Griffith Park: An Urban Wilderness Escape

Public Transport

From Downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro B Line (Red) to Vermont/Sunset Station. Transfer to the LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle, which runs every 15-20 minutes. The shuttle stops at various points in Los Feliz Village, the Greek Theatre, and directly in front of the Griffith Observatory. The fare is $0.50, or $0.35 with a Metro TAP card.

Walking

For a scenic approach, walk from the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell. Several trails lead to the Observatory, offering varying levels of difficulty. From Fern Dell, take the Ferndell Trail to the East or West Observatory Trail. From the Greek Theatre, follow the Mt. Hollywood Trail. Be prepared for an uphill hike of 1.5 to 4 miles. Ensure you have water and appropriate footwear.

Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at Griffith Observatory. A ride from Downtown Los Angeles typically costs $40-$50 and takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Be aware that traffic congestion can be heavy, especially on weekends and during peak hours.

Driving

From the Golden State Freeway (I-5), exit at Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park, or Zoo Drive. From the Ventura Freeway (SR 134), exit at Forest Lawn Drive or Victory Boulevard. Follow the signs to Griffith Observatory. Paid parking is available near the Observatory and is enforced daily. Parking fees increase during peak seasons and holidays. As of July 2025, parking costs $10 per hour. Free parking may be available further down the hill, requiring a longer walk or a shuttle ride.