I'm pretty sure it's actually called Wisdom Tree. But it's the best view on any hike in LA. read more

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

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

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 :) read more

The Giving Tree - Wisdom tree at night :) - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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!!! read more

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Iconic hike. Cool tree! Hike has a lot of desert vibes. Good views of LA. If you keep going past the tree, you can reach the Hollywood sign! Also, I was confused why Yelp called this the Giving Tree, when I know it as the Wisdom Tree. read more

12.27.20- CLOSED due to covid with no forecasted reopening date. I spoke to a very nice lady guarding the entrance to trail. I saw the sign at the road below but wanted to ask if there was a reopening in the future. She said nothing yet due to covid because it is a very narrow trail in spots. There is a round the clock guard. Nowhere I checked online mentions this trail is closed, she said the Park Rangers have told her it is listed as closed. Bummer it's a great trail I haven't done in almost 5 years and would have been first Wisdom Tree hike for my canine kid. read more

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! read more

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Just a heads up, The Giving Tree is different than The Wisdom Tree, I haven't seen any reviews here mention that. It's best to Google them instead of Yelp to get all the correct info. The Giving Tree is the one that is easy to miss, has a lot of shade, and big beautiful roots. People stuff notes into a hole in The Giving Tree. On the other hand, The Wisdom Tree is alone at the top of a summit and has a big treasure box under it for notes. You can't miss it. Maybe you can differentiate them like this: Giving Tree gives lots of shade, Wisdom Tree is wise and stands alone. Happy hiking! Bring water. read more

Ok maybe this may be called the Giving tree trail on Yelp but for me it will always be The Wisdom Tree. I'd like to share that I have done this hike so many times I cannot think of the number. First let me say this...this is to me the best trail I have done in LA because of the views...BUT if you are to do it please wear the right footwear, bring water, and don't push your dogs too much especially in hot months because on a scale of 1-10 this hike is I'd say a 7 in how strenuous it can be. I have seen 2 rescue choppers have to assist medics for a woman who sprained her ankle while going down...wear right gear and know your limitations! The trail starts way down on the bottom of the Lake Hollywood intersection and you walk up the private driveway to the entrance of the actual climb. Please be aware that it is a steep rocky and high elevation hike. You're going up about a 1000 ft up. Be prepared and be courteous of the wildlife, plant life, and the people who live near this trail. There is the possibility of snakes so please be aware of this. The trail eventually takes you to the Wisdom Tree which literally overlooks ALL OF LOS ANGELES. On a clear day you can see Santa Monica and even Catalina Island and downtown LA plus in the other side of the hill you can see ALL OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY. It's really spectacular!! And once at the top of hike along the ridge line it will end up right near the Hollywood sign. Can't go much further but it's a cool view. Be careful and happy hiking!! read more

Hiked this trail for the first time on Saturday 5/8 in the afternoon. I've always heard of it as the Wisdom Tree Trail. Parking is about an easy block or two walk away from the trail head. As others have mentioned, bring plenty water! Best to hike this early morning or early evening since there is little to no shade. Parts of the trail are narrow and I was hiking with my senior dog. He had a really tough time :( due to the rocks. Its uphill but the views and photo opps at the top are totally worth it! You can see the Griffith Observatory, dtla and Lake Hollywood. The treasure chest is no longer at the base of the tree. Hiking boots are a must! read more

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! read more

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Ok this spot is super hard to find but if you do, it's a great spot to visit with friends or a significant other. Bring paper and pen then use the opportunity to reflect and write something profound. And just make yourself comfortable with the reality that someone is likely going to read your note and recycle it or make it part of their obscure art project debuting in an abandoned loft downtown this spring. read more

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 . read more

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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. read more

The Giving Tree - View at sunset - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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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! read more

The Giving Tree - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Let's set it straight- "The Giving Tree" is not "The Wisdom Tree". I tried this hike the second time around to find the tree because I didn't find it and I've been to the The Wisdom Tree (coming from the Burbank trail) so I know what that looks like. It's actually in the early stages of the hike... maybe 15-20mins in (depending on your pace) and honestly it's easy to miss. One bad thing I did was go in the middle of a heat wave last week but the great thing is because of that I found the tree as I was looking for shade! As much as most of the landscape is dry... there are some trees around to give you some relief every 15min or so. Pretty easy hike in terms of elevation but it goes on forever depending on where you stop, turnaround or if you continue. Parking was easy for me as I've always come on non-peak hours (afternoon-early eve). Good luck and fight on the urge to turnaround! read more

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... read more

The Giving Tree - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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 read more

The Giving Tree - Hollywood sign - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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 read more

The Giving Tree - Me jotting down my thoughts and leaving a pad of post-it notes for future explorers :) - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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. read more

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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. read more

The Giving Tree - Large sheet metal sign at the Wisdom Tree - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A beautiful easy hime. Some up hills on the way up and downhills on the way back. Beautiful view and not crowded at all. The Giving Tree will be on your right side when going up, left side coming down. Easier to find downhill but I found it uphill. You just have to be cautious not pass observe carefully every big tree that looks like the pix on yelp. I didn't see anyone stopping there so don't expect crowd around the tree. I don't think most people know about this tree because people just passed by quickly hiking. The Tree is a cool idea, tons of papers/letters in there when I stopped there. read more

