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Bronson Canyon-Griffith Park
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Parks, Hiking [Edit]
3200 Canyon DrHollywood, CA 90068
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
(323) 666-5046
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
59 reviews for Bronson Canyon-Griffith Park
59 reviews in English
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Review from Amy S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012 5 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite things about LA is that you can be hiking in the mountains and still technically be in the city. Bronson Canyon is a gorgeous and challenging hike and I'm so happy that's it's as close as it is to my apartment. It's perfect for a long Saturday jog or hike when you're looking to burn off some weekend calories.
There's a particular part of the canyon that was used for old Western films. It's a must see for any film fan!
Just watch out for severed heads...
...not funny yet? Well my friends, comedy equals tragedy plus time, heh heh.Listed in: Fitness
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Review from Edison T.
Although there are a lot of horse poo on the trails, I still enjoyed the hike up to the Hollywood sign very much, especially if you take path up along the ridge.
Make sure to start your hike by checking out the Batcaves first! Adamn West would want you to!
Parking is hit or miss, but usually you will be able to find a spot either along the driveway up tot he trail or in one of the two parking lots nearby. -
Review from Irene B.
2/2/2012
This is a great hike if you're a novice hiker like myself. Here are my notes below:
- first 20-30min walking up a medium incline (nice and shaded)
- overall fairly empty, didn't run into hoards of people
- handful of dogs, but not much dog doo-doo
- handful of horses, and more horse doo-doo
- gorgeous view of the city
- try to get there before 10am if you want to find a parking spot easily, or come in the late afternoon
I like you very much Bronson Canyon, see you soon! -
Review from Emilio M.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Its a great place to start a hike in our local hills. In fact you can start here and get to the back side of the Hollywood sign and set up quick picnic. Our entire family went up this trail and the entire trip was about 3 hours round trip (with breaks). Not too bad.
Best of all its a great place to get out of the city noise and traffic for a change. Once you're on top overseeing all the way to the pacific on one side and the valley on the other side, you will feel relaxed and accomplished.
The only downside is the smell of horse manure and dog crap as well. The horse crap I can deal with because hey its a horse waddaya gonna do? Dog owners have no excuse! It sucks that there are clearly posted signs AND plastic bags for pet owners to clean up after their dog's and they simply dont do it. Also please LEASH YOUR DOG! There are snakes on these hills and will take out your pet! For this reason alone there should be at least one mounted peace officer to ticket these irresponsible A-holes.
By all means get out there and get your hike on! You can do it! -
Review from Sarah K.
Fullerton, CA
1/20/2012
Loved my hike here.
Came on a holiday (MLK DAY) with my sister and started the hike at 3 PM. The sig in the front read that the gate closes at sunset, so I checked the sunset time in LA which was a little past 5 PM.
If you follow the address above then you will end up at the bottom of the mountain and start your way to the top.
The place was quite easy to find. Just keep going straight through the neighborhood and the dead end is the entrance to this place.
Parking was easy at this time, but I'm guessing it's a bit more hectic in the morning because cars were on the streets already.
I would say it's about 2 1/2 hours hike. I'm still confused on where the bat cave is located, but nonetheless the view of the entire hike trail was great. You'll see horse poo when you got farther up because horses are allowed on the trail and there's a small area near the bottom of the mountain where you can see horses. -
Review from Zoie H.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is such a beautiful hike! Today was the first but definitely not the last time that I will do this hike. I am at best a very novice hiker, but I did not find this hike to be bad at all. It is nice to do on an overcast day where it is not too hot, if you are attempting this in summer you may definitely need to take plenty of water with you.
This is the route I took, more or less. I found this from an article in the LA Times, date unknown, but by the journalist Charles Fleming. The directions are taken from his article directly, but I've thrown in my own little "take note of these" parts.
Begin on Beachwood Canyon, a mile or so north of Franklin on North Beachwood drive. Here you will find 1) parking 2) a small general store, 3) a coffee shop. Head up Belden (West) this part is very steep from the get-go, but don't worry - hang in there and you will soon be on much flatter land. Watch for traffic as this is a winding street, it is pretty quite so you can mostly hear cars - but watch out for those damn hybrids!
