You shouldn’t view this place as just a park. It is, in fact, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. This 4,300-acre (1,700-hectare) natural area boasts a rich history and a wide spectrum of entertainment for tourists and locals. Over the years, this space has become more than just a green zone; it unites culture, history, and nature. It stands as a symbol of Los Angeles, underscoring the importance of nature conservation amid urbanization. Also, find out about the best natural wonders near Los Angeles. More on los-angeles.name.
The Park’s Origin Story
Before colonization, this territory was inhabited by the native Tongva people. In the mid-19th century, a ranch was located here, which Colonel Griffith later purchased several generations later. As an industrialist, he intended to create a place of recreation for the public on this land. Griffith Park was officially founded in 1896. Since then, Los Angeles has become increasingly densely populated, yet Griffith Park has managed to preserve most of its large open space. With rising transportation costs making it difficult for people to visit state and federal natural lands, Colonel Griffith’s donation remains a unique resource within the city. Over time, the park has evolved not only into a recreational area but also a cultural and educational center. It is the largest natural zone within the city’s park system, containing numerous diverse ecosystems. The park is designated a Significant Ecological Area in the Los Angeles County General Plan.
Must-Visit Locations Within the Park
The park boasts infrastructure designed for various entertainment and recreational activities. It is a truly unique blend of nature and recreation with activities for residents. One important location is the Griffith Observatory. Opened before World War II, visitors can enjoy panoramic city views, see the ocean, and California’s iconic Hollywood Sign. It also hosts exhibitions and offers educational programs, and visitors can look at the stars through telescopes. The ancient Greek Theatre is also located on the grounds, where concerts, plays, and various performances take place. The park is often featured in films, including scenes from “The Terminator” and “La La Land.” In video games that recreate life in Los Angeles, you can even take a virtual stroll here.
The park is also home to the LA Zoo, housing over 1,200 species of animals. The zoo opened in 1966. Within the park’s natural areas, you might encounter coyotes, deer, mountain lions (pumas), and various birds. The unique Mediterranean climate supports the growth of oaks, cacti, and pines, which form the region’s characteristic landscape.
Infrastructure for Active Recreation
This is one of the most popular places for the city’s active residents. The park offers dozens of miles of trails that wind through hills, forests, and canyons. One of the most popular routes is the path leading to the Hollywood Sign. For runners who enjoy mountain trails, the park is an ideal location. It hosts organized events for large groups. For many decades, the park has hosted 5K and 10K races. Griffith Park is a crucial resource for the Los Angeles Unified School District’s cross-country running teams. Competitions held weekly in the fall typically draw 500 athletes from 22 high schools. For the past three decades, the Bell-Jeff Cross-Country Invitational meet has taken place on the last Saturday of September. It lasts all day and attracts over 1,000 participants from 75 schools across Southern California.
The park also has dedicated bicycle paths. Over time, the number of cyclists surpassed the number of visitors who came to the park to play golf or ride horses. In the mid-1990s, a decision was made to close the paved mountain roads of Griffith Park to motorized traffic. This boosted the development of cycling. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels enjoy Griffith Park. Choosing from the available routes, cyclists enjoy relatively flat and smooth rides suitable for family outings or long-distance training.
The park also features the largest number of golf courses in the municipal park system, along with tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and volleyball courts. The Griffith Park Boys’ Camp offers archery, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and baseball, and the boys’ and girls’ camps are equipped with swimming pools. The Boys’ Camp serves boys aged 6 to 17. Week-long resident camping is available in the summer months and during winter and spring breaks. Themed weekend camps are organized out-of-season, focusing on sports, nature, and family bonding. The Hollywoodland Girls’ Camp offers young female residents camping during the summer months and spring breaks, as well as special family weekends.
During the first two decades of the 20th century, the City Park Commission prioritized the creation of formal picnic areas in Griffith Park. Decades later, new recreational amenities were introduced. In the 21st century, over a million people per year enjoy picnics in Griffith Park and use the space for family gatherings such as birthdays, weddings, and other events. The park features a backyard area where families can gather. It also has over a dozen large, free picnic areas and four group picnic zones available by reservation only. Additionally, there are green spaces throughout the park where people simply relax on the grass. Amenities include grills, drinking fountains, and restrooms. The park’s playgrounds and play structures are located within or near the picnic areas.
Equestrian Center at the Park
Horseback riding has been popular here since the ranching days. Colonel Griffith took pride in his horsemanship, and he and his son often roamed the park’s hills on horseback. In the first decades of the 20th century, the city grazed its police and fire horses on the park’s open meadows. A rodeo with cowboys was even organized here. By the 1930s, the park hosted festivals and parties for horse riding enthusiasts. Los Angeles children can also try horseback riding at organized camps in the park. Private children’s camps operate in the summer and during vacations, organizing rides along the scenic trails. In the 21st century, over 2,000 horses reside in and around the park, and hundreds of other horses are regularly brought in for events and shows.
The area northeast of the park, near the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC), is a major hub of activity. It features stables, access to veterinary care, equine dentists, and manual therapists. A significant number of horse owners reside in the areas adjacent to the park. Griffith Park is crisscrossed by 55 miles of trails that riders share with hikers, runners, and even wildlife. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) in Griffith Park is the region’s premier equestrian facility. It annually hosts the Bill Pickett Rodeo, the Los Angeles National Grand Prix, and the Pacific Coast Cutting Futurity.