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    The Giving Tree

    4.7 (41 reviews)

    The Giving Tree Photos

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    Wisdom tree at night :)
    Jules B.

    In this world where technology was developed to better connect us, it unfortunately sometimes seems to bring us further apart ...except here on Yelp ;) of course. Please know and believe that someone will always be there for you even though you feel like you're alone ...hope this tree reminds and inspires you of such, being true. As the book "The Giving Tree" (written by Shel Silverstein in 1964) is about a little boy and a tree that was there for him, through out his lifetime ... Hiked to the Wisdom/Giving tree via the Wonder View Trailhead. If you aren't use to hiking this could be a challenging, uphill, less than 1 mile hike. Not much shade this route. Bring water wear a hat and sunblock, especially in this summer heat. Limited free parking. Stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) Yelping out there :)

    Jenna A.

    This was really beautiful area; however, we could NOT find the giving tree!!! We ended up hiking almost to the top of the Wisdom Tree instead, well what we think was the tree. We ended up finding our own Giving/Wisdom tree on the way down! Most beautiful hike in Los Angeles by far!!!

    Breath taking views
    Marie AK C.

    This is the "Wisdom Tree." It's a 3.0 mile roundtrip hike starting at the trailhead located at Lake Hollywood Drive + Wonder View Drive to the "wisdom tree" then to the back of the Hollywood Sign and finally back to the trailhead (you basically go the same way you came up). You can parallel park along Wonder View Drive. Be careful and read the parking signs carefully as we saw people's cars being towed. The beginning of the hike is quite rugged. I'm an avid hiker and it was quite challenging due to the steepness and slight elevation. It's very manageable, though. My friend and I brought her dog who did surprisingly well. Once you get to the top, you'll see the tree and American flag. There are cool stones, rocks and even a "gratitude box" around the tree. Take a moment to be present and simply enjoy the views. From there, you can head back down to the trailhead or continue straight ahead along the path which will take you to the back of the Hollywood Sign. Once you reach the Sign, again, be present and enjoy the spectacular views of the City of Angels. I suggest starting this hike early because it does get hot and there's hardly any shade. Bring water and be prepared to climb. Add the Wisdom Tree Hike to your bucket list, you won't regret it!

    Lookout
    Alexandre K.

    Such a beautiful tree, hike, and view! I park at the lake and walk around the neighborhood the get up on the trail. It takes no more than 10 minutes to get from point to point. The hike maybe takes 20-30 minutes to get from the first flat lookout to the Giving Tree and next to it is the flag. The outlook is over towards the valley I believe and my goodness is it something to see at sunset!! The hike is a much more extreme resistance hike compared to Runyon for comparison. I would only go on this hike if you're in great walking condition is all. I brought my dog and she loved it! You obviously wouldn't want to climb too close to dark since it's pretty much large rocks and not much flat ground until you are at the very bottom or very top. Going down, I didn't work up quite the sweat as I did originally going up. But it makes you literally soaked with sweat once you finish. Also at the top is a guest book to sign and bench to sit and contemplate. Which is a great area for meditation and yoga. Enough for quite a few people. I would definitely go back for another hike maybe at sunrise this time to try something new. The air is so fresh up at the top, you can't help but relax for a few minutes before rushing back down to beat dusk. Make sure to bring a buddy this one can be less crowded I have noticed. As well as water bottles!

    Imelda H.

    This is Wisdom Tree , distance 3.9 miles total, parking is on the Lake Hollywood Rd parking 6:00am- 9:00 pm . No restrooms. Beautiful sunrise, nice views and good workout, it was . Please leave no trace, respect others hikers using face mask and distance. Not hike for kids .

    View at sunset
    Dianna S.

    Awesome hike. And gorgeous view at the top! Best time is right before sunset! The hike is hard but totally worth it. Not a lot of shade though.

    Ashley M.

    I found this hike cuz I was looking for kid friendly hikes! FIRST this hike is a bit tough for kids who don't workout lol my four year old struggles a it cuz it's uphill kinda steep I was huffing and puffing! To the tree isn't that far up but you have to pay attention cuz if your not paying attention you can miss it! Have fun!

    Michael C.

    There are few things cooler than finding treasure and the Giving Tree at Griffith Park is no exception. Hidden along the trail leading from Canyon Drive is an oh so secret and special tree that, some would say, has magical powers. Now while it may not look like much, those who have shared in the Giving Tree experience know that it brings smiles and cheer and hope to all. I don't want to give away too much so take a peek at the following link (http://hiddenlosangeles.com/?p=8628) as it will serve as a treasure map of sorts. All you will need is a little bit of water, a decent pair of shoes, and a childlike sense of adventure. Good luck and happy hiking...