The Giving Tree - Beautiful view - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I went to the Giving Tree on mother's day, which was really special and seemed quite appropriate. On the way up, I didn't see it, so I stopped under some shade for a drink and some cool air before continuing on the trail. I figured I must have missed it because based on the directions, it didn't seem like it was a strenuous hike, and I was getting pretty close to the Hollywood sign. So, I turned around and on the way down, on the east side of the trail, I saw it. It was BEAUTIFUL and it turns out that it was the Giving Tree that had provided that glorious shade that let me rest and cool off on the way up, which seemed perfect considering that's what I had needed at that moment. The directions from the website and some of these reviews mention a red box that sits in front of the tree. The red box was not there and the notes were removed from inside the tree. I note this because I thought that perhaps I has the wrong tree, but no, it was definitely the correct tree. So, for those of you who want to pay a visit to the Giving Tree, don't look for the red box. Just so you all don't miss it, I would say it's only about 10 minutes after you pass the little stream/tiny pond. Start looking for it on the east side of the trail (your right) just after you notice the Hollywood sign to the west (your left). From the direction you're facing (north), it may just look like a big branch providing shade, but if look at the actual tree the branch is on, that's it and you won't be able to miss it. It's beautiful and hopefully it will be meaningful for you in some way. Definitely a hidden gem. read more

The Giving Tree - There's no more red box in front of the Giving Tree. - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This hike was pretty easy I would say it's less than a mile to get to the tree from the parking lot. I went around 7 a.m so it was very cool in the canyon and not too many people. I seen the dragon probably 5 to to 10 minutes into the hike so I knew I was on the right trail. The tree is beautiful and very shady, there was no red box though. Just be on the look out for a large tree with lots of low branches sometime after seeing the Hollywood sign. You have to go up a slight hill to see into the trees trunk where you will find all the notes people have left. I would recommend this hike to everyone! Also Bronson cave a.k.a the bat cave is just down the road in the opposite direction of the tree we did both today :) read more

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If you look up from Toluca Lake area towards the hills, you can see a tiny tree standing tall at the top. The Wisdom Tree is at the end of a swift & steep hike. The trail pauses here, then continues further into Griffith Park. This is a magic place to appreciate panoramic views of LA & the valley. The tree itself is beautiful. Hopefully it can survive the drought and heatwaves, because LA wouldn't be the same without it. read more

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Great walk, a lot of up hill. Quite a few people on the trail but it wasn't too crowded. Horse trail as well. Never found the Giving Tree, so not sure where I went wrong.. I used the address from the yelp, the trail I went on went to the Hollywood sign. read more

When I re-read the book in my older years, it became pretty clear that the kid was such a snot nosed insufferable brat that didn't deserve any of the things the Giving tree gave him. But the worse thing was that I didn't get what the point of the giving tree was. It gave and gave and gave. I don't get what we're teaching our kids. To consume and consume and consume all they want. Don't worry, if someone's giving of themselves completely to the point that you're left as a stump, just live it up without giving in return. Yes, that my friends is the Giving tree story. So I'm not even sure why or how, but this tree in the middle of a random hiking path in Griffith Park has been designated as the giving tree. Has a hole in the middle and in it is inane wishes, hopes and prayers from people who just want something from this tree. As if it can do anything to change your lot in life. Don't look to a tree for that sort of thing, look within yourself. I sort of felt like that one scene in Goonies when they come across the gold that turns out being the coins from the wishing well. You have this massive pile of wishes there. I'll admit it, I took a look to see what sort of things were being asked. Inane stuff right there. It then hit me, putting your desires into a rotted out hole in a tree wont get you to them, nor is it really giving. So I decided to switch up fate. I gave back to the tree on this fine day by leaving in it a glow stick. This is something that is actually useful if you are hiking and it gets dark before you realize it. So the tree is actually giving something to people that isn't a pipe dream. Now it's going to hold on to that till someone who could use a glow stick. So hey, go to the Giving Tree and get a free Glow stick. Then again, let's just change the name of the tree to The Glow Stick Tree because much like Where the Wild Things Are, the book has not aged well and from the look at the termite infestation, neither has this tree. read more