Follow it to Flagmoor, which then turns into Durand drive. There is a beautiful castle up here - called the Norman Chateau - look for the cute little gargoyle upon the wall. When you come to the front of that house you will see the fire road off to the side. Follow that fire road down and after about 20 seconds of walking you will see the beautiful reservoir off to the side.
After following the fire road downhill turn right at the T-intersection, which is part of the defunct highway (I can't believe they had a highway up here!) There's some cactus up here - so be careful. Eventually you will see the Hollywood sign and it will quickly become closer and closer as well as the giant Castillo del Lago which is the home of the famed Bugsy Siegel. The trail eventually hugs the wall of this beautiful, beautiful home. The trail will once again rise and will eventually become a paved road, up here you will see some tour busses, plenty of people taking photos, and the non-sweaty people who decided to just drive up here.
Follow Lake Canyon drive down to a stop sign, left to the lake - right to a residential neighborhood, past the dog park, and up the "no outlet" street to meet a second fire road. This trail is a lot larger than the first fire road that you are on and while you will soon loose the beautiful view of the reservoir you will get so close to the Hollywood sign, it is truly awesome. There's a giant sign up here warning of mountain lions and rattle snakes so watch your step and don't carry any raw meat in your backpack (LOL!). This trail was wide enough where for a brief second I thought of bringing my boyfriend up here for a picnic, but then I remembered the signs about mountain lions. Follow the trail and it will eventually meet the paved Mulholland drive. If you want to get even closer to the Hollywood sign turn left here, otherwise if you want to get back to your car and go grab some lunch (because walking will make you hungry!) turn right here. Walk to the first corner and then turn left onto Durand drive (Not signposted!) its a very windy road but you still get amazing views of the Hollywood sign as well as houses that you will be totally jealous of. Follow this road down and then just after the house at 2960 look for the concrete steps with the iron railing. This is a public staircase, take it own and you will end up at Belden drive, turn left go around a few corners and then you will find a second public staircase on the right (it is next to the house that is currently for sale with the awful 1980s/cheap apartment building grated windows). Follow this (steep!) stairway down and you will end up on North Beachwood Drive. Turn right and you will soon be back at the start point.
This is such a beautiful hike - I can't wait to accomplish it again. It's not too hard - I saw children on several parts of the hike but just PLEASE watch them on the winding narrow streets, but give yourself 1.5-2.5 hours depending on how long you stop to take pictures and admire the beautiful scenery.Listed in: Hiking.
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Review from Lydia F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
Go to the park on a clear day--the view from the hills down to the city and the ocean is beautiful! There are lots of uphill hikes, so you'll get a great workout...and the scenery (looking up at the Hollywood sign) is a bonus!
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Review from S.V. S.
Inglewood, CA
1/30/2012
I can not believe the HIGH ratings for this hike? It has to be the WORST hike in Los Angeles unless your idea of nature is fighting for parking and so many people on the trail it looks like the 405 at rush hour :(
Parking is non existent unless you arrive at the crack of dawn, anytime after that expect to get stuck on a one way road where you will play chicken to see who is going to back up to let the other car pass...
If you start the hike from Beachwood Dr. be prepared for the evidence of the horses on the trail, or should I call it POOP trail. After passing that, then you will be bombarded by a sea of people, constant chatter, etc.
This is not my idea of nature or serenity. -
Review from Michele O.
North Hollywood, CA
1/28/2012
I just got back from my hike to the Hollywood sign. I am a member of http://Meetups.com. The hike leader's name is Ilia (pronounced ill-e-ah). It was a nice group this morning. Get there early though because the parking lot fills up quickly. We started the hike at 8am sharp and took a few breaks. I would definitely go again!
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Review from Jo W.
12/11/2011
A couple things you should know about this park:
- easy to get to.
- easy and free parking.
- very quiet.
- fairly easy hike. I'm from Chicago and the only hills we have are overpasses, and I was easily able to do this without wanting to die.
