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Amir's Garden
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Griffith ParkLos Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
12 reviews for Amir's Garden
12 reviews in English
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Review from Miss C.
Los Angeles, CA
My los angeles secret garden. The kind of place where the reasons why you love it are the same reasons why you don't want to share it. In a city where the only waterfalls are blurry red streams of traffic we all deserve a little patch of wonderment.
One step you are on the same ol' dusty fire road and the next ,you are surrounded by little bursts of color, succulents wild and on the loose, trees with full-grown-man shade, purple flowers dotting a ridge, views peaking out through the trees. It's a strange feeling seeing the garden perched on the dry mountain, it's like walking through a Serat painting, where one moment it's all spots and the next it's a painting.
You honestly can't help but giggle in pure kid wonderment at this mysterious oasis. Where did you come from and how are you here, funny alien garden? It takes your heart by surprise, this imperfect wild garden with hidden benches and tiny terraced paths. I am so grateful it was created and continues to be live by volunteers. Thank you, fellow garden friends.
So, how do you find this super secret place? Well kids, get your zen on because it's a stumble your way there experience. To me, this is a part of the magic, a process of organic discovery but to others it is freakin difficult! The easiest way is to take the fireroad that heads uphill from mineral springs rec area or the more fun way, instead of heading up the fireroad, go left and look for the tiny stairs, keep left at the forks and 231 steps later you are there! See you in the garden... -
Review from Tina B.
Bless Amir's heart for providing shade for future hikers or inhabitants. When I reached his garden, I just appreciated all his hard work even more. It was a hot hike up, even for March! Once you reach this, you have time to sit and re-energize.
When you arrive at the garden, there a hidden picnic tables if you go down the steps from the top. It's the perfect place to bring a packed lunch, read a book, or even have a romantic little date.
We took the steps down, the way I would recommend to go up as well. There is more shade, albeit a little more dangerous and harder on your knees, but at least you get more lush scenery.
This can be found closer to the golf ranges, a little walk to the left at the base (where the website originally tells you to go with Tank #73 as the halfway point.)
You can keep on going further, but you may not want to after being in this nice shade provided by this lovely garden. -
Review from Perla B.
Venice, CA
Amir's Garden is located in Griffith Park and it is a small garden that has many plants that are not from the area. Apparently, Amir dragged all those plants up there and it became famous because it's such a nice little garden that is very secluded and feels like you are anywhere but in LA. I believe the city takes care of the plants to preserve this place.
The path I took to this garden was mostly uphill, which was a great workout with many nice views of the valley. Once you arrive here you can bust out your food and enjoy it in the tables that are located throughout the garden, just make sure to pick up your trash.
There are many ways to get up there because this garden is located on the uphill area of a mountain but there is the main fire road which is usually easier. Amir's Garden has quite a few very steep stairs that are nice to explore and lead to more plants and seating areas, so if you feel adventurous take the stairs.
This garden is a nice area to visit if you hike in Griffith Park and want to see something new.Listed in: We DO hike in LA!
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Review from Ashley D.
Glendale, CA
sooo peaceful!
A steep, dusty hike makes this shady, green oasis very worth it. It's quick and usually pretty empty, and the foliage is different from what you'd normally see in Griffith Park. My dad is an avid hiker and nature lover like me, so I took him up here when he visited and he was amazed that this place exists in the middle of L.A.
He said, "You sit and appreciate nature.... and then in the distance you hear the freeway." that's anywhere in L.A. tho, I told him, so it shouldn't surprise anyone. It's definitely not a big problem here, and it's a good forest-y respite for anyone who missed dense gardens/trees.
I only wish it was bigger, so I could REALLY get lost in the winding, labyrinthine paths. Perhaps stumble into a lost world where David Bowie dances around me in his tights and codpiece? -
Review from Danny M.
Los Angeles, CA
I love hiking. Amirs Garden is a great resting spot to get out of the sun and take a break during a hike. It is a great view. I always see rabbits, coyotes and occasionally deer. If you are looking for a quick hike Amirs Garden is a good choice. The fire road is steep. You can park at the bottom of the hill at Mineral Wells and the driving range.
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Review from Kimberly P.
Orange County, CA
Amir's Garden will forever hold a special place in my heart. My dad shared a newspaper article with me about this place about 10+ years ago. I just remember him going on and on about this dude named Amir and how he took care of this area in Griffith Park. I was a kid; it went in one ear and out the other.
Fast forward years later and here I was standing In Amir's Garden planting memorial trees for the family members I lost over the past two years. My father being one of them.
