Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory

Great trail for beginners. We started at Fern Dell Drive and took the right side loop going up and left side loop going down, it’s easier that way bec the left side is steeper going up and would be more challenging. There are stopover points with great views on the way and once you reach the top (observatory) are treated to learning and info galore. You’ll get physical and mental exercise.

great trail inclines perfect not hard but also not super easy perfect place to spend a hour or 2

I will not call this an easy trail. In my opinion this trail should be lable moderate or advance as it is a constant steep grade going up.

Trail is mostly uphill, it’s moderate not easy. Since there isn’t a lot of shade try to go early. And enjoy the views, they are amazing.

Nice pleasant hike. Pretty populated. Went up hill a lot. Tons of shaded areas and places to rest.

Perfect trail up to the observatory! It’s definitely an uphill climb but the views are worth it!

Great short hike but it is not easy so don’t bring a friend that doesn’t exercise regularly and tell them it is easy. LOL I like to take the RED Line to Hollywood and Western then walk to the start of Ferndell Trail.

Not hard, great views :)

Great views, lots of dog watching. The hike should be “moderate”

Great hike with beautiful views!!

Great hike for beginners. Steep inclines but nice wide paths. Great views!!! Lots of people on the trail, a big tourist hot spot.

Great trail. Wide, steep and clean. Lots of dogs on leash. Very rewarding summit. Spectacular views all around the Hollywood area, including the Hollywood sign. Griffith’s Observatory at top was very impressive. Way more than meets the eye. Go inside and explore entire building, including all levels. Lots of space history and artifacts.

easy for me, can see hollywood sign. the nature view is not stunning, though.

Gorgeous easy trail with beautiful picturesque tropical plants. If you continue onto the trailhead behind it, you end up at the Griffith observatory (:

Short and sweet trail with excellent views. . This would be a good place to show off to friends and family from out of town. It does get pretty steep though up by the observatory and I was surprised to find this trail is rated as "easy" It has a wide array of views of Los Angeles, you can see the Hollywood sign (if you go counter clockwise on the loop you will spot it on your way down), and goes all the way up to the observatory. Super crowded. Shade only on the first half of the trail before the loop.

Steep. Loose ground in rain. Expansive views from top. Must do LaLa dance

Nice easy trail through a young redwood forest until the incline hike to the observatory. The incline trail is mostly exposed with little shade but it is a short trail. The observatory was closed for unknown reasons (I believe there was a school trip with a lot of students inside) so we were unable to explore there. There were small black flys that kept pestering everyone in our group. The Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles skyline are visible from the observatory. We returned back on the other loop down to the trailhead and back to our vehicle.

very good trail

This trail needs to be changed to moderate. The beginning with Ferndell is nice, shaded, and flat. Ferndell is easy and it's quick. The difficult trail is the one leading up to the observatory. If you haven't been hiking in a while then it will be a little challenging. The trail is steep and there's not a lot of shade. The end result is worth it as there are amazing views of the Hollywood sign and all of LA. There's a nice bench at the edge where you can see all of Los Angeles.

One of my favorite trails in all of Los Angeles. I take visitors here from out of town and out of state and everyone has loved it. Then grotto is beautiful and not to be missed. The views of the Hollywood sign at the top are great. My dogs also love this trail and there is a little cafe at the bottom that is dog friendly.

I recommend this for everyday exercise. If you go through the area with water it has a lot of shade and is very serene. Then you can continue up two different loops, one which guides you up to the observatory if you wish. Most of the way through the loops is no shade, and at least half of it will be inclined. Not too busy. Have never had issues with bugs. Public bathroom and a few water fountains at the base of the loop.

No shade! No shade! No shade!