- if you hike up through the Batcave - yes, the actual bat cave used in the TV show - when you come out on the otherside you've got a great view of the Hollywood sign. Two tourist things for the price of one!
- It's just beautiful and peaceful here. I like it. -
Review from Greg S.
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bronson is a great place to exercise and experience a little Hollywood history!
The hike up is definitely a workout. We stopped quite a ways up and you could keep going for who knows how long. Instead we made our way back down and took the side path at the bottom. Our main destination was the famous Batcave from the classic Batman tv show. It was also used in quite a few Star Trek episodes. It's a great spot nestled right in the canyon, with the Hollywood sign off in the distance.
This is a very popular spot, for people seeking exercise and the famous filming locations. And I was seeking both...so it was great! -
Review from Lynette T.
Hidden Hills, CA
10/7/2011 6 photos
300th review!
Oh, we just HAD to do this!
In researching spots where my husband could get a great shot of the HOLLYWOOD sign, we read that the Batcave was up in this canyon.
Yes, THAT Batcave!
As children of the '60s, that TV show was IT.
I read that the hike up was relatively easy, but was a bit worried because my bum knee sometimes gives out at the darndest times.
Hubby wanted to see the Batcave so badly, he promised to carry me back down if anything happened.
My first sight of the trail. Hmmm......I think I can do this.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Is that the cave? Nope. Interesting though.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I was surprised how high up we were (from our car) considering the walk so far wasn't bad at all.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Are we there yet?
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
There it is!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Pretty darn cool! (It's actually a tunnel.)
One way in. Three ways out.
A view of the Hollywood sign to the left.
We stayed just a short while because there were some folks who were practicing with a drum & wood flute and it seemed like they wanted the place to themselves.
Me: "They're looking at us again....."
Had a few interesting convos with some other interesting folks.
Hubby gets a bit annoyed with me sometimes because I'll talk to anybody. Meh. I had fun! Okay, so that one guy kinda looked like one of The Sons of Anarchy, but he was so nice!
Silly argument on the way up about Batman's opening credits.
We were both way off.
It's "SOCK POW ZOK POW-BIF!-BAM-SOK!-BLAP! WHAK BIFF OOOF!"
http://www.youtube.com...
Turned out to be a fun excursion!
No pain, just gain!Listed in: Places to go, things to…
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Review from David A.
Long Beach, CA
10/30/2011
My review is for the Bronson Batcave. The cave is a manmade tunnel that is pretty accessible from the main road, which makes it a short easy walk and a nice filming location. The tunnel was featured as the Batcave in the campy 1960s Batman television and movie series. The list of movies filmed at the location is pretty long. Some notable ones include The Three Musketeers (1933), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Batman (1966), and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). A number of television series have also included the tunnel in some capacity, including Batman, Gunsmoke, The Long Ranger, Rawhide, Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Star Trek, Twin Peaks, and The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
Park at the end of Canyon Dr. (around 2800 Canyon Dr.) at the "Camp Hollywood Land" parking area. The road to the caves is just before the "Camp Hollywood Land" sign on the right (if you are facing the end of the road). You will be able to find the cave easily by following the path. Watch out for snakes resting inside the cave, and be sure to check out the view of the Hollywood sign on the other end of the tunnel. The hike is approximately a mile round trip, and will only take about 20 minutes or so, so plan getting an actual workout by hiking to the top of the Hollywood sign. You can find a map to the Cave and the Hollywood Sign, some text and some pictures on the link to my blog on my yelp profile. -
Review from Patrick P.
Monrovia, CA
9/6/2011
I've come here a few times, with the latest time with cousins visiting LA (August 20, 2011). I found the hike rather moderate, but for my youngest cousin (half my age), she wasn't liking the incline of the hike up the mountain.
While much of the trail is not visually appealing as far as natural landscape (especially in the summertime when the vegetation is withered), there's something to be said about hiking up to the iconic Hollywood signage... Hopefully those that do go up realize that you hike to the back of the sign, and there's fencing around so you can't physically touch the sign.
Nice that the Bronson Cave, aka the old school Batcave from the Batman television series, is also in the vicinity. Though it's not really a cave as much as an abandoned tunnel.
