I've always wanted to check this out and as others have said, this is not so much a hike but a leisurely stroll surrounded by a lush rainforest ambiance. There are cute little bridges, running streams, swimming turtles, and diverse plants and trees. I was disappointed I didn't see any crawfish, though...where are they? Also felt disappointed by the graffiti on the benches which really mars the beauty of this place. By itself, Fern Dell deserves a nice four star rating. What bumps it to a five is that the trail opens up to a steeper, longer trail leading up to the Griffith Park Observatory. If you continue along this trail, you will be treated to sweeping, picturesque views of LA that are truly breathtaking. Once you reach the Observatory, you can continue your enjoyment of the amazing views by walking around the perimeter of the building. It's nice to get such a fantastic macro view of LA from the top. It's also a decent workout, about 3 miles round-trip, with plenty of fellow hikers along the trail. Bonus: easy, free parking along Fern Dell Drive. read more

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There is a large parking lot in this area. The West Trail is an lightly traffic trail that will take you to the observatory where every one tries to park up there which is crowded on the weekend. The trail is wide so plenty of room and kid friendly. There is a nice overlook area with table and bench if you want to snack and take pictures. From here you can walk to the observatory or go across the street and straight up to continue to Mount Hollywood trail. This will make an decent hike. But looking for something bigger. There are connecting trails which might not all have signs posted. But you can hike to the Hollywood Sign from here. Griffith Park has plenty of trails to make your hike a nice leisurely hike to a big time hike to add a lot of mileage. Here are two good trail maps of the park. Check it out, so you won't get lost. As always pack accordingly to your trip as there's not much shades from the sun. https://www.laparks.org/sites/default/files/griffith/pdf/GriffithParkMap.pdf http://griffithobservatory.org/about/pdf/Griffith_Park_Map.pdf read more

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Cute walk. You've got the turtles, the crayfish, the butterflies, ferns, plants...you also have trails cafe at one end so you can pick up a baked goodie and coffee to walk with or sit after. Why not move you're legs a little and go for a walk if you're in the area. read more

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Great park. Lots of kids. No trash or garfitti. Nice people nicer place. Definitely returning

I've always loved Fern Dell. It makes you feel like you're away from Los Angeles. It's very calming and peaceful. read more

Beautiful little trail. It gets a little busy Sunday am but but it is still peaceful. Loved that I could bring my dog. read more

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Seen La La Land? Want to visit that one of the scenes in the movie? Check out Fern Dell trail! Recently, my girlfriend and I were looking for a very easy hike within Griffith Park that would eventually lead us to the Griffith Observatory. The trail that immediately jumped out at us was Fern Dell trail. This is a perfect path if you want a simple, 1-1.5 mile loop. And if you want to hike to Griffith Park, add on another 1-1.5 mile loop up a steeper path. As mentioned, Fern Dell was actually one of the filming locations for La La Land. This trail is pretty much a walk into a rain forest. Most of the trail itself is enclosed in native fauna, which is an awesome break from all the heat. Especially if you can't really walk uphill that well, this trail is relatively flat all throughout. In terms of parking, if you are good at parallel parking, you should be able to find a spot no problem. I was slightly afraid of not being able to find a parking spot since we got in around 10 am on a Saturday. But luckily, a lot of people were coming in and out. All in all, I highly recommend the Fern Dell hike for explores who want a quick taste of Griffith Park. It's easy and peaceful, and there's direct access to the trail up to Griffith Observatory if you want that to be your end destination. I give Fern Dell a "nice-su, you can take your parents here and they'll be happy." Have fun and prosper, read more

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Clean and well-maintained trails and trees.. Tons of shade during warmer season.. Our dog Keeko really enjoyed the walk here..

This place is a true gem. If you want to go somewhere and forget the fact that you're surrounded by the city, this is the place to go. There are hundreds of back-woods trails, A huge running/bike path (that perimeters the entire park), and a ton of benches to chill out and take a rest on. The woods are crawling cute little chipmunks. I also take my dog here to run off leash in the woods and I've never had any issues. We've even gone in the middle of the night several times and it seems pretty safe and everything is well lit. You will see joggers and Cyclists there at all times of the day and night. Great place to go hiking, and even throw a picnic in the woods if that's your style. I chose my home because of this park and it's amazing features. read more