The Giving Tree storybook holds a very near and dear place in my heart as my fictional childhood hero. Maybe it's because of life's circumstances that made me fall in love while reading it, both 7 years old to 20 years old now. She taught us the lessons of unconditional love before we even knew the formal definition of it. AHH ANYWAYS, enough of the sentimental emotions! It was worth it. It was everything you can imagine The Giving Tree to be. She slightly blends in with the other trees but is more green and immensely shady. You feel so relaxed and cool since its blocking you from the LA heat. Just take a peak under the leaves and the trunk will have a main set of three branches. Climb onto her roots a bit and you'll see the knucker hole that holds the worn out but simply fantastic jumble of notes and letters. Try to donate a pen because that came in handy after much digging around HAHA. My friend had never read the book before so of course I brought my own copy to read together. And we finished it off by placing our notes inside. Such a precious moment and hidden gem! Just look at the reviews and clues and you're good. We were there more so for the tree rather than the hike so we only experienced a few sets (but very challenging) incline walking. But we found it rather quickly while going up (it's easier to see going downhill because uphill the tree's hanging branches cover the trunk). Just look for the shadiest tree and check! That's how we saw it on the first try and going uphill! Tips: - Drive past Griffith Park gates until you can't anymore. - Very small parking lot on the left side (asphalt floor, not the dirt one). - There are a couple of different trails but if you start forward from the parking lot described above, it's that one. - Just walk slightly forward and you'll come out into an opening and see the dragon street art on the right side (now there's a raccoon and some graffiti). - From there just keep going up and you'll see the slight empty lot and it'll have a tree stump connected to another tree. You're on the right track. - Keep going on the trail (dried brooks on either side). - The path will incline a couple times until you see part of the Hollywood sign (another good sign). - A few more times of inclined walking and after you pass the trash can and see the radio towers on the left KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR SHADE ON THE RIGHT! This is for uphill of course. Left if downhill. - Check under the branches and you'll see it. It really shouldn't take too long. It goes by fast. Maybe took us a bit longer because we're not exactly summer body ready yet HAHA. Tell the Giving Tree hello for me! read more

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Great hike in winter / lower temperatures. The views are very pretty and the panorama at the top is so worth seeing. Be careful because it does get a little slippery because of all the rocks along the way. Take water! A woman fainted as Me and my friend were on our way up... she had to be picked up by helicopters. As a result, on our way down, a couple cops kept us waiting until they had cleared the zone completely. That resulted in pretty cool videos with a bunch of helicopters above our heads. Bottom line: don't forget WATER + take it easy! read more

This hike is a pretty easy hike. Nothing too crazy about it.. My friend and I went to see the Giving Tree although we missed it going up (can't really tell it's there when you're walking upwards to the hike - tree is on the right side of trail) ....buuuuut we also missed it when we came back down from the trail. We couldn't leave without seeing the tree so we decided to go back up the trail and paid a lot more attention. We finally found it, the tree blends in a lot..it's not very noticeable. I had to walk up to the tree and look inside the trunk and that's when I saw all the paper inside of it so I knew that was it! We sat under the tree for a good rest and took pictures. A lot of people don't even notice the tree and kept walking by. Happy we found it! read more

The Giving Tree - Making a wish - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Uphill hike. Great workout. Make sure to bring water which I forgot to. Great views for pictures. You can also hike to other trails from there if you want to go for a longer hike. read more

If you are a fan of the book.. This spot will spark up nostalgia. Nevermind the inclined hike will kick your ass.. It's truly worth it when you see the tree in its full glory along with all the wishes stuffed inside. read more

This hike was very peaceful with gorgeous views. The whole thing is about two miles round trip so definitely not long but the inclination does make going uphill a good workout. DIRECTIONS Keep in mind that there are two different trails at this address the Hollywood sign/giving tree and the short trail to Bronson caves. -Drive to Bronson canyon at 2800 canyon drive. -Drive all the way until you can't drive in any further, you will pass one parking lot on your right but there is a closer paved one on the left, but since it's smaller it tends to fill up quicker. -Start at the trail in front of the left sided smaller paved parking lot. -This trail will lead you to both the Hollywood sign and the tree. The Hollywood sign hike is much longer and on the way there is where you can find the tree. -On the left of the trail entrance you will see a mountain and on your right you will see a cement/graffiti covered area -keep walking in trail. -Soon after you will see a huge tree stump that's good keep walking -Then you will pass two dried up brooks on both the left and right side of the path. -Then you will pass the trash can and on your left you should see radio towers. Keep a close eye, the tree was a little hard to find. -Walk up about 50 feet from trash can and look for the trees shadow and you will see it on your right it has huge roots. read more

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

I LOVE this. When I take my kids with me on a hike we always stop and read the book. We have written to the tree as well. I love who ever started this :) read more

We have been doing this hike for 12 years. One of my favorites. Though, I would like to point out that though it's been called various names, it's always been named the WISDOM tree and has been referred by that back then. I'm sure at some point, people have renamed it especially with the trunk. Wanted to share that piece of "history" if you can call it that. I still hear people call it by Wisdom Tree every now and then. It lives on! read more

it's a GREAT TRAIL.....Very peaceful.....you will miss the tree if you don't know what it looks like...LOOK TO YOUR RIGHT....BEAUTIFUL TREE W A RED BOX SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF IT....... read more

The Giving Tree - The Giving Tree - Hiking Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Must have walked past the tree a bunch of times trying to find this location. I know now after reading some review that the red box has been removed. Kind of bummed thought this was a very neat idea. read more

Such a lovely little hike. Such a gorgeous hidden gem in the middle of LA and the tree is pretty easy to get to. Everyone's directions were spot on! It was super cool to see all the notes everyone has left in the tree, we had to leave one ourselves :) I highly recommend it if you want an easy hike and beautiful canyon scenery! read more