    Hollywood sign

    Great hike 5 miles round trip to the Hollywood sign, free parking, some elevation, not too strenuous. Some shade, nice on a cool day. Horses and horse poop, dog friendly

    Me jotting down my thoughts and leaving a pad of post-it notes for future explorers :)
    Karen L.

    I love this tree. I came here for a nice morning/noon stroll with my little brother. It is definitely a well hidden gem in the LA area. Like another Yelper had mentioned, I too passed by the tree unknowingly. I had a feeling I had passed it because the directions alluded to about a 10 minute walk to reach the tree but I hiked for at least 30 minutes. It is much easier to spot on the way back in my opinion. The red box definitely isn't there anymore and I don't know about you, but I tried to get onto the hiddenlosangeles.com website the night before and got a 404 error. I found the following directions on another site and thought they were accurate and easy to follow (except for the part where my brother and I just missed the tree haha). 1. Off of Franklin turn left on Canyon Rd. or right depending on which way you come from. 2. Follow Canyon Rd. until you reach the gates to Griffith Park. Keep driving until you can't drive any further. 3. Start walking the trail. 4. You are on the right track when you pass the dragon on the right. 5. Keep on past the potential kickball field on the right... 6. Ahead you will see a small brook. (no water) 7. Follow the path as it winds around. If you look up you will see the Hollywood sign. 8. Keep walking but go slow because the view is quite pretty. 9. The trail seems open at this point but keep going... just as you go around another corner on the right, on the side of the cliffs edge you will see a tree...the branches are overgrown and touch the trail's path. 10. Give it your thoughts and prayers or anything laying heavy on your heart. I left a post-it notepad in the tree so others could leave their thoughts in the tree. The idea of a tree existing where people can drop their worries into seemed very poetic to me. Enjoy it! I was so inspired by my trip to this tree that I blogged about it. Check it out! http://amusingsofafirstyearteacher.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-giving-tree.html

    What the tree looks like as you're heading up the trail. See? Nothing special.  But you should memorize it so you don't miss it.
    Joyce C.

    THIS Tree. Calmed my ass down. No joke. I'm not cut out to be a hiker as much as I think I am. I like the idea of it but I'm just too lazy to do it often enough to stay in shape for it. That being said, it took my friend and I longer than normal to get there because of the road closures and then we ended up at The Observatory, which is not where the Giving Tree is located. Directions in a nutshell: North on Western Turn left (West) on Franklin Turn right (north) on Canyon Take Canyon all the way until it dead ends into the trail. There is a small parking lot right at the start of the trail. Start hiking up the trail. You know you're on the right trail because there's a good bit of people hiking and it's kind of an incline at the start. I might be skinny but my ass is still out of shape and I was huffing and puffing and eventually started getting irritable because I was so damn out of shape and it started to get hot. My poor friend had to listen to me whine. *sigh* Other reviewers kept talking about this dragon being a landmark. We didn't know what kind of dragon to look for (natural rock formation? dragon shaped tree?). On our way back to the car (after we successfully found the Giving Tree), we saw this: a spray painted dragon on the right. Not sure if that is what other reviewers are referring to but I'm going with it. It was the only one we noticed. You're basically just going to keep walking. And if you're like me, you'll run out of breath and have to stop every few yards to get the lungs back to normal. You'll pass by a huge flat field. At this point, you might start bitching about the heat or what not. Keep walking and then you'll see something magical. A tree with LOTS of shade on the right. I was in heaven when I saw the overgrown branches hanging down to the ground. Little did I know that once you walk under the branches to cool off, you will feel as though you are being hugged. I know I was. The tree that was beckoning to me with it's shade is in fact The Giving Tree. From the direction we were headed, the Giving Tree didn't look like anything special. Only when you see it from the other side, that you become mesmerized (okay, I'm just a nature weirdo and I was mesmerized). In all seriousness, I climbed up to the tree and basically just sat with it for a while. The moment I was that close to it, I kid you not, I could the feel this tree giving me it's energy to calm my ass down and indeed it did. There is a hole in the trunk where people are putting in their wishes and we left ours in there as well. Someone was nice enough to leave a pen there (who knows if it's still there though). Since you're in the area, you should hike over to Bronson Caves at the other (easier trail) by the parking lot. It's where they filmed the entrance/exit to the Batcave from the 60s series with Adam West. All in all, I'm sorry I wasn't in a good mood once I started, but things happen for a reason. Had I not gotten pissy, I might not have stopped for some shade and therefore, we might have missed hanging out with this magical tree.

    Large sheet metal sign at the Wisdom Tree
    Dylan C.

