The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, which owns and operates Griffith Observatory, is undertaking four major projects in and around the observatory to improve visitor access and safety and to repair fundamental building systems.

photo by Edwin Folven

These projects involve construction along the roads and at the observatory building. This work will, at times, affect vehicle and pedestrian access to the observatory site and will require a complete closure of Griffith Observatory from April 22 to May 6.

There will be no public activities at the observatory during the closure. There will be no vehicle access (including bicycles) to east and west observatory roads, the observatory’s parking lot, and Vermont Canyon Road past the Greek Theatre. In addition, no vehicles will be allowed on Western Canyon Road (past Fern Dell) on most days of the closure period. DASH Observatory daily bus service will end near the Greek Theatre (instead of at the observatory). No public vehicles, including shared ride and tour buses, will be allowed past the Greek Theatre and are advised strongly not to come to the area between April 22 and May 6.

There will be limits on pedestrian access to the observatory hilltop area – including views of the Hollywood Sign and access to exterior restrooms – throughout the two-week closure period. On selected days, listed on the observatory website, all pedestrian access to the observatory hilltop must be prohibited for safety reasons, including access from trails that end on the observatory grounds or parking lot. Park Rangers will post signs along trails to alert hikers.

For information, visit griffithobservatory.org.