I found out about Fern Dell on TMZ. (I confess. I like celebrity gossip. Go ahead, judge me.) An adorable little girl was asked if she knew about any great date places. "I know! I know! Fern Dell!" Her mom explained that Fern Dell was her daughter's favorite place to go. The few pictures they showed were lovely! So I Yelped Fern Dell only to find out that it's part of Griffith Park. And that it's a little hidden oasis that's an easy 1-mile stroll from the entrance and back. Not taxing at all for us mobility-challenged folks. It's a dog-friendly place too! (As long as you pick up the doodies) I can see why that little girl is so enchanted by Fern Dell. This is a happy place. Made me wish I could have my own little Hobbit house right under the Morning Glory covered trees next to the bubbling stream. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fern-dell-nature-center-los-angeles?select=yRwauqLPXyCYG_zbO6oM3g#yRwauqLPXyCYG_zbO6oM3g http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fern-dell-nature-center-los-angeles?select=HDBP60ligi9ZX0C58QPo_g#HDBP60ligi9ZX0C58QPo_g http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fern-dell-nature-center-los-angeles?select=HDBP60ligi9ZX0C58QPo_g#k3hl81OU6FobWQAyN-lPNQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fern-dell-nature-center-los-angeles?select=HDBP60ligi9ZX0C58QPo_g#dZEXzsX7rBFNPPQV79XdWA Note: Don't come here with a hungry hubby who'll try to rush you through. O_o read more

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Such a cute little hidden gem off Los Felix and Fern Dell. A nice little tree lined path along a stream with small waterfalls, fish and butterflies. Perfect for kids, strollers and walking your pup. Several spots to sit along the way. Felt like we were in the forest rather than amongst the chaos of LA traffic and tourists. Decent bathrooms and plenty of parking. Not overly crowded for a holiday week. Playground for kids and The Trails restaurant for the hungry. Plenty of trails to head into Griffith Park for a longer hike. read more

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Beautiful and relaxing park area. Very serene in the midst of busy Los Angeles. Gives off a rainforest vibe as you walk through and see tiny waterfalls, little lobsters and tad poles swimming in the quiet streams. Eventually we ran into a picnic area and a little playground. Nice for an evening walk. There are plenty of signs as a reminder that the park is closed from sunset to sunrise. read more

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Beautiful! Love taking the pups on this trail that leads up to the big hike! Not crowded at all.

Easy "hiking" for families with little kids. Parking is tough on the weekends but we got lucky. Most people were respectful and kept their distance. Great spot too for dogs. Would gladly come back again. read more

I went on a Sunday hike here on 10/22. The park/Forrest is super cute and peaceful. There were not a lot of people their either. It's an extremely easy walk with no inclines. It's not even a hike to be honest but it does lead you to the Griffith Park trail which is a major hike. Anyways, it was nice and easy, very shaded, lots of greenery, cute bridges over water, and quiet. There's parking on the blvd that's easy, but read the signs. They say no parking from sunset to sunrise so be up out of that park before sunset or you'll be towed. The distance on total walking through the whole park was half a mile. There's some public restrooms and also a more open area if you have kids that need to run around and blow some steam :) read more

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Easy hike for those looking for something short and sweet without breaking a sweat. It is one of those spots that you can easily get away to, forget that you are in the hustles of Hollywood and return to the chaos with a clear head. Sweet! Nearest Metro Station: Red Line at Western/Hollywood Station read more

Such a relaxing trail. You are transported into a different world. I heard you can even see some coyotes some times but we weren't that lucky. Trail was not that difficult at all. Lots of people come here to walk their dogs. So many cute breeds we've come across. This place really makes me feel at ease. Lots of shade from the trees so you'll have a comfortable hike. read more

This place is just amazing! It's so relaxing & peaceful. You would never know it's in LA. Apart from the coyote we ran into & getting a good scare this place was good to us :) it was very fogging the day we went due to the rain coming in but still then, the hike was amazing. I wouldn't say it was easy, more like moderate. The people who come here definitely are here for the same reasons you probably are, to be outdoors, hike, take their dogs for a walk, exercise, etc. I also loved how pet friendly this place is was, especially since I love my dogs tagging along. There are rest stops along the way & picnic like tables for you to sit & have a snack or water during the process. Definitely going back to see the amazing views this place has to offer :) read more

Fern Dell - Fogging but still definitely a beautiful place :) - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Beautiful place to decompress. Right next to the hustle and bustle of the city is this quiet, meandering oasis. Nice hiking trails and playground. Great views and trails. We enjoyed our visit! read more

Fern Dell is a lovely little spot in Griffith Park that is super easy to miss. Go into the main entrance off of Los Feliz Boulevard, it will be on your left. If you pass The Trails Cafe, you've gone too far. Shade, water, dragonflies. It's magical. The trail is about .25 miles and is (relatively) flat, so it's a great spot to take kids. I'm able to walk it with my stroller, which makes it super great for me. I would, however, recommend going here in the daytime only. There is some vandalism, and every now and then some interesting characters. Just be safe, as it is off the main road and it's not usually as crowded as some of the other trails. I prefer to go in the late morning/early afternoon because it's usually joggers and families. read more

