Type One Outdoors

Winter Solstice Sunset Hike

On the winter Solstice, a sunset hike to the observatory to see the sun set at the southern-most point on the horizon.

Hike Details

A loop-hike with a sunset.
Located in Griffith Park

  • Parking is free (in the lot)  
  • No street parking after sunset
  • Dogs allowed.
  • There’s restrooms at the trail head and at the Observatory.
  • Sunset at the half-way point, so bring a headlamp, the hike back is in the dark.
The Observatory Plateau at sunset
Downtown LA at sundown seen from the Observatory
The Hollywood sign just after sunset

DIFFICULTY:
Easy / Moderate 

DISTANCE:
3.8 km / 2.4 miles  (rt)

HIKE TIME:
~1 hr (rt)

ELEVATION GAIN:
164m / 540′

Hike data for the loop route to the Observatory
Optional Loop for extra views
There's always the option to extend the hike with an optional "night hike" loop up to Mt. Hollywood

Adding the optional Mt. Hollywood Loop:

TOTAL DISTANCE:
7.6 km / 4.72 miles  (rt)

 TOTAL HIKE TIME:
~2 hrs (rt)

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN:
310m /1020′

The Observatory seen from Mt. Hollywood at sunset

Meeting at the Trail Head

There’s no actual address for the parking lot, but if you type in “The Trails Cafe” in google maps, follow those directions but drive an extra minute up the road and you’ll see the lot on the left.

Cell service it very bad in this canyon, so be sure to RSVP so we can coordinate all the hikers before we arrive.

Here’s a Google Map Link:
https://goo.gl/maps/4rLDWyLRy8W5SfcDA

Be sure not to park along the road, it’s a tow away zone after sunset.

The entrance to the parking lot on Western Canyon

The hike will start about 45 minutes before sunset

The Hollywood sign visible in the afternoon sunlight
Even more westerly views as you ascend the southern slopes of Mt. Hollywood.
Perfect spot for a group selfie with a summit toast or a sunset Panorama.

And of course,
Don't forget the camera!
📷
The northern side of Mt. Hollywood overlooks Burbank and Glendale

The Dark Descent back

Views from the extended night loop
Don't forget the headlamp

What to Bring

T1D items in red

Pack: (optional)
– A small, 8 liter day pack will be fine. 

– Many people hike this without a pack.

 

Water:
– 16oz or 1 liter will be plenty

– A 16 oz bottle of Gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs.

 

Camera:
Any kind of camera will do (SLR, iPhone, Polaroid)

 

Headlamp:
Or hand-held flashlight
(with good batteries)

 

Footwear:
– Trail Runners (PERFECT)

– Road Running shoes (GREAT)

– Hiking Boots (OK but MAY BE OVERKILL)

 

What to Wear:
– Buff / Bandanna (perfect for hiking during covid)

– Beanie (in case it gets cold)

– Light gloves (it gets cold on cloudy days)

– Wind shell (winter)

– Long sleeve mid-layer (winter)

 

Trail Glucose:
(Yes! this trail will burn your blood sugar)

– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt

– Light snack (like an apple or trail mix)

– Energy Gels

– Starburst

– Glucose Tabs

 

Clothing:
-In spring and autumn: Bring a layer, it gets a little chilly after sunset.
-In summer: Shorts and t-shirt.

– Sports shirt (moisture wicking)   … you might get sweaty even in the winter.

– Hiking pants (year round)

– Shorts are fine in summer.

Trekking Poles:
– Not necessary but helpful on the descent.

 

Backup T1D items:
– Backup Glucose meter + strips

– CGM (optional)

– Backup insulin

– Pocket glucose (non-melting)

Other Stuff:

Click to learn more about LNT

LNT & Minimal Impact Practices:
We will be visitors in a protected natural ecosystem, so we will practice Minimal Impact Principles.
Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out.
Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for collecting litter.
Leave rocks, trees, wildlife undisturbed.

Just in Case:
At least 1 person in the party will carry:
– First Aid Kit 
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Map
– Headlamps
– Emergency blanket
– Emergency glucose

For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com

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