Amir is long gone, but his garden is still in tact. It is now overseen by Kristen whom you can get in touch with about planting your own memorial tree.
It was really a great experience being up there with my crazy family planting these 8' trees. Now we can go up there whenever we want to enjoy a short hike, a great view and reminisce about good times. -
Review from Justin R.
Tujunga, CA
Amir, how did I get here? It wasn't planned, but I'm glad it happened.
Without any agenda, solo, I headed out to Griffith Park to find a trail; didn't matter which, just something new. I found a trailhead, laced up the Cascadia's, put in the buds and headed up.
I figured it would just be the standard moderate loop or out & back with cool views of LA on a smoggy day. When I reached the top after a short moderate climb, I walked into your lush garden laced with picnic tables, benches, rock-lined paths, and a twisted maze of wooden stairs narrowly descending the other side back down. Dumbfounded about what I stumbled upon, I read your plaque -- what an impressive and unselfish thing you did, mang.
I snacked alone on a bench, single, and I specifically remember thinking how great it would be to have someone there with me to share all the hard work you did (and others continue to put in after your passing) to rebuild after the fire in '73.
Two years later, back up the trail I went, but this time with girlfriend in hand, dog on leash and extra snacks. And while I'm pretty sure you didn't create your sanctuary for an innocent make out session with maybe like some mild groping..
Amir, I know how I got here. It was planned, and I'm glad it happened. Directions: http://amirsgarden.org... -
Review from Sarah Lei S.
Whittier, CA
What an extremely challenging place to find.
The first time my boyfriend and I tried to find it, we ended up hiking in the mountains for 6 hours with our dog. My body has never ached so badly afterwards. Haha. Thank God for my water bobble.
I was so intrigued by the history of this place and decided to try and find it again with a girlfriend who was in town to visit. We prayed out loud to find this place after going up and down Griffith Park Dr. several times and finally met a couple who were on their way up! They accompanied us all the way. There were about 200 muddy steps. It was steep but manageable. My friend effortlessly hiked in her heeled boots! Meanwhile I was huffing and puffing with a boba drink in hand. The starting point was very inconspicuous as it was hidden by bushes and trees. You definitely need someone to point it out to you or else you'll miss it.
I thought it was going to be a serious botanical garden but I think this place is oversensationalized. I mean don't get me wrong, it is beautiful offering a gorgeous view of the city and the golf course down below. But it's also simply a resting stop for hikers with several benches around. The better view is at the back facing the mountains where it's all green and serene. It's nice if you're wanting a mini hike. -
Review from Minnie F.
Los Angeles, CA
This gem of a garden is truly as good as it gets.
Located within the magnificent Griffith Park, Amir's Garden is an oasis of shade, water, benches and beautiful flowers.
My favorite part of the story is that of Iranian-American Amir Dialameh who showed great determination, passion and class when creating and maintaining this public space. His legacy lives on. -
Review from Jenn T.
Los Angeles, CA
Amir's Garden is cute - and honestly who would think to call anything at Griffith Park cute?! It's got a cool Secret Garden feel to it, benches, tons of color and a fairly grand arch entrance. The hike up from the fireroad road is easy-moderate - not completely flat but doable.
A definite must if you are looking for points of interest and landmarks at the park. -
Review from Cristina B.
Los Angeles, CA
THIS BEAUTIFUL GARDEN IN GRIFFITH PARK IS GREAT FOR READING OR HAVING A PICNIC. ITS A SHORT 1/2 MILE HIKE UPHILL FROM THE PICNIC AREA, BUT IF YOU WANT TO GET A WORKOUT CONTINUE UPHILL AND IF NOT JUST STROLL AROUND AND ENJOY!
ITS A LITTLE TRICKY TO FIND. FOR DIRECTIONS GO TO THIS LINK.
http://amirsgarden.org... -
Review from Rasien I.
Amir's Garden is located high atop a mountain in Griffith Park, CA.
Recently, I've added hiking to the list of things I've become interested in. Griffith Park has many hiking trails that offer a quiet and serene atmosphere which range from moderate to high level of difficulty. A friend of mine told me about an experience she had where a friend took her hiking and and when they reached the top, there was a beautiful garden. I couldn't believe that there would be a garden in the middle of the mountain until I saw it for myself.
This Sunday, I took the one mile hike to reach Amir's Garden. The garden is filled with picnic tables and benches. In addition, there are several trails and steps that allow you to explore the garden. I spent a few hours taking photos, eating a picnic lunch, and enjoying the scenery.
I say its well worth the experience and would recommend the hike.
