Amir's Garden

AMIR'S GARDEN HIKE

DISTANCE: .6 Miles
ELEVATION: 800'
ELEVATION GAIN: 240'
TYPE: Loop
HIKING TIME: 1 Hour (allow additional time to explore
gardens)
RATING: Strenuous, but short
FEATURES: Vistas of San Gabriel Mtns., ruggedly cultivated
gardens, walking paths, picnic areas

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Amir's Garden is the result of three decades of work to turn a fire ravaged, barren hilltop into a lush ornamental garden by Amir Dialameh. Begun in 1971, Dialameh's work continues today through the efforts of volunteers and this 5 acre garden, a living testament to the difference one man can make in his community, is enjoyed by Griffith Park hikers and equestrians alike. The trek to the Garden is steep, but short, making it accessible to just about anyone. The hike described here is a loop that begins on a single-track ascent through thick chaparral and ends the dirt fire road at the entrance of Mineral Wells Picnic Area. The ascent is on a series of steep steps cut into the hillside and may be too challenging for some hikers. For them, climbing to the gardens and returning via the fire road may be the best option. You may also reverse the course and ascend the fire road and descend on the steps, but be aware the steps are steep and harder on the knees when descending. Whichever option you choose, at the heart of it all are the ruggedly cultivated gardens which invite you to meander along shaded walkways, read a book on a park bench or have lunch at one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. A trip to Amir's Garden is always pleasant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Click the full frame icon in the upper right corner for a larger map in a separate window.

Directions to Trailhead

Mineral Wells Road at Griffith Park Drive, near the golf driving range.

Exit the 134 at Forest Lawn Drive and proceed .3 mile.
Turn right at the light onto Zoo Drive and proceed .2 mile.
Turn left at the stop sign onto Griffith Park Drive and proceed 1.3 miles.
Turn right into the Mineral Wells Picnic Area.

Trailhead is located on the dirt fire road at the entrance of the Mineral Wells Picnic Area.

Amir's Garden Trail Guide
Click for printable .pdf map and trail guide.

Rest Rooms & Water

Rest Rooms and a water fountain are located in the Mineral
Wells Picnic Area.

Parking

Parking is located at the entrance of Mineral Wells Picnic Area
and along the shoulder of Griffith Park Drive.

Trailhead

The trailhead is located on the intersection of 3 dirt fire roads at the
entrance of the Mineral Wells Picnic Area. Take the road all the
way to your left. Walk about 700 ft. (.13 mile) and look for the
steps leading up the hill on your right.

If you prefer to reverse the route, you will take the center fire road
veering off just to your right and up the hill.

Trail Junction 1

Turn right and begin climbing the stairs through the coastal
chaparral for about .1 mile. The steps have wide dirt treads and
wooden risers held in place with metal poles. Some of the poles
stick up above the treads and are easy to catch your foot on. This
is why I prefer to climb the steps than descend them. Tripping on
the way down is far more precarious than tripping on the way up.
As you near the top, the path will curve sharply to your left.

Amir's Garden, 800'

You will enter the gardens on one of the pathways that wind
through the garden just below the main entrance and picnic area.
Take your time and explore the gardens. Several vistas provide
views of Mineral Wells Picnic Area, Hogback Ridge, Beacon Hill
and Mt. Bell. There is also a water fountain at the main entrance
to the gardens.

Trail Junction 2

When you are ready to leave, make your way to the main entrance
with the Amir's Garden sign and water fountain. Take the fire road
north. In about 100' you will reach a fork. Take the fork on your
right and begin descending. The trail to the parking lot is about .37
mile in length.

Steep Descent

At about .25 mile into your descent, just past the water tank, the
trail makes a sharp turn to the right. This will begin the steepest
part of the descent to the parking area. It's not horrible, but keep
an eye on your footing. Also keep an eye out for Acorn
Woodpeckers working the trees in the small canyon below. There
are often quite a number of them pecking away in search of
something to eat.

End of Trail

And you've made it back to Mineral Wells Picnic Area. Hopefully
you'll come back and visit the gardens again. You may even want
to try your hand at gardening and volunteer. If so, you can find
more information on the gardens here: http://amirsgarden.org/