When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Brush Canyon Trail
Why The Brush Canyon Trail is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Brush Canyon Trail, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is a popular and scenic hiking destination that offers a perfect meeting spot for friends seeking outdoor adventure and stunning views. This moderate 6.4-mile roundtrip trail climbs approximately 1,050 feet in elevation, taking hikers through diverse landscapes, including oak and sycamore trees, chaparral habitats, and wide fire roads. Its well-maintained path is wide enough for groups to walk side-by-side comfortably while observing social distancing guidelines, making it an accessible and friendly trail for all skill levels. Along the way, you'll find benches and trash cans placed thoughtfully at overlooks and rest areas, enhancing the hiking experience. The trail culminates at Mount Lee, directly behind the iconic Hollywood Sign, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles, including landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and downtown skyline. Whether you are after a moderate workout or a picturesque photo opportunity, Brush Canyon Trail provides a welcoming environment to connect with friends and nature.
Here's what people think of The Brush Canyon Trail
As of recent, The Brush Canyon Trail holds a 4.6-star rating based on 533 reviews.
Reviews of the Brush Canyon Trail consistently praise its well-maintained paths and the spectacular views afforded to hikers, especially the vantage points of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles cityscape. Many users highlight the trail's gentle yet steady incline and appreciate the availability of amenities such as benches and trash cans, which make the hike comfortable and enjoyable. Positive comments also emphasize the trail’s wide path allowing for social distancing, making it a safe outdoor option in busy Los Angeles. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention the trail's sun exposure, particularly in the upper sections where shade is minimal, which can make hiking challenging during hot weather. A few hikers have noted that parking can be limited near the trailhead, suggesting that arriving early is advisable. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of visitors recommend the trail for its scenic beauty, moderate challenge level, and the memorable experience of reaching the Hollywood Sign. Overall, the reviews underscore Brush Canyon Trail as a top hiking destination in the city, ideal for groups looking to enjoy nature and iconic views.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
F. Jones
Your cell service will be in and out. Make sure you download whatever you are going to listen 2 if anything. Service drops as soon as you pass the dirt parking area. Starting off is all uphill straight inclines, kinda disrespectful if you're not prepared. Little to no shade. Easy free parking, you can visit the OG Bat cave before starting. This trail leads you to the front and back of the Hollywood sign. Clearly marked, you couldn't get lost if you wanted 2. Trail leads you 2 other locations also. Popular location but not packed on a Friday morning. Weekends might be hectic if you want to park right at the start. There's a hydration station close to the Hollywood sign ( front view). Horse Trail as well, so you will share the trail pretty cool to see. Also, lots of horse poop. It's very nice, definitely a leg workout. Enjoy
amie k
Brush canyon trailhead, the start of our hike to the Hollywood sign viewpoint. We arrived at 8AM on a Sunday, and there were some free parking spaces left. There are 2 porta potties near the trailhead, but both were practically overflown. Gross. The 1st mile was a bit of a climb. Wear a hat and sunscreen since there's not much shades. Bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking in the middle of the day. At certain parts of the trails, there were lots of horses' manures, so watch your step. Quite a few people brought their dogs (please clean up after Fido). We also saw a black snake near the bushes, so keep your dog on a leash. The hike to the Hollywood sign viewpoint is somewhat easy/moderate. Easy when it's nice and cool. Moderate when it's blazing hot. The 5 miles hike took us about 2.5 hours, round trip, out-and-back.. The Hollywood sign was visible after the morning clouds rolled away, but the view of downtown LA was still too hazy.
LC 444
This is a decent way to access Griffith Park and provides some decent views as you hike up. You can hike to the Hollywood Sign here, and combined with other trail is hike many peaks in Griffith Park.
Lester Williams, Jr.
Really nice trail up to great views of the Hollywood sign. It is a legit moderate hike so be ready!
Anthony Ibarrola
There’s ample parking and a restroom at the parking lot. The trail is about 4-5 miles to the front and back of the Hollywood sign. It’s a gradual accent to the top with some wildflowers along the way such as pansies. Mostly dirt tracks with lots of horse poo because it’s also a horseback trail. The views of the surrounding area and the Hollywood sign is spectacular. Dog is allowed on leash.
