News

Popular Hollywood Trail in Griffith Park Reopens

Monday, August 27, 2007

It's the word that hikers have been waiting for since May's massive brush fire in Griffith Park.

One of the most popular hiking trails reopens after being closed for almost the entire summer.

The Mount Hollywood hiking trail offers spectacular views of the city of Los Angeles and Griffith Park's famous landmarks including the Observatory and the Hollywood sign.

The popular trail was closed for three months because of the damage caused by a wildfire. Monday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmember Tom LaBonge, hiked the 2.5 mile trail officially reopening it to the public.

"Thanks to the valiant efforts of our firefighters we were able to stave off a tragedy and now we are in the process of restoring this park," says Mayor Villaraigosa.

Some hikers were so excited they arrived before sunrise.

"We've been looking forward for a day like this to come," said hiker Marina Stewart. "And this is coming home for us. It's wonderful, I've been looking forward and been asking Councilman Tom LeBonge everyday when they're going to open the trail. And I've even called Mayor's office, 'please open the trail.' This is our vitality, this is the best place to come for exercise and friendship."

A brushfire in early May burned more than 800 acres, nearly a quarter of the park stripping the hillsides of vegetation. City officials have a $50 million plan to restore Griffith Park.

The first step involves cleaning up the debris and stabilizing the burn areas. The next phase is aimed at preventing soil erosion and generating growth of new vegetation.

"That's why we have this hydro-mulching plan. Now we can lay down a barrier. It is going to look like a pie crust. It's going to be semipermeable and act like a sponge to hold the dirt in and help the seeds to germinate," says Jon Mukri, Dept. of Recreation and Parks.

There are still several areas, including the trails east of Mount Hollywood that remain off limits and the recovery will take several years. With help from nature in a few years, Griffith Park will be as good as new.

Get more News »