Hike to the Wisdom Tree
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
872 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Frank Lopez
The hike is a short, paved walk with amazing views over Griffith Park, Los Angeles, Burbank, and the Hollywood sign.
In Griffith Park, park along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk the paved quarter mile up Wonder View Drive to the start of Wonder View Trail. Here, walk through the yellow gate and make the first right after the road turns to dirt. Head up this unmarked single track path heading east up the mountain.
The steep, rocky trail ascends to Cahuenga Peak. A Half of a mile from the end of the road, it reaches a ridge running west from the peak. To the right, the trail continues up Cahuenga Peak. Take the left fork, and the short path will take you out to the Wisdom Tree. Look for an ammo box at its base. People leave letters and wishes inside of it.
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Reviews
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Great Hike
Great Challenging Hike - Moderate Level 6 Hike. Did the wisdom tree hike from the carousel in Griffith Park - 10 miles round trip. Overall a great experience and hike with wonderful views of both the Hollywood hills.
5.0
Wow Amazing Place
I loved a very beautiful place a spectacular view nice to hiking asome trails recommend this place
5.0
Great views, Great hike
After nearly a decade of living in Los Angeles, I finally did this hike recently. It's a pretty short hike, but can easily be combined with a hike across the ridge to the Hollywood Sign if you want. There's no shade (of course, it's LA!) and the elevation rapidly increases, but the views at the top are well worth it. Plus the tree is super photogenic. It can get crowded on the weekends and the trail is not very wide, but don't let that stop you from going!
5.0
Take the long way round!
If you are looking for longer version of this hike (that takes you past the Hollywood sign first), start at the Hollywood Sign Parking Area on Beachwood Dr. From here its easy to get to the Hollywood Sign... follow the hundreds of other people on the trail. 0.2 miles before the Hollywood sign you will see a large rock with a plaque on it and a sign for Aileen Getty Ridge Trail, turn right and follow the trail to Burbank Peak. From the peak you can see the Wisdom Tree to the west along the same path.
5.0
Short but Satisfying
This trail is a quick but extremely steep one! Once you're at the top, you won't want to hike back down. Enjoy the views, the fellow visitors, and the notes that people have left throughout the recent days. The wisdom tree is something truly special amongst the chaos of LA.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
