Visit the Wisdom Tree at Griffith Park for a short hike with epic views. Watch the sun set, the city lights come up, and the moon and stars come out. The summit boasts a 360 degree view and single tree visible from the surrounding trails and peaks.
To get to the trailhead and avoid the maze of Hollywood Hills roads take Lake Hollywood Drive from Barham Blvd. Follow this road through the neighborhood until you see Wonder View Drive heading east. You can’t park on Wonder View, but there’s plenty of free parking on Lake Hollywood. No passes or permits needed (although there’s no parking between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am every night).
Park along Lake Hollywood Drive and begin your hike heading east up Wonder View Drive. The road ends at a gate and then you’ll continue a short distance on a dirt road.
You’ll pass a water tower to the left and a power line tower straight ahead. Wonder View Drive continues and a single-track trail splits off to the right. Head up this trail.
You’ll see a prominent, newly-placed plaque commemorating the land’s protection and listing off some of the donors who chipped in to save it. The trail begins here and really doesn’t waste any time in starting its climb.
The trail is easy to follow but there are several rugged areas with pretty steep drop-offs. The dirt is your usual, loose San Gabriel slick, so take your time on the descent to prevent slips.
You’ll ascend almost the entire gain of the trail before you even hit the first mile mark – it’s about 743 feet of gain in 0.78 miles. But while you’re hiking up you’ll have amazing views of Griffith Park.
If it’s clear, you’ll also be able to see downtown Los Angeles and the Griffith Park Observatory sneaking out from behind the front range.
As you approach the top of the ridge, the trail splits and makes a sharp turn to the east on a ridge towards the Cahuenga Peak and a sharp turn to the west towards the Wisdom Tree.
There’s a short spur trail that will take you to the ledge, where you’ll find shade, amazing views, and a fun geocaching with messages.
Don’t miss an epic sunset at the Wisdom Tree!
WHAT: The Wisdom Tree
WHEN: Monday – Sunday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
WHERE: Lake Hollywood Drive at Griffith Park
CONTACT INFO: (323) 913-4688
SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram
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