Daylight Saved! Griffith Observatory Looped

Nine Brand Ramblers braved Sunday's early arrival of Daylight Savings for a brisk jaunt to the Griffith Observatory via the West Observatory trail. Wai kept himself busy collecting pixel-level documentation of the trek - see his gorgeous photo gallery.

After ascending along the upper loop and spending some time exploring Observatory grounds (arrival was prior to the 10 AM opening) the Ramblers leisurely returned to Fern Dell by strolling down Canyon Drive to link up with the Western Canyon trail.

Plant/Shrub Watch: Kevin provided an updated ID for the Mountain or California Lilac (Ceanothus) that is now in bloom; Ken spotted a blooming California native Sacred Datura (Tolguacha) and as usual we saw lots of Castor Beans (Ricinus Communis), a source for an famous old-is-new-again poison.

Next Hikes:

Wednesday March 19 5 PM - Return to Mt. Thom in the Verdugo mountains. Full details to follow. See also last years BR hike to this local peak.

Sunday March 23 8 AM - Eaton Canyon to Henniger Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains (Pasadena).

Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory Hike - Sunday 3/9/2008

Join the Brand Ramblers this Sunday at 8:30 AM as we regroup at Griffith Park's Fern Dell campground and hike up to Griffith Observatory. This trek is shorter than last week's Brush Canyon to Mt. Lee hike with less gain in elevation.

Important Note: Daylight Savings returns Sunday morning at 2 AM - we 'lose' an hour of light in the morning so we pushed the start back to 8:30 AM. Daylight Savings means we can start after work hikes in the weeks to come - look for a return to Mt. Thom in the Verdugos on Wednesday March 19 (details to come).

Google map for the Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory hike

Driving Directions: Take Los Feliz Blvd to Fern Dell Drive (just east of where it turns into Western) and drive up Fern Dell into Griffith Park and find roadside parking across from the Trails concession stand (Trails makes a nice post hike treat - coffee and gourmet food). If you're running late or have trouble finding your way - call Ken.