Bee Rock

BEE ROCK HIKE

DISTANCE: 1.2 Miles Roundtrip
ELEVATION: 1056'
ELEVATION GAIN: 536'
TYPE: Out-and-Back
HIKING TIME: 40 minutes
RATING: Moderate
FEATURES: Vistas of Glendale, San Gabriel Mtns., family
friendly, Shane's Inspiration, Carousel and Old
Zoo nearby, rest rooms and water available

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

A picnic in the Old Zoo area of Griffith Park is not complete without a hike to Bee Rock, a honeycombed sandstone outcropping overlooking the Old Zoo, Shane's Inspiration Playground and the Carousel. This is a popular trail for families and beginners despite the steepness in the latter part of the trail. Those who brave the short trip to the summit are rewarded with grand views of the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance and the dizzying experience of walking out onto the rock to stare over the edge of the precipice. A tall chain link fence has been installed around the perimeter of the rock to prevent anyone from slipping over the side.

Directions to Trailhead

Griffith Park
Griffith Park Drive at Shane's Inspiration Playground
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Exit the 5 at Los Feliz Blvd and head west approximately .2 mile. Turn right onto Crystal Springs Drive at the entrance to the park and proceed 1.5 miles. You will pass through 2 stop signs. At the third stop sign, turn left onto Griffith Park Drive and proceed for .2 mile. Make a slight left turn into the Old Zoo/Shane's Inspiration Parking Area. Additional parking is located near the Carousel.

Trailhead is approximately .1 mile west of Griffith Park Drive in the main parking area.

Bee Rock Trail Guide
Click for printable .pdf map and guide.

Parking

Park in the Old Zoo/Shane's Inspiration lot off Griffith Park Drive.
There is additional parking down the short drive to the trailhead.
This is a small lot and can fill up quickly on weekends. Overflow
parking is available in the Carousel lots off Crystal Springs Drive.

Trailhead

The trailhead is located a short distance down the drive from the
main parking area. Cross around the white gates and continue on
the paved road.

Trail Junction 1

As you reach for the end of the paved section of road, look for the
pedestrian pass-through gate in the chain link fence on your right.
Pass through the gate and turn left. Continue a short distance to the
intersection of 3 dirt fire roads.

Trail Junction 2

As you clear the fence, there will be a trail to your immediate right,
another that backtracks to your left and a center trail almost directly
in front of you. Take the center trail.

Trail Junction 3

The dirt fire road dead ends here. Two single-track trails veer off
left and right. Make the hairpin turn to your left and begin to ascend
the single-track as it doubles back above the fire road you just
came up on.

Tail Junction 4

Here you will find a switchback trail leading to your right and
another trail more or less continuing straight. You may take either.
Continuing straight will be a little more rugged with some steep
rock steps. The switchback is a little more level and an easier walk.
You will find numerous trail junctions leading up to Bee Rock.
Ultimately it doesn't matter which you take as long you keep
moving uphill. They all come out at the same spot.

Trail Junction 5

As you near the top, you will reach an old black chain link fence.
Turn left at the fence and follow it out onto Bee Rock. Enjoy the
views!