And like many of the trails in LA, while you can see down to the city from the mountains, you also see the infamous smog. *cough*
Parking is free, which is always a plus.
As far as wildlife, saw some rabbits, ravens (or were they hawks?), and various bugs. The surprising visitor on our trip down... a taranchula! Neato. Oh, and there's a horse stable in the area where you can take guided rides, which I've never done here. And those beasts leave their fecal matter along a certain section of the trail up, so just some heads up.
Give yourself 3 hours to hike up and down, including the side trip to the Bronson Cave. Maybe give yourself more time if you have a larger group or have those not used to hiking.
I don't recall seeing restrooms, so just prepare for that.Listed in: Hiking Trails
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Review from Crystal L.
Bronx, NY
12/24/2011
this approximately 5 mile trail (forward and back) to the back of the hollywood sign is a pretty easy hike for the average 20 something year old, even if you haven't exercised in a while. it might not be the most enjoyable hike for those who hate going up steep slopes, since the entire hike is essentially that. but rest assure that the scenery is beautiful the entire way up.
parking is awesome- there's a lot of room and its free! - unlike some other places that require you to pay $5 for an "adventure pass".
overall, i loved the refreshing hike!- the only drag was that they didn't let us go right to the back of the sign- it was fenced off for about a 1/4 mile radius. i saw a guy and his daughter hop the fence- and i really wanted to do that too (yes, its illegal and you get fined and they say they have 24 hr surveillance).. but no one i went with would do it with me... and there were too many kids there... so didn't really want to set such an awful example. but would definitely go back at an earlier time next time (maybe 6 in the morning) to hop the fence :) -
Review from Andre N.
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok I lived here all my life and had never ever taken this hike which eventually takes you to the hollywood sign as well as the batcave (which I didnt see or know where was). Which leads to a question why is there no sign that says "To the Bat Cave"? That would not only be helpful but fricken cool, because dang it I wanted to see the bat cave.
But anways onto the hike itself so the main goal was to go to the hollywood sign which we accomplished (well sort of), because one you can either get really close to it and take really awesome pics or you can hike behind it, which I though was pretty cool, though there is a fence that prevents you from touching it and alarms that go off, I think they also have cougars (and not the cool kind) with laser beams on their head patrolling the area, so you wont get closed to it.
Now the hike is fairly easy I thought so not too strenous, heck I saw a family with a baby carriage, so not much of a workout unless you run it. But you may not want to run it, why because their is horse caca everywhere and I had to watch not to step out on it. If we have laws that we have to pick up after our dogs, why dont we have some for horsies. Damn Dirty Horsies.
But anways its an ok hike especially if your from out of town or want to impress a visiting relative. -
Review from Anthony N.
Los Angeles, CA
6/30/2011
It's okay.
It's like a baby hike. I barely burned any calories!
There's a cave...sorta...
I saw a cute guy. I followed him around til it got kinda creepy....
Other than that it was kinda boring.
Let's go get food now, says my companion.
Okay mamacita, I could use some ice cream anyway.Listed in: Working on Mah Fitness
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Review from Jennifer W.
Stevenson Ranch, CA
12/14/2011
Love this hike. Pretty crowded but nice. Everyone seems happy to be hiking. The hike is fairly easy but I still enjoyed it ALOT!
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Review from Maxine H.
8/6/2011
I love this hike. Granted it's a fairly easy hike, but it's still fun and I love the scenery and the end result.
Come early enough and parking is not a problem. I usually head out here around 7-8 in the morning and that seems to be the perfect time. It's not a busy trail so I guess you can come at any time you please, but I prefer a good morning workout :] Although I should try this one out at sunset.
After you park and head up towards the gates, if you take the trail from top to bottom by following the signs you'll get to the Hollywood sign. Word of advice. If you have the time, take a right at the gate and that'll take you to the bat caves. They're pretty cool to check out and great for photo ops. People say they're are actual bats so stomp your feet around before venturing in. I've personally never seen one so...
