Amir's Art

At 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, home to a huge variety of trails, recreation, and hidden gems. Among the most inspiring of its better kept secrets is Amir’s Garden, a beautiful, heavily-shaded spot that’s literally a work of natural art. After a 1970 brushfire, Iranian immigrant and hiking enthusiast Amir Dialameh received permission from the city to voluntarily re-vegetate the area and did so almost entirely alone until he passed away in 2003. To enjoy the gorgeous, lush product of his work, hike the fire road beginning at the intersection of Mineral Wells Road and Griffith Park Drive. The 0.5-mile uphill journey to the garden is a worthwhile workout, gaining 300 feet in elevation and rewarding with views of the San Gabriel and Verdugo Mountains to the north.

A prominent sign announces the garden, as does the potpourri of exotic and native flora. Amir’s Garden contains over 60 species of trees and shrubs, like jacarandas, pines, geraniums, rose bushes, and a multitude of succulents. Before heading back the way you came (or extending your hike along the same fire road), take a moment to remember Amir’s quote: In the land of the free, plant a tree.

To get to the fire road that leads to Amir’s Garden, park in the Mineral Wells Picnic Area parking lot, off of Mineral Wells Rd., or anywhere along the road.