LA Walks

Short walks around Los Angeles, written down so I remember them next time.

Griffith Observatory from Fern Dell

Fern Dell Dr → Observatory · about 1.5 hours round trip · easy

Park near the Trails Cafe and follow the shaded creek before the trail opens up and climbs. Go late afternoon: the city lights come on while you are at the top, and the walk down is cooler.

Venice Canals to Santa Monica Pier

Venice Canals → Ocean Front Walk → Pier · about 2 hours · flat

Start in the quiet canals, then join the boardwalk heading north. Mornings are calmer; by noon the path is crowded with bikes and skaters.

Echo Park Lake loop

One lap · about 30 minutes · flat

A good short loop after work. The lotus beds bloom in early summer, and the paddle boats are worth one ride.

Before you go

Bring water even on short walks, and check fire-weather warnings in late summer and autumn. Some trails close on red-flag days.