are quite steep and I take careful steps so as to not slip on the decomposing granite.

Seeing the huge road cuts throughout the park prompts me to reflect on the environmental naiveté of past generations who horribly carved up such a wonderful open space. Likewise, the abandoned irrigation pipes running throughout the park testify to a mentality that didn’t appreciate the beauty and self-sufficiency of native plant communities.

Up ahead and below me I can see Glendale Peak basking in the warm sun. I cross the bridge and arrive at Henry’s Trail at 4:52. A trail sign (which is rare in Griffith Park) commemorates the trail to Henry Shamma, who maintained this trail for years. I head up the narrow path that follows the board ridge. My pace is brisk as the sun threatens to set.

4:55 - Glendale Peak (1184’). Nice panorama! The breeze is cool and I put on long sleeves. I take a moment to soak in the scenery but don’t linger long. The last time I was here I attempted a shortcut heading east which ended short of the road forcing me to turn back. This time I decide to try the path that heads south.

Leave the summit at 5:02. The path is pretty steep with loose footing but it is clearly used. To my relief the route works and I arrive at the main trail at 5:07. It didn’t save me much of time, but it’s fun to explore different routes. In another couple minutes I arrive at the junction of Riverside Trail and Vista Del Valle Drive. Now I have an option. I can take Riverside Trail southwest and reconnect with Hillhurst to Los Feliz. But I decide to continue east to Beacon Hill. I love the warm light of the “golden hour”...so nice for photos. I’m walking now on the paved road lined with eucalyptus. I pass Joe Klass Water Stop, a nice roadside picnic area. After a few more minutes down the dirt road I arrive at Five-Points junction. I continue straight ahead east at a brisk pace hoping to summit Beacon Hill before the sun dips out of sight.

5:26 - Beacon Hill (1001’). Vast human habitation sprawls out before me as night approaches. The downtown skyscrapers to the south glisten with the last rays of sun. The I-5 freeway below me is packed with traffic and creates an ever-present drone. I want to linger but need to keep going. The sun sets at 5:38 today. I decided to take another shortcut and follow the ridge to the south. I’ve not hiked it before but I know it goes through.

5:31 - Leave Beacon Hill and head south down the ridge. The use path is somewhat steep with loose footing in places, but not bad. I can see Lower Beacon Trail below me. The path mellows out and at 5:43 I arrive at Lower Beacon Trail. I decide to continue on the use path south down the ridge as a further shortcut. I’ve not hiked this route but the evidence of foot traffic suggests that it goes though. Soon the topography suggests that the final pitch will be really steep. Yup, it gets really steep, but branches of laurel sumac provide handles to help lower me down.

5:51 - Reach the intersection of Coolidge Trail and Crystal Springs Drive, 13 minutes after sunset. I’m done. Coyotes begin to howl. A short walk south takes me to Los Feliz Blvd. where I sprint across the street to jump on a Metro 181 for the ride home.

Epilog - Very enjoyable outing in spite of the delays and a circuitous transit trip getting there. Clear skies, great views, warm sun, cool breeze, good exercise, pleasing scenery, and exploring new routes, made for a splendid hike. Griffith Park is a real treasure for Angelinos.

  See Hiking Griffith Park at Dan's Hiking Pages
  (includes links to my other blog posts for hiking in Griffith Park)

NEXT > Chapel, Bell, Hollywood, and Bronson - February 24, 2012
PREVIOUS > Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak, Mt. Lee - December 30, 2011