I walk 2 miles to get here and it's worth every minute. Fern Dell is such an odd beauty. Situated above Los Feliz Blvd in Griffith Park (just minutes east of Beachwood Canyon area), I often find myself having to stop every so often because I don't want to miss anything. My only advice is: ladies, keep your wits about you if you walk alone (day or not) there are a few 'characters' running around. The light here is both beautiful and bizarre the way it shines through the trees... There is something about the area I can't really put my finger on it, you simply must experience Fern Dell to really appreciate it. I also notice my poochies are happier here. read more

This is a great easy hike that goes up to Griffith Observatory. Find parking on the side of the road and trek up the dirt paths past koi ponds, playgrounds, and lush vegetation. I'm a pretty avid hiker and found the difficulty of this hike more "stroll" than "climb" but it wasn't a deal breaker at all! In fact, my hiking partner and myself, after deciding that we wanted something a bit more challenging, took a small detour off the beaten path and were able to make our way to the trail that took us all the way up to Griffith Observatory! Come here with kids, with a picnic, or with your pets (so many cute dogs!) If you want something more challenging, the hike up to Griffith is just around the corner! read more

Star Trek was filmed here. Yes, that's the thing that drew me to Fern Dell, but don't let that stop you from experiencing this quaint and beautiful trail! Redwoods, ferns, and numerous other naturey things flank this narrow trail as a calming stream makes its way past you. It's a great place to start on a hike up to the Griffith Observatory also. And if you're a Star Trek fan, a few DS9 episodes were filmed here as locales for the planet Bajor. Yes, Star Trek was filmed here. :) read more

You can park here and hike up to Griffith Observatory either by taking your own way up the steep hills or on the nice carved out path. I recently came here with a friend to hike late Monday afternoon to wait for traffic to die down. Parking was easy and free and I started following her up this side path which was difficult and a bit scary. We got to one of the hills that lead to the nice path up to Griffith but didn't hike the whole way up, mainly because I'm old now and have to think about things like, getting to work the next day, having all my limbs in tact so I can go to work, not falling so I don't miss work...etc. On the hike down we took the nice paved path and saw children swinging on a tree off the side of a cliff and an old grandma walking up the hill with just her chanclas and her daughter walking arm in arm with her. read more

I happen to love this beautiful nature trail. Cause, yes, it's a nature trail, not an extreme hike for those looking for an intense workout. There is a beautiful stream that runs through the lush trees and greenery that make this one of the most beautiful walks in LA. It's never very crowded and you might even see something like a Buddhist Monk praying and relaxing up around one of the many benches that are scattered throughout the trail for your viewing pleasure. It is a very peaceful and Zen place to visit, a little quiet in the middle of the city. If you're looking for someplace to unwind and have a nice quiet walk, this is your spot! And don't forget to stop by The Trails Cafe for yummy homemade snack or specialty pastry. They're all amazing and made from scratch! read more

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What and amazing place, my first time coming here and I loved it. Went on a trail saw a lot of people taking pictures this place it's beautiful all around my dog loved making friends. read more

Fern Dell - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Nice walk to do with children. Has entrance to hike up to Observatory at the end of the nature walk.

It's so pretty. Reminded me of being back home in Tennessee. Tons of wildlife, and on the opposite end of griffith park, so it's a bit less crowded than most hiking places. read more

@LAHOOPERS collective Hoop Jam meets monthly (more often in summer) and we've used this fabulous spot for lots of great spinning, playing and relaxing in the trees. Love that the cars going by can enjoy our hoop tricks, and parking is always accessible. People strolling by stop to take a spin, and our flow arts community grows every time we meet. http://www.facebook.com/groups/26111929519 read more

I love this walk, lots of plants provide a shaded beautiful walk with a little creek at the beginning of the walk. My dog loves it too!

Such a lovely spot to walk around in the shade and reminisce about the musical La La Land where Mia and Sebastian had one of their dates here at Fern Dell. You can easily find parking along the street and walk toward the park. The trail keeps going up and connects to the Griffith Park trail. Or you can just turn back around. There's plenty of benches to sit and read. I saw a couple of people just enjoying a book or their lunch sitting down. read more

You have got to love it. When you walk around it's hard to believe this place even exists. The water is recirculated and filtered like the small water fountains you'd put in your yard. We discussed this much until I came across a maintenance worker and asked. The entire place was created by Park workers. read more

