Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory

About

Steep 1.3-mile-long unmade trail leading to the domed Art Deco observatory with views across LA.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.7 out of 5 across 1,564 Google reviews.

It keeps the same hours every day — 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: a free lot, a paid lot, free street parking and metered street parking. And if it does not suit, 20 more hiking trails in Los Angeles are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other hiking trails in Los Angeles.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.7 stars held across 1,564 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
A genuine local landmark
1,564 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.
Open every day
The same hours all week (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.
Free parking
A free lot and free street parking — one less thing to pay for, though paid options sit alongside it.

Worth knowing first

Popular enough to be busy
1,564 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.
A narrow window to fit it in
Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and no longer — an evening visit is out.

Planning a visit

General guidance for hiking trails, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Marked trails that can run from a short loop to a half-day out, with the trailhead as the only real commitment.

A good fit for hikers and trail runners looking for a route close to town.

When to go

Start early — trailhead parking is the first thing to disappear on a good weekend. The gates are open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

What to bring

More water than feels necessary
Shoes with grip
A downloaded map — signal thins out
Leash and waste bags

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Amenities

Dogs Allowed

Parking Available

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Common questions about Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory

What is Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory?

Steep 1.3-mile-long unmade trail leading to the domed Art Deco observatory with views across LA. It is a hiking trail in Los Angeles, CA, at Western Canyon Rd.

What are the opening hours at Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory?

Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM every day of the week.

Are dogs allowed at Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory?

Yes — Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory?

Parking options here include a free lot, a paid lot, free street parking and metered street parking.

How is Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory rated?

Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory holds 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,564 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Los Angeles has 20 other hiking trails listed on AllParx, including Culver City Stairs, Griffith Park Trails and Innsdale Trailhead.