RIDE THE MOUNT HOLLYWOOD LOOP IN GRIFFITH PARK

Silver Lake viewed from Mount Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Kansas Sebastian, Flickr

Difficulty: Easy / Medium
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation gain: 614 ft.
Ride Type: Loop
Special Considerations: Some rough road and potholes

Starting and ending on N Vermont Canyon Road in front of the Greek Theatre and the Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course this loop circumnavigates the flanks of Mount Hollywood. There is plenty of parking around The Greek - unless there is a show, then there is none. Check the schedule during the busy summer season. The route can be approached from either direction. Either way there is plenty of steady climbing rewarded with long stretches of downhill or gentle coasting. Most of this route is closed to traffic though you may see the occasional park utility truck or ranger vehicle.

Starting near the Greek Theatre/Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course ride up N. Vermont Canyon Road into the park. After a few turns and a little climbing you’ll ride through a short tunnel. It’s fun! Keep to the right and ride through the series of gates that keep cars from accessing Mt. Hollywood Drive. This maintenance road is open only to infrequent shuttles (during the summer, on the weekends) and official vehicles. The rest of the traffic is cyclists, hikers, dog walkers, coyotes and equestrians. Climb the hill and sweat and enjoy the smell of wild sage. The views of Hollywood and the southern wilds of Griffith Park are incredible, especially at sunset.

This section of the ride is detailed in the OVER THE HILL route described in this guide. At the top of your climb, about halfway through the ride you will come to a "Y." Go right. Instead of running downhill you’ll wrap around the side of the park, gently descending as you come back to your starting point.This is Vista Del Valle Drive - although there are no signs telling you so. The grade shifts slightly downhill and so does the quality of the road. There is immediately more gravel and uneven surfaces so be careful and alert.

The views of North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale and Universal City are expansive.

The road takes a nearly 90° turn to the right and is bisected by several trails. The uphill dirt path eventually leads to Mount Hollywood’s peak and the downhill trail to the left leads to Amir’s Garden, a hidden garden of local lore. All trails are officially off limits to bikes.

Vista Del Valle Drive hugs the sides of Mount Hollywood and the ride swoops back south. The riding is mostly level or at a easily manageable downhill grade at this point and you can focus on avoiding potholes and gravel patches.

The Griffith Park helipad signals the final stage of this loop. The helipad is one of the best views in all of L.A. - that is why you can often see a commercial or film shoot on the helipad. If you have the pad to yourself take a moment and enjoy the big flat surface and the perfect view of Downtown L.A.

After you’ve had your fill of the helipad continue the ride as it twists and turns to the end of Vista Del Valle at Commonwealth Canyon Drive and the Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course. To reach our starting point go right and ride the last half-mile to N. Vermont Canyon Avenue.
*by Joshua Johnson