If your looking for a nice short walk in the park especially in this hot weather, this is the perfect place for you! Majority of this loop is all shade from the full trees and surrounding vegetation located throughout this park. Parking is free on Fern Dell Drive, but look out for the posted signs where to stay away from because you will get a ticket. After you park, you enter from the easy accessible entrances off of Black Oak Dr and or off of Fern Dell Drive towards the middle of opposite end. Once you enter, It makes you feel like your in another place other than LA! There's a total of 9 little labeled bridges you walk over that adds such beautiful character to the park. Theres a creek of water that flows alongside through the park that hosts variety of wildlife such as coi fish, tad poles, guppies, crawfish, turtles, even all sorts of birds and if your lucky, you will see a big heron bird that comes to feed off the fish there. Although, its under a mile walk you can continue out of the forest trail that leads to restrooms and connects to Griffith Park up towards the Observatory for a more challenging hike that loops around and adds an additional 2 miles to your trek. And or you can also go off trail to the Trails Cafe located to your left right before you connect to the Griffith Park trail. The trail is paved and clean and wearing regular tennis shoes or even sandals would be just fine unless you choose to trek more. Its visited by mostly the locals who live in the area who take pride in the cleanliness of this park. There are plenty of park benches to stop and enjoy the beauty and trash cans to throw away your trash. Overall, this little walk in the park is quite the hidden gem at Griffith park and hope you check it out soon! Happy trails! :) read more

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I liked the walk, feels very tropical. The only thing that brought it down was the lack of water and the stench. I came after a recent rainstorm. There was very little fish. My dog was happy walking in the trails and over the bridges but there was barely any water. No waterfalls, no running water. There was some crayfish and some koi, plus there was 2 big fish! read more

Fern Dell - The Big Fishies! - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I dont leave too far from here so i try and explore the trails as much as i can , it's usually a nice quiet walk. read more

Fern Dell - See the deer ?? - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love Ferndell generally, and walk there often because it is absolutely beautiful, shady, and soothing to the spirit, but this particular review is from the perspective of a parent throwing a kids birthday party at Griffith Park, and from that perspective, Ferndell is absolutely fantastic. This was a 9 year old little boy's party, and the original plan had been to hold it at the picnic area at Bronson Canyon, but because of a conflict with another event that had been scheduled there without our knowledge, we switched to Ferndell at the last minute. Further in from the nature walk, across the street and just a tad further up from the Trails Cafe is a small play structure and a whole bunch of picnic tables (including bbqs that are shut down during the summer, although it seems some folks brought their own bbqs regardless). We set up our party here. A friend showed up early to stake out our spot. I arrived soon after and rolled two coolers full of ice, bottled water, juice packs, and green tea from my car, brought some salad fixings, fruit, chips and dip, and a cake, and had pizza delivered directly to the picnic area (from Cheech's Pizza, who will happily deliver to Griffith Park). Everything was good, and nothing was either complicated or expensive. Basically, the boys went nuts, in a good way. Between the picnic area and the road is a dry gully/stream bed crossed by the occasional bridge that became the scene for endless games of live action "Temple Run." There was a sycamore tree that was bent at the perfect angle for running climbs, and the boys had a lot of the necessary momentum to pull that off. Searching through the brush for "walking sticks" resulted in finding many treasures, including the best stick ever - a fallen branch that was about 15 feet long which the boys brought to the adults proudly to be photographed. After many more (safe) games with it, they returned it to the woods. After cake, the kids and the adults took a stroll through the "Ferndell Nature Walk," which capped off the adventure. Several of the adult guests remembered Ferndell fondly from their youth, but had not yet taken their kids here, and were happy to have been reminded that it existed. The kids had a blast and really didn't want to leave. The whole birthday party thing seems to be a lot more complicated now than it was when I was a kid, so I'm really glad we did this - I was on a serious budget this year, because we're planning a pretty extensive summer trip, and so I went for a park party to economize, but it ended up working out so well that it reminded me that when you put a group of imaginative kids together in a great spot like Ferndell, they will have an amazing time, and that the venue does not have to cost a dime for that to occur. Next year, we will either throw a park party at the Bronson Canyon picnic area, and wrap up with a mini hike to the "Bat Cave" (which had been our original plan) or throw a park party at the Old Zoo, explore the animal enclosures, and take a mini hike behind the enclosures to the Merry Go Round, because Griffith Park is awesome, and the adventures to be had there are infinite. read more

I love starting my hike here to head up to the observatory. I refuse to buy a gym membership because why would I work out inside when there are beautiful places out side like this all over the city. This is also the perfect spot for a post hike picnic or some yoga. read more

Such a good hike. Dogs are welcome. There are two different routes you can go and there is also an option to hike up to the observatory. It's a good easy hike for everyone read more

Great hike! Brought a 2, 3, 5, 6 yr old and they were able to hike up to the observatory. Definitely come before it's too hot. Shade in fern dell but after the playground and trails cafe there's no shade. Bring the dogs.. Must be leashed. I was able to bring the stroller for the. 2 yr old... But it was a lil tough. read more

What a lovely little park! The trail was nice, shady, fern filled with a little stream along the side of the trail. Very relaxing walk. Not difficult at all, we brought my 83 year old mother-in-law and it wasn't to much of a hike for her. There were benches to sit if needed and she didn't need to sit at all. After we walked the trail we stopped for a bite to eat at the trails cafe which i would recommend highly. We definitely want to come back and explore some more. read more