Loop Hike to Abandoned Pool, Bee Rock and Old LA Zoo -- Griffith Park

We don't get into Griffith Park much but when we do its special. On this trek I'll take you to an abandoned pool on top of a hill.

The pool was originally built in the 1920's for a girls camp. The camp was destroyed by fire in the 1950s and a new camp was built slightly lower on the hill - as a boys camp. A new girls camp was built as well, but further west. The pool remained in use by the boy's camp until 1987 when it was closed after a bigger pool was built in the camp.

Our hike will begin at the Fern Canyon Nature Trail. We'll swing through the remains of the Old LA Zoo (1912-1965) on the way up the hill to the pool. We'll take a break at a lonely picnic bench by a memorial to Paul Ritschel, a Sierra Club member who led monthly night hikes in the Park from 1969 to 1972.

On our return we'll walk (trespass) through the new camp, visit Bee Rock and another section of the Old Zoo

We'll stay off the wide trails/roads as much as possible (of course) and on ridge-top use trails instead. The NO FIREROADS rule will be in effect!

Hike is about 6.5 miles with 1800 ft total ascent and rated DIFFICULT due to terrain. See the Hike Rating Guide (Disclosure: I've done this hike once and that was when Katja and I scouted it out.)

Directions
Head for the map pin using Google Maps. You should plan your trip for an 8:30 arrival, find parking, and find us before we start hiking at 9am

I have uploaded a trail map of the area. Print it and bring it with you in case you get separated from group and end up hiking your own hike.

Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated.

Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need. Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and the Meetup.com Terms of Service.