Exploring Griffith Park with Your Subaru Crosstrek: Best Trails for Adventure Seekers

Griffith Park is a sprawling, 4,310-acre haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts right in the heart of Los Angeles. With its towering hills, lush greenery, and sweeping views of the city, Griffith Park is the ideal destination for those seeking a brief escape from LA’s urban hustle. But with a reliable and capable vehicle like the Subaru Crosstrek, your adventures in this iconic park become even more accessible and enjoyable.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best trails in Griffith Park for adventure seekers and how the Subaru Crosstrek—available at your Subaru dealership in Los Angeles—can enhance your outdoor experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a weekend adventurer, or just someone looking for the perfect mix of city and nature, Griffith Park and the Crosstrek make the perfect pair.

Why the Subaru Crosstrek is Perfect for Griffith Park Adventures

Before we dive into the best trails in Griffith Park, let’s talk about why the Subaru Crosstrek is your best companion for these adventures. The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV built for both city driving and off-road exploring, making it perfect for Los Angeles residents who want to tackle both their daily commute and weekend adventures.

Here are a few reasons why the Subaru Crosstrek stands out for outdoor enthusiasts in LA:

1. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Los Angeles offers diverse terrain—from smooth city streets to the rugged hills of Griffith Park—and the Subaru Crosstrek’s standard symmetrical AWD system provides superior traction and stability in all conditions. Whether you’re navigating tight parking lots or tackling dirt paths to reach trailheads, AWD ensures you stay in control.

2. Impressive Ground Clearance

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek is equipped to handle the uneven and rocky surfaces of many Griffith Park trails. This added height allows you to traverse more difficult terrain without worrying about scraping the underside of your vehicle.

3. Compact Size, Spacious Interior

The Crosstrek’s compact size makes it easy to navigate crowded parking lots at Griffith Park’s popular trailheads. Yet, it’s still spacious enough inside to carry all your hiking gear, from backpacks and trekking poles to coolers for post-hike picnics. With 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are down, you’ll have plenty of room for all your outdoor necessities.

4. Fuel Efficiency

For those who love extended adventures, the Subaru Crosstrek offers impressive fuel efficiency—up to 34 MPG on the highway—allowing you to explore Griffith Park and beyond without frequent stops at the gas station.

5. Safety Features

Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology comes standard on the Crosstrek, providing pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. As you drive through winding roads or busy areas around Griffith Park, you can rely on these features to help keep you and your passengers safe.

Now that you know why the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent fit for adventurers, let’s take a look at the top trails in Griffith Park that are worth exploring.

Best Trails in Griffith Park for Adventure Seekers

Griffith Park is home to over 50 miles of trails, each offering something unique. Whether you’re searching for panoramic views, wildlife spotting, or historic landmarks, there’s a trail for everyone. Here are some of the top trails that adventure seekers won’t want to miss:

1. Mount Hollywood Trail

• Distance:5 miles round trip
• Difficulty:Moderate
• Elevation Gain:925 feet

If you’re looking for some of the best views of Los Angeles, the Mount Hollywood Trail is a must. This trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Gabriel Mountains.

The trail starts near the Griffith Observatory, making it easily accessible and ideal for pairing a hike with a visit to this iconic LA landmark. The Subaru Crosstrek’s compact size makes parking in the observatory’s busy lot a breeze, while its AWD ensures stability on the winding, hilly roads leading to the trailhead.

2. Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign

• Distance:8 miles round trip
• Difficulty:Moderate to Hard
• Elevation Gain:1,600 feet

For those seeking a longer, more challenging hike, the trail from the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign is a rewarding adventure. Along the way, you’ll pass several scenic viewpoints that give you a fresh perspective on LA’s most famous symbol. The trail offers a mix of sun and shade, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the view.

The journey to the sign and back takes several hours, so make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen—luckily, the Crosstrek’s spacious cargo area has room for all your hiking essentials.

3. Bronson Cave Trail

• Distance:6 miles round trip
• Difficulty:Easy
• Elevation Gain:Minimal

If you’re looking for a shorter, family-friendly hike, the Bronson Cave Trail is a great option. This quick trail leads to the famous Bronson Caves, a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the original Batman series. The cave offers a fun photo op and a cool spot to explore.

The easy terrain makes this hike accessible for adventurers of all skill levels, and the nearby parking areas ensure a hassle-free start to your journey. With the Crosstrek’s versatile driving abilities, you’ll easily navigate the winding roads leading to the trailhead.

4. Beacon Hill Trail

• Distance:7 miles round trip
• Difficulty:Moderate
• Elevation Gain:640 feet

For those seeking a less crowded hike with fantastic views, Beacon Hill is a hidden gem within Griffith Park. The trail starts at the Los Feliz entrance and takes you up to one of the park’s easternmost peaks. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Downtown LA, Glendale, and even the Verdugo Mountains.

This trail is quieter than some of the more popular routes, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more peaceful hiking experience. And with the Crosstrek’s fuel efficiency and comfortable interior, you’ll arrive ready to tackle the hill and enjoy the solitude of this scenic route.

5. Ferndell Trail

• Distance:25 miles round trip
• Difficulty:Easy
• Elevation Gain:Minimal

For a lush, shaded escape, the Ferndell Trail offers a peaceful stroll along a shaded path lined with ferns, tropical plants, and small waterfalls. The hike follows a stream and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing nature walk rather than a strenuous climb.

The trailhead is located near the Western Canyon entrance to Griffith Park, making it easily accessible from Hollywood. Thanks to the Crosstrek’s compact size, finding parking at this busy entrance won’t be a challenge.

Tips for Subaru Crosstrek Owners in Griffith Park

When heading out to Griffith Park with your Subaru Crosstrek, here are a few tips to make your adventure even better:

1. Plan Your Parking Ahead

Griffith Park is one of LA’s most popular outdoor destinations, which means parking can fill up fast, especially on weekends. Use the Crosstrek’s compact size to your advantage by snagging tight parking spots that larger SUVs can’t fit into.

2. Pack for Comfort

With the spacious cargo area in the Crosstrek, you’ll have plenty of room to pack everything you need for a day of hiking. Bring along essentials like water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and extra layers in case the weather changes.

3. Use STARLINK for Navigation

Griffith Park has numerous trails, and it’s easy to get turned around. Use the Subaru STARLINK system to access GPS and maps, ensuring you can easily find your way to your desired trailhead and back.

4. Check for Road Closures

Some roads in Griffith Park can close due to maintenance, special events, or weather conditions. Before heading out, check online for any road closures and use the Crosstrek’s navigation system to find alternate routes if needed.

Conclusion

Exploring Griffith Park is a must for any Los Angeles adventure seeker, and with a Subaru Crosstrek from your Subaru dealership in Los Angeles, you’ll be fully equipped to tackle the park’s best trails. From the impressive ground clearance to the all-wheel drive capabilities, the Crosstrek ensures you’re prepared for anything the terrain throws your way.

So, whether you’re hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign or discovering hidden gems like Beacon Hill, the Subaru Crosstrek is the perfect companion for your Griffith Park adventures. Visit your local Subaru dealership in Los Angeles today to test drive a Crosstrek and see how it fits into your outdoor lifestyle.