The trail is wide and well marked. It's perfect for beginners or anyone of any age. It can get a little steep at certain parts, but still easy enough so it won't take too much of your efforts and knock you down. Make your way up to the top though and it's definitely well worth it. The view from the Hollywood sign is breathless. Especially on a clear day. The sign is "fenced" off so people won't climb on or vandalize it, but before you turn the corner to the sign, there's a gap in the fence you can sneak into. Venture at your own risk :]
Overall it's a great hike so check it out.Listed in: Feeling outdoorsy?
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Review from David a.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Griffith Park is the equivalent of Central Park to any native Angeleno, no matter what part of the City you were raised in. I have done a ton of acid on this trail as a youth, and a ton of mushrooms as well. Me and my friends would blast Sabbath and Floyd on the boombox and swill beer here on a daily basis during those hot summers in the 1980's. This park has been like a Grandfather to thousands of us Angelenos at one time or another. What other place in LA houses the the old zoo, coyotes, rabbits, crows, ravens, hawks, gay men committing acts of lewd conduct in the men's room, and this trail?
Now, in my 40's, I find myself walking this trail intensively on a regular basis. On my days off, I usually start at Ferndale, and walk out through Bronson Canyon over the course of a few hours. Sometimes I even cut through a rich persons lawn on side streets east of Bronson when I hike off trail.
This morning, I saw the most magnificent flowers on this trail and after hiking for a couple of hours with my two great friends, I feel serene, tranquil and healthy. This trail is a big part of my Los Angeles and great exercise to boot. I hope that you love this place as much as I do and don't leave any fucking trash on the trail.Listed in: Getaway for a day close to LA
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Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/12/2011
I don't nearly give this part of Griffith Park enough attention. Seeing as though I live a short 1.5 mile walk from the entrance of Bronson Canyon, you'd think I'd hike here more often. Bronson Canyon is such a great area--lush, beautiful, and with two major hiking options that are great for easy-moderate hiking and long and winding hikes sure to kick that booty back into shape. Aside from the glory and splendor of being able to enjoy a not-so-crowded (compared to Runyon or Temescal) trail, Bronson also has a few major landmarks and pretty fantastic views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
Stand-outs include: The Giving Tree, The Bat Cave, and various parts of the park as seen in many films and old spaghetti Westerns! Did you know that they filmed Bonanza here? I won't lie and pretend that I don't sing the original Batman theme song when visiting Adam West's old haunt.
Sadly, the cave doesn't actually have bats in it...nor a secret passage-way to an underground lair...or does it?Listed in: Hollywoodland, Great Outdoors!
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Review from Cindy L.
Updated - 5/29/2011 1 photo
Be sure to check out the Bronson Bat Caves. It is a super short side trail (~5-10 min) to your right as you start the hike, but it is really worth seeing! Plus, after going through the caves, you can see a really really fabulous view of the Hollywood sign!! But still most definitely worthwhile to do the rest of the hike to the back of Hollywood sign.
Parking is easy, dirt lot inside the park, or you can park outside on the streets. It gets super crowded so pick your times carefully when you hike!Listed in: Favorites!, Because I hate running..., SoCal Unorthodox Jaunts
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2011
HIKE TO THE (back of the) HOLLYWOOD SIGN!
Even though I have to drive through the dreaded 101 freeway… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer C.
Torrance, CA
Don't go when it's hot!!!! Bring plenty of water!!!
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Review from Fernando H.
Sylmar, CA
4/25/2011
Not much I can say without re-iterating many of the posts before me but all I CAN say is... DO IT!
FYI Park closes at Sundown and Sunset so try to come here way before then so as to allow for ample time for hiking, sight seeing etc. :D -
Review from Tiffany P.
San Diego, CA
1/25/2011 9 photos
Wonderful hike up to the Hollywood sign! We went on a beautiful January day, and the hills were so green, and the sky so blue. Gotta love SoCal.
Anyway, some quick instructions if you're interested in going to the Hollywood sign - a local gentleman was kind enough to give us directions.
-- From the parking lot, head STRAIGHT into the hills along the trail. Don't take the trail to the right - that'll take you to the cave!
