Health & Fitness
A View Hike for the Family
Here is a very popular hike that leads to a breathtaking view of Glendale, Los Angeles, and Hollywood. It starts at the Observatory and ends at Dante's View. It's ideal for adults and kids. Try it.
On the lookout for an outdoor adventure that will be easy for the whole family? Let me tell you about a nearby hike that leads to a stunning view!
It is close enough to home for a quick outing. It’s a good aerobic walk for the once-in-a -while hiker as well as the kids.The reward on a clear day is an almost three hundred, sixty-degree view of our sprawling megalopolis, Los Angeles. It really is a great way to get out and spend a few pleasant hours.
This hike begins at the north end of the Griffith Park Observatory parking lot. This is a really a good place for a family to start because there are bathrooms, drinking fountains, and a snack bar. You’ll go up the Mt. Hollywood Hiking Trail to a viewpoint known as “Dante’s View."
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As you make your way up, you’ll notice the trail is a nice wide dirt path. However, unless you are very sure of your hiking ability stay on the path. There are a number of footpaths that lead straight up and down that are very steep and rugged. Also, keep in mind the signs with posted warnings about wildlife, such as snakes.
Dante’s View is a spot that overlooks the City of Glendale, the LA basin, and Hollywood. This spot is named for a local volunteer caretaker named Dante Orgolini. Dante devoted his time and energy to the maintenance of the vista.
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At the start of the trail is the “Berlin Forest”, a tree shaded area dedicated to the Los Angeles’ sister city Berlin, Germany. When you’re close to the top, you’ll find another rest stop called Captain’s Roost where you can look down on the many paths below and see how they all interweave through the park. Off in the distance is a sideways view of the iconic Hollywood sign. After a brief rest and a few pictures, continue on up a short distance to the plateau called Dante’s View.
And what a view it is! It ranges from Glendale off to the east with the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance, then south toward the Los Angeles skyline, westward to the Wilshire Corridor with Century City in the distance, and the ocean beyond. Way off to the north you can get a peak at the City of Burbank through the hills. Sit for a spell, rest up, have a snack if you brought one, and soak it all in. Enjoy.
From here other paths lead off in various directions and to different hikes in the park. To return to your car just retrace your steps. When you get home share your thoughts and comments on trail conditions for other hikers at www.thishikingtrail.com.