L.A. Walks: Cool shade awaits at Fern Dell in Griffith Park

The walk begins at Los Feliz Boulevard and Fern Dell Drive, following the path that starts behind the statue of a bear cub. Through the canyon, shaded by oak, sycamore, pine and redwood, is a paved walkway. Stay to the right when it branches off. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 20, 2013 2:27 PM PT

A squirrel munches away near the pathway. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Poonsi Kraikittikun takes a stroll under the cool canopy of trees. She says she takes a daily walk here. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

The suns peeks through the foliage of mature trees. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Fern Dell walk: Comforts and convenience

You’ll find picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking fountains and public restrooms as you climb gently higher in the canyon. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Alex Van Wagner, his daughter, Ever, 1, and son, Lennon, 2, enjoy the playground at Griffith Park. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Fern Dell walk: Cool shade awaits at Fern Dell in Griffith