-- You'll wind along the hills for a while; there are a couple side trails, but it's quite obvious which one is the main trail. (The main one is wide and dusty, while the offshoots are smaller.)
-- At the first T-intersection, take a LEFT.
-- When you come to a fork where one trail ascends and one descends, take the ASCENDING fork (which is the one to the right).
-- When you come to a paved T-intersection, go RIGHT. The Hollywood sign is to your left, so it seems wrong, but it's because the right trail winds back behind the hill :)
-- You'll end up behind the Hollywood sign next to the tall radio tower!
The scenery is beautiful, and you'll get some shade along the way from trees; also, since the trail winds all the way around the hills, you'll be blocked by the sun for part of your hike. Enjoy!
PS Lots of cute doggies and horses! -
Review from Grace Q.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2011
As a runner, this area of Griffith Park is my "home course". There are so many different run workouts you can do here. You can run 1/4 mile hill repeats to the bat cave, or you can do a 12.6 mile hill run, going Bat Cave- Mt Lee - Mt Hollywood - Observatory. The picnic area is good for barefoot running drills, and the playground area is great for plyometrics. I know most runners congregate at the LA Zoo part of Griffith Park, mainly because that side is flatter and easier. Well, guess what, you can do that and be a wuss, or you can run Bronson Canyon and be a badass MF. Your choice, princess.
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Review from Wendee H.
4/2/2011
It is quite ironic that even though L.A. is notorious for their dirty air, you will still find Angelenos hiking! Plus you can't beat the nice panoramic view of the city from the top.
This trail is quite steep in the beginning for awhile, but your body can't ask for a better workout.
I enjoy my hikes when I don't have massive sweat pouring down my face, so come early in the morning before the sun comes peaking through- trust! But if you come after mid-morning, don't forget some sunscreen and a hat.
Four-legged friends also hike this trail, so watch out for cute dogs, beautiful horses and lots of poop. -
Review from Casey C.
1/24/2011
Took the Bronson Canyon trail up to the Hollywood sign (didn't get a chance to check out the bat caves). Started at 10:30am this past Saturday. It was hot but not unbearable since there was still a good breeze. The trail is wide and about 3/4 of it is maintained dirt road, and the last 1/4 is paved. There's not much shade so bring a hat and wear spf. There are some great views of the city and the sign. Parking free, but can get crowded.
fyi... Google map tells you to exit right on Hollywood and make a left on VanNess... Note that VanNess is a small street really really close to the freeway exit so don't miss it!... if you do miss it, just take a left on one of the following major street off Hollywood, hit Franklin, make a left again and you'll bump into Canyon Dr, make a right and it'll take you all the way up to the trail head at the end of Canyon. -
Review from Jessica G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2011 1 photo
Sunny with cool breezes, today was a perfect day for a hike!
Started at Beachwood Dr through Sunset Ranch, out through Bronson Park. 1.5hours. There are other, longer intersecting trails, leading north to the Hollywood sign or east to the Griffith Observatory, offering different challenge levels and views.
Because of recent rains the canyon and trail are lush with a stream running through, offering picturesque views and calming sounds.
A nice, less crowded alternative to other nearby parks. -
Review from Araceli G.
Fullerton, CA
3/14/2011
Came here on a Sunday afternoon. I loved it, not something I'd do regulary, but definitely enjoyed it.. The hike was not challenging for me but if you're not in the best shape, good luck. I saw the Hollywood sign but would have loved to see it up close.
Oh and it's a perfect place for a pooch to tag along. My dog loved it! -
Review from Stephanie C.
San Marino, CA
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
As much as I love the nice view (people and cityscape) that trendy runyon canyon offers, sometimes i just want a nice quiet hike. Well look no further. Part of Griffith Park, this hike has a really great view of the hollywood sign and you can see the ocean pretty well as well as the city. It is a lot more quiet and nature look (i.e. way more foliage and trees) that makes you feel like you're really away from the city.
This hike is less steep than those steps at runyon but the constant upgrade makes for a good workout.
If you're an equestrian, apparently you can ride your horses on this trail too. Parking is pretty plentiful once you enter the park and the batman cave is pretty fun. The cave side is not really a hike though but i suggest checking it out. -
Review from Nicole J.
Gardena, CA
10/14/2010 4 Check-ins Here
So my friend from high school and I reconnected about a month ago to go hiking. We took a different trail the day we went, but she suggested I give Bronson a try. So my sister and I took our beagle and some friends and went there on a Sunday.
First stop was the Bronson Caves. As many already have explained these caves were used to film the 1960's Batman television series. Pretty frickin' awesome. That part of the hike probably took no more than 10-15 minutes of our time. We then walked in the opposite direction towards the main hike.
It was a pretty gradual incline which I think the average person should be able to do (my friend took us on Hogs back and by comparison Bronson is way easier). We walked all the way to the Mulholland Drive and took some pictures near the Hollywood sign. We would've gone up the trail, but it was starting to get warm (even for the morning) so we decided to head back. It was a wonderful hike that I recommend everyone take.
I went back again on Tuesday and instead of taking the split to go towards the Hollywood sign, we took the other trail that takes you to travel town and we got to see the Burbank area from afar. I think going this way was a lot easier especially since there are more trees lined along the road and since we went around 3 it was still pretty warm.
I definitely recommend bringing lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray if you don't like the bugs flying around your ears. I tell people the bugs are just whispering sweet nothings to you..! -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/20/2010 13 photos
Bronson Canyon is beautiful, there are many sights to behold, watch out for the dragon, blah blah, blah; all the wonderful things you've read about this place are true. There is little I can say that has not already been said, in more articulate words than those I'd invent.
What can I tell you, then?
A very important, yet oft overlooked (and surprisingly underyelped) fact: that you have to take the first trailhead, across and to the right of Camp Hollywoodland, to get to Bronson Canyon; take the other, and you will end up in (shudder) Burbank.
Keeping this in mind, hike forth and discover the joys of the only slightly adulterated outdoors, fellow nature enthusiast! In the interim, five stars. -
Review from Jim M.
10/5/2010 4 photos
Pretty awesome hike! I organized a small group this past Saturday to check out the Batcave, the Hollywood sign and just get some exercise. The weather was perfect in that the first rainstorm of the season started right as we pulled into one of the little parking lots... it down poured for two minutes and that was it?! It cooled things off though and made for perfect hiking weather. I was also a little hung-over, so the presence of clouds and fresh air could not have been better timed.
We had the luxury of running into an older gentlemen who was also a volunteer employee of the park. He gave us the rundown of where to go and how far certain things were. PERFECT! We checked out the canyon and batman cave, then looped back around to the main trail. We hiked, maybe one mile, to the main lookout prior to reaching the Hollywood sign itself, then retreated. We weren't trying to break any records on this day, so it was a good two hours we spent hiking and that was perfect.
The trails weren't too crowded; the views were great; the air was smoggy; there aren't too many dogs; there's a lot to see. One can hike all the way to the Hollywood sign or the other direction to the Griffith Observatory or just what we did... hiked a bit and enjoyed the view until we felt like turning around.
Parking is free and this place isn't too crowded. MUCH better than Runyon or that sort of thing for these reasons alone. A great mid-morning. -
Review from Eva V.
5/29/2009
This a great hike. JulieBean M. says in her review that it takes 2 hours, and I'm going to second that estimate. Of course, I brought my dog along with me, so were I solo I expect I would have done it more swiftly. Still, who wants to rush through a trail with wonderful views like this one?
A nice, quiet path with friendly people and their dogs. The start of the trail is quite steep, but about 1/2 way it starts to level out again before the final assent to the Hollywood sign. Be forewarned: you will not get a decent photo with the Hollywood sign once you get to the top. The best thing to do is to go up halfway, find a good vantage point, and take your photo there.
Loved this hike. I'll be back again.Listed in: Get Physical!
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Review from Audrey L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/25/2010
Came on Saturday. No one was here. I am so not going back to Runyon with the doggy! To get to the bat caves, walk to the second parking lot (it's smaller) and make a sharp right to the gated area by the red wall. If you head towards the doggy bags that's the other trail.
