Hiked May 3, 2026. This would be Hike #19 for the year. I haven't blogged Hike #18, which was Warren Peak, two weeks ago. Apparently, I still need to blog Hike #12, Big Monorogo Canyon Preserve, as well.
I've hiked this innumerable times, but it's been a few years since I've hiked it at night, when I can get the nice "Griffith Observatory in Front of the DTLA Skyline" shot. In this case, I got to the Observatory early, worked a bit, then headed up to Mount Hollywood. Once there, I stopped near the big bend in the road that heads up the south side of Mount Hollywood, and waited for dark.
Two second exposure, f/11, ISO 1000, then cropped somewhat to produce a zoomed in image. My lens was a Nikon 24-120mm zoom, which isn't quite enough for what I wanted to do, here, so I had to crop.
The flowers were, in order, sacred datura, sticky monkey flower, and thistle (both blooming and spent). There were other flowers, but it's well past peak for wildflowers in this area, although the cooler temperatures this week have helped.
As previously noted, it's about a three mile hike from the Charlie Turner trailhead (far northern end of the lot in front of Griffith Observatory) to the summit of Mount Hollywood. If I was more motivated, I had time for a longer walk, and considered going to the Hollywood sign. But I forgot to bring my prescription medication, which was due to be taken around 8:30pm. I wasn't sure how long I'd need for the longer hike, so figured I'd stay close, so I could get back home by around 9pm, not too late, at least in my mind.
It was a little chilly by the end, but not too cold. Good way to get some extra steps, and I do enjoy time out on the trail, when ever I can manage it.
