Briar Blockbuster

Get a fresh perspective on Hollywood and enjoy some of the most awesome views in the city. Briar Summit Preserve offers a short and sweet 1-mile, 250-foot climb and distinct 360-degree views across LA.

Find street parking on Briar Summit Drive before the road terminates at the trailhead. Pass by the gate and begin your gradual ascent. The vistas are constant and epic, especially at the golden hour (just be sure to be done your hike by sunset, when the park closes). To the south is Laurel Canyon and the Hollywood Hills, and you can see even beyond to the Pacific on clear days. 

There are spur trails that branch south for further views; it’s worthwhile to explore these and add a bit of mileage if they're not overgrown or in poor shape. The second of these juts out from the canyon wall enough to get an undeniably unique perspective of Griffith Park Observatory and the Hollywood Sign to your east, near the peaks of Mount Hollywood and Mount Lee. The path continues to climb and passes a water tower surrounded by a variety of healthy trees. Soon, an entirely new view will come into sight, and this one is equally impressive. Look for the towering spires of Hogwarts in the Universal Studios theme park below, as the view is framed by the Verdugo Mountains and the San Gabriels beyond.

The trail curves northwest and challenges you to a final steep climb before reaching the radio towers and summit. Enjoy the multitude of panoramas, concluding with the nearly 360-degree lookout. Take the descent slowly to get more view time, which is particularly gorgeous at sunset, on your way to your car.

NOTE: Check weather before planning this hike to avoid hot days. To get to the Briar Summit Preserve trailhead, take the US-101 to Laurel Canyon Blvd. and exit south. Take Laurel Canyon Blvd. for 3 miles and take a left onto Mulholland Dr., followed by an immediate right onto Briar Summit Dr. After two blocks, turn left to stay on Briar Summit Dr. Find street parking near the gate and trailhead. Dog-friendly!