    I enjoy this place but only Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm as there aren't any tweakers up there yet. Don't even try hiking up after dark, 10pm and later, it's all boom boxes and jungle music with burning chemicals in the air. Perhaps one too many Mickey moused American flags up there for most people's liking but I do my best to just ignore it and think positively and take in the view(s). Love watching universal studios from above, especially the lonnnng, lonnnnng tram line! Highly recommend for anyone out of shape but who still enjoys going outside despite that as its a very doable hike for that type.

    Beautiful view

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Never been here but all trees deserve 5 stars, respect, and love as members of our planet.

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    8 months ago

    Beautiful spot north of where I live. It's a sweet hike if you want to enjoy the sunset.

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    8 years ago

    This place is really cool but can be hard to find! But cool how you can put your notes there

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Giving Tree

    Is the trail opened as of today 9/29?

    Is this trail open?

    Yes

    Is this trail opened back up. I went a week and half ago and it was closed?

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes

    Is this trail still open with COVID?

    Yes

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Giving Tree

    Just a heads up, The Giving Tree is different than The Wisdom Tree, I haven't seen any reviews here mention that.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    4.5(1.1k reviews)
    8.2 mi

    I have only been once though so far this is one of my favorite hikes. It is doable for almost…read moreanyone in light of the road and path choices though provides a workout due the incline, especially at a rapid pace or jog. The street parking option at the base is free and conveniently near the start of the hike. The views at the top are rewarding. The paths are large enough for a group and provide opportunities for interesting conversation along the way. I came with my alumni association. It was an ideal venue for the event. I saw a center I did not have time to enter near the top. It looked inviting. The various detours leading to the top present opportunities to discover new outlook points if I return, which I'd enjoy doing. I also saw at least one if not more paid parking lots, as options. It is near some enjoyable restaurants for a meal, casual snack or beverage after. The hike provided exhilarating exercise I could do efficiently, as I took in the scenery, worked out, engaged in stimulating conversation, and met fellow alumni, after I had had most of my day to enjoy, then had most my evening free for dinner with other alumni.

    Review for the Culver City Stairs - Great hike in LA that offers nice panoramic views of the…read moremountains and city. My friend and I hiked here on a Friday in the middle of the day. The sun was out but we enjoyed the exercise and the view. There is street parking offered at the bottom and once you go up the short dirt road you'll immediately see the stairs. From the bottom it can look quite steep but once you start going up you get used to the feel. The worst part is that the stairs are all uneven and some are pretty high (especially for kids/short adults like me), but overall the hike is pretty quick. For those in excellent physical shape, it probably only takes ~10 mins to get to the top. For those who might need to take more pauses, ~20 mins. As you walk up, there are a couple of areas you can pull over on the side and catch your breath on. Once you're at the top, there are a ton of great views and photo op spots. Heading down was a little confusing because we tried to avoid the stairs at first and use the dirt roads, however the path we picked didn't lead all the way back to the bottom so we just ended up taking the stairs for half of it.

    Photos
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook - Sunrise

    Sunrise

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook - Mustard weeds er'where!

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    Mustard weeds er'where!

    Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1(61 reviews)
    23.3 mi

    Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear…read more There's still snow there, the road is clear, and along the way, there's a mountain stream and a reservoir where you can stop. Download a map in advance, as there's no signal there. There's a small lake where you can take a walk, and a forest with a cozy family café where you can grab a snack.

    Plenty hiking opportunities, refreshing air, and a nice scenic drive in. Be sure to have a full…read moretank, as there is no gas services. There is a cafe/ convenience store across from the campground where you can also purchase your day use park pass for $5. I experienced a foggy day, which gave a cooling effect to my hiking. Restrooms are vault toilets, so unpleasant smells and a mess are a given. The lake has lots of swampy algae, therefore not appropriate for swimming or water sports. However, they do allow fishing with permit. I am a nature enthusiast and it was saddening to see the lack of humans respect for nature, with graffiti and trash in some areas of the park. Crystal lake definitely could use more funding to preserve its natural beauty. The loveliest part is listening to woodpeckers as they work, watching an eagle fly above with a fish in its talons, and treading quietly not to startle the squirrel who is crossing my path. I suggest picking up a map with hiking trails from the rangers post or convenience store, before planning your day!

    Photos
    Crystal Lake - My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    Crystal Lake - Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Crystal Lake

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    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    4.4(293 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

    This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

    Photos
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - Lower Switzer Fall

    Lower Switzer Fall

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - The grand prize, Switzer falls.

    The grand prize, Switzer falls.

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

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    The Giving Tree - hiking - Updated May 2026

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