How to Have a Great Day at the Park

Griffith Park was created in December, 1896, when Col. Griffith J. Griffith gave 3,015 acres of his property to the City of Los Angeles.

Since that time the park area has increased due to gifts and reversions of private property to the public. The park is maintained by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the body that also oversees the Sepulveda Dam and Hansen Dam recreational areas, as well as the Elysian and Harbor regional parks.

Information and maps of Griffith Park are available from the Ranger Station/Visitors Center at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, the extension of Riverside Drive that runs through the park area, exiting as Victory Boulevard north of the Ventura Freeway.

The park is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but hiking and bridle paths close at sunset. The exception to this rule is a series of evening group hikes organized by the Sierra Club. Information on these and other organized activities such as special events for the elderly, boys and girls camps and nature walks with the rangers is available at the Visitors Center, or call (213) 665-5188.

In case of an emergency, make a note of your location and call--or have someone else call--that same number. The phones are manned 24 hours a day.

Fire is a hazard in the park area at all times of the year, but now especially. It is essential not to have any fires except in the designated areas. A careless fire could decimate the park area, and even a small blaze could cause irreparable damage to flora and fauna.

No Hunting Allowed

Hunting of any sort is forbidden. Also prohibited is the removal of plants, insects or geological specimens from the park. If you find something of interest, leave it for someone else to see and enjoy. If you see someone littering or destroying park property, report the incident immediately. And if you bring cans, bottles, bags or other containers into the park, be sure you take them out with you, or dispose of them properly.

Your chances of running into a rattlesnake are pretty slim. If you do, it will most likely be a young one (they are observed this time of year), and it will make every effort to get out of your way. These animals do not attack unless provoked and will not come after you. But, to be on the safe side, give the snake a wide berth. If you are not sure of identification, give it a wide berth anyway. High leather boots worn under loose trousers are usually adequate protection.

If you are bitten, remain calm. This is very important. Increased activity speeds the circulation of the poison. Second, make sure you have been bitten by a poisonous snake. A rattler will leave a double, sometimes single, deep puncture wound. Swelling and pain follow fairly quickly. Even a harmless snake, if sufficiently annoyed, will bite. But it will leave a row of small tooth marks.

Do not drink alcohol after being bitten. If you don’t have a snake-bite kit (they can be purchased at virtually any camping goods store), the old sterile penknife, tourniquet and sucking works just fine until you get to a doctor, provided you have no open wounds in your mouth.

One Rattlesnake Bite

In the last four years or so, ranger Kenneth Kendall can only recall one incident of rattlesnake bite, and that was due to ignorance. “These two guys were playing with the snake,” he said incredulously.

“Children?”

“No,” he replied, laughing. “One guy was about 50 and the other one in his 30s!”

The two men survived the encounter.

Of natural hazards encountered in the park area, you’re far more likely to get stung by a wasp, hornet or velvet ant. Common sense is the best way to avoid these. There are probably scorpions in the park, but this hiker hasn’t seen any.

Just remember that attempting to handle even the most innocuous-seeming wild animal may result in a bite or other injury, and you are infinitely better off just looking.

Bird Sanctuary

There is a designated Bird Sanctuary off Vermont Canyon Road, but you are likely to see more species in the Western Canyon. This lovely area, accessible from Canyon Drive off Franklin or Bronson avenues, is relatively quiet and frequented by hikers and nature buffs. I have, however, encountered groups of people carrying on deep in the canyon, so it’s wise to be on the lookout.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid people you don’t know unless they are in need of aid. And hike with a friend. That way, if you have any trouble, one of you can seek help. There are usually rangers working around the Western Canyon gate, and the picnic areas are well attended.

Use common sense and caution and you will have a great time in Griffith Park.

For further information, write or phone: Griffith Park Visitors Center, Ranger Headquarters, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. 90027; (213) 665-5188.