How to reach The Brush Canyon Trail
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Why The Brush Canyon Trail may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Brush Canyon Trail with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Brush Canyon Trail is an excellent choice for a memorable outdoor experience that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and a healthy dose of California culture. The trail offers a moderate challenge that encourages teamwork and camaraderie, making it ideal for groups who want to enjoy nature together while getting some exercise. Its wide, well-maintained pathways are perfect for groups, allowing you to spread out comfortably and even observe social distancing if needed. The stunning views of the iconic Hollywood Sign and the vast Los Angeles skyline provide a picturesque backdrop for group photos and shared moments. Furthermore, the accessibility from free parking areas and a trail system that welcomes hikers, joggers, families, and even horseback riders means there's something for everyone in your party to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to escape the city buzz for a while, The Brush Canyon Trail creates a memorable rallying point packed with energy and natural beauty that will bring friends closer together.
What activities can you do at The Brush Canyon Trail?
The Brush Canyon Trail primarily caters to hiking enthusiasts but also offers several activities that make it highly appealing for group meetups. The main activity is hiking to the Hollywood Sign along a scenic and well-marked path that covers roughly 6.4 miles round trip with a 1,050-foot elevation gain. This moderate hike is accessible even to novice hikers who are prepared for some uphill walking, providing a satisfying physical challenge and a fantastic reward in the form of panoramic views of Los Angeles. Along the trail, you’ll find benches positioned at the best overlooks—ideal for resting and group reflections. Additionally, the trail supports horseback riding tours, giving groups a unique opportunity to explore the park from a different perspective if they want to mix things up. Photography is another popular activity, as the views of the Hollywood Sign from various vantage points create picture-perfect moments that groups cherish. Finally, the wide dirt and paved sections of the trail are suitable for jogging or casual strolls, allowing every member of your group to engage in their preferred outdoor activity.
Why is The Brush Canyon Trail perfect for a group meetup?
The Brush Canyon Trail stands out as an outstanding place for group meetups for multiple reasons. Firstly, the trail is sufficiently wide and well-maintained, allowing groups to walk together comfortably without feeling cramped. This means friends or family can chat and enjoy one another's company while progressing at their own pace. Secondly, rest areas with benches at scenic overlooks are strategically placed to give groups natural stopping points to gather and admire the views or share a snack. Thirdly, the location within Griffith Park provides a safe urban wilderness experience that is easy to reach and equipped with convenient parking, making logistics simple for groups coming from different parts of Los Angeles. Popular enough to guarantee a lively atmosphere but not so crowded that it becomes unpleasant, especially with some timing strategies like early morning or weekday visits, the trail allows groups to enjoy a shared adventure without overwhelming crowds. Finally, the trail’s destination offers a unbeatable cultural landmark—the Hollywood Sign—which adds a sense of achievement and makes the experience more special for everyone involved.
What is the hiking experience like on The Brush Canyon Trail?
The hiking experience on The Brush Canyon Trail is a blend of well-kept natural beauty and iconic urban landscapes. Beginning at the north end of Canyon Drive, the trail follows a wide dirt road that ascends through Brush Canyon offering open, sun-exposed terrain for most of the journey. While this means hikers should prepare with sunscreen and adequate water, it also guarantees expansive views of the surrounding hills and the sprawling city below. From about 1.25 miles in, hikers encounter a beautiful overlook that is often a popular turnaround point for those looking for a shorter outing, as the view of Los Angeles from here is remarkable. For those continuing further, the trail merges onto Mulholland Fire Road and leads west toward Mount Lee behind the Hollywood Sign. Trail conditions are generally safe with a firmer surface and even a paved section near the top, reducing risks of slips and making the hike accessible beyond just hardcore trekkers. The mix of moderate physical demand and consistent views keeps the hike engaging for groups to bond and push each other in a positive, supportive environment.
How can you make the most out of a group meetup at The Brush Canyon Trail?
To maximize your experience at The Brush Canyon Trail with friends or family, timing and preparation are key. Planning your meetup early in the morning or on a weekday can help mitigate the heavy weekend crowds, allowing your group to enjoy more space and tranquility as you make your way up the trail. Bringing along snacks or a packed lunch to savor at one of the overlooks elevates the communal experience. Additionally, encouraging a mix of activities such as light jogging, photography, and nature spotting keeps every group member engaged regardless of fitness level. Considering the trail offers limited shade, packing hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water bottles will ensure everyone stays comfortable. Lastly, capturing the moment with group photos featuring the Hollywood Sign or the sweeping Los Angeles views will provide lasting memories that members can share long after the hike. With thoughtful planning, The Brush Canyon Trail meetup can become a cherished occasion marked by adventure, camaraderie, and scenic wonder.