On my final day in the Hollywood area, we decided to head up to Griffith observatory.
Known to me only through the media and video games, it gave me the opportunity to experience the scenic vistas that LA also had to offer. And what a view it showed me.
I was very thankful that the weather was cool, as I had misunderstood going on the “Hollywood Hike” as some kind of alliteration for a short walk around the glitzy houses in Hollywood. So of course I walked up the hills in jeans and jacket.
But the views the “hike” had provided were absolutely stunning.
For an arid place like Los Angeles, there sure was a lot of green foliage hugging the mountainside. The rolling hills really contrasted stark with the city’s grid system further down the Valley. It also very nice to hear wildlife frolicking about. Crows surfing the updraft whilst squirrels scampered along the trees.
The hike itself was a loop that started at the Griffith Park sign which lead all the way up the hill crest and back down to the Griffith observatory. For the most part, you could always see the observatory in the distance, which was a nice indicator of how long one still had to climb up the hills. I don’t remember how long we walked, but it couldn’t have been more than an hour to get to the peak - so it was definitely worth every step for the views.
The closer we got to the viewing platform on top of the hill overlooking the area, we also got to see another Hollywood highlight: The Hollywood sign!
It’s funny how it’s always portrayed so close to town and so important to the industry, but in reality it’s a sign, on a hill, near a lot of expensive houses, far from the strip and boardwalk.
On the way down, we stopped at the Griffith observatory to take in the views on more time before leaving and regrouping for dinner. I implore everyone who visits LA to do this walk as well!