So about the bat caves. My partner didn't clarify, and I didn't fully read Yelp. It's the BatMAN cave from the show! As in the Bam! Pow! show. I walked through, took a picture, and asked, "Where's the bats?" harhar Other shows and Westerns have also been filmed here.
Now for the main trail, we didn't have time to do the whole thing. There was a sign for rattlesnakes and one advertising for avoidance class for dogs. I didn't run into any, but I did see holes. Scary.
Passed by the dragon at the beginning which is a graffitied dragon in a ditch area that looked like it was for skating? Doggy had a hard time climbing back up because it's a little slippery.
Watch out for horse poo. Porta potty in the larger parking lot which is after the playground. It was fairly clean as no one was here. There's also a picnic area across from the playground. Don't know if there were grills but it was some girl's bday.
Parking. Pee. Play. Picnic. How much better can it get?! Screw you Runyon. -
Review from Roach D.
Duarte, CA
3/18/2007 2 photos
Hollywood, here I come!
A nice hike alternative to the ever-popular and ever-stinky Runyon Canyon. Dogs can run around (on leash) and watch skate boarders, film crews, joggers, hikers and horses on this long trek up to the Hollywood sign area.
During the winter months the water level is up and dogs hop in and get overwhelmingly dirty and muddy. A lot of dogs are off leash here, and this is disturbing because there is an abundance of wildlife and park rangers lurking about, waiting to pounce on owners with a hefty fine.
This is where the famous rock quarry of hollywood is located... also is known as the Bronson caves-- it's really the BAT CAVE from the batman t.v. show!
There are nice views of the city and mountains, it's not that stinky and not as crowded as other hikes around. At the entrance to the park there are two playgrounds for the two-legged kiddies and some picnic benches and port-a-potties. There is even a good sized parking lot.
You know where mayfair (now Gelson's) market is? Bronson & Franklin. Now Head up Bronson til it turns into Canyon. Take it all the way to the end. There you are. Or is it here you are? See you there!Listed in: Dog parks, Doggy day care &…
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Review from Javier J.
A hiking trail for those who never hike!
Bronson canyon trail is the perfect small hike without the need of bringing much of any water or trial mix along. This one is great for kids. Taking my nephew here and his eyes lit up when he saw the cave. And going through it just caused him to fully explode with excitement and adventure.
The cave is really large and it has three exits, it was used for the opening of the old Batman television show where the batmobile comes out of the batcave.
The site is also frequently picked for filming as once you're on the other side of the cave, you'll see that you're really enclosed by a wall of rock. In the news lately a couple got stuck trying to climb the wall of it. Dumbasses. May I suggest you NOT try that. Going around the cave you'll see a pretty nice view of the Hollywood sign off in the distance over some rocks. With the sort of surroundings, you'd think that you were in some prehistoric cave man world in modern times. You'll be screaming "They blew it all up! Damn them! Damn them all to hell!"
Going up the trail you'll find a great location for skate boarding as the concrete around the area makes for a great ramp. A small stream is located for kids to be pysched out in seeing in the heart of Los Angeles. -
Review from JulieBean M.
Pasadena, CA
4/27/2009
This is a good, solid hike;Round-trip it took about 2 hours. I am really feeling sore in my calves, glutes and thighs today. I was suprised to see groups of families trekking it with small kids - train 'em young I guess!
It feels really good when you get up to the top (a gated cell-phone tower right behind the Hollywood sign).
I never saw said bat-cave though! Where is it?! -
Review from angela k.
Santa Monica, CA
2/6/2010
A definate must and WAAAYYY better than Runyon Canyon! Why you ask? Well, for one its not made up of entirely dirt (boooo!) its like being in some magical fairy world where everything is green and foresty. Me likey!
Not for the faint of heart, it is indeed very steep at the start. Do NOT wimp out! Once you are 15min you wlll have climbed at least half of the elevation of the entire hike.
I was told this was the one that went all the way to the Hollywood sign,..alas it is not, however you will have a fantastic time and you can see the sign from the hike! FUN!
Planning on going back soon, see you on the trails amigos!Listed in: How I get my "sweat" on in…, Only In LA
