Briar Blockbuster

Hike to Panoramic Views of Los Angeles at Briar Summit Preserve

Woman taking a photo with her phone at Briar Summit Preserve overlooking Los Angeles

It’s not always the blockbusters that dominate tinsel town—in 2021, look for the indies to surprise. Get a fresh perspective on Hollywood and enjoy some of the most awesome views in the city, while avoiding the crowds. 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. Though the LADWP service path is paved, it is also wide—perfect for social distancing, although you most likely won’t see many others. Pass by the gate and begin your gradual ascent. The vistas are constant and epic, especially at golden hour and sunset. To the south is Laurel Canyon and the Hollywood Hills, and you can see even beyond to the Pacific on clear days. 

Woman hiking at Briar Summit Preserve in Los Angeles

There are spur trails that branch south for further views; it’s worthwhile to explore these and add a bit of mileage. 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.

Woman taking in the view of Los Angeles at Briar Summit Preserve

The trail curves northwest and challenges you to a final steep climb before reaching the radio towers and summit. There’s a geocache hidden amongst the scrub, but the real secret here is 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.

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!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View