Griffith Park

January 10, 2026

We're starting the year off in Burbank to visit my daughter and her family. This morning we cheered on Wesley, the youngest of her three kids, and his fifth grade basketball team. The kids hustled but were over-matched by the big sixth graders in their grade 5-6 division. They still had fun though and it's just the first game of the season. Lots to look forward to.

The grandchildren are all occupied with various activities this afternoon so we're taking the time to get reacquainted with our bicycles. Between cold weather at home in St. Louis, home improvements and holiday distractions I've ridden once in the last two months. Barry has done better, keeping at it on the rollers in the basement. Both of us are so ready for a ride outside.

California has starred in three of our bicycle tours - on the South Coast, the North Coast and Route 66, plus many day rides. My favorite is a loop through Griffith Park that offers terrific mountain views in all directions. It's almost 3:00 by the time we finish lunch and start riding ... a bit late, but the afternoon sunshine feels great.

Starting off from Sotta in Burbank, a laid-back cafe with great Mediterranean food that's just a couple miles from the park

Good bike lanes in Burbank on the way to the park

All the lush green vegetation is startling after years of drought in California. An unusually wet autumn and record-breaking winter storms have refilled the reservoirs and ended the drought across the state for the first time in 25 years.

In the park traffic is light, then disappears after a couple miles where the road is closed to cars. From there we have a peaceful five mile climb up the switchbacks to Griffith Observatory.

A busy Saturday around the picnic area and merry-go-round

Trail rides depart from the park stables on Riverside Drive

I saw a warning sign about coyotes just outside the park.

View of the Hollywood sign near the top of the climb. You can hike there on a trail from Griffith Observatory.

Almost to the top, this is the clearest view I've seen of the LA skyline

Admission to Griffith Observatory is free. I have never been inside and decide to slip in for a quick look.

Bronze Art Deco entry doors to the observatory feature symbols of the sun, science and the cosmos.

Hugo Ballin’s mural on the ceiling of the rotunda depicts Atlas and other symbols of celestial mythology.

Looking at the San Gabriel Mountains to the east

We are running short on daylight and need to get going. From the top we'll drop down the south side of the park and loop around through the Los Feliz neighborhood to the east, then head back to Burbank.

I hope we'll come back here for a longer visit with the kids, maybe even catch the planetarium show next time.

Another startling sight - I have never seen more than a trickle of water in the LA river.

Heart

Comment

Link

Today's ride: 19 miles (31 km)
Total: 19 miles (31 km)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	11
Comment on this entry	Comment	2

Scott AndersonPretty respectable ride after such a long break!
Reply to this comment
1 week ago

Janice BranhamThanks! It felt really good. All my parts are working well, something to be grateful for.
Reply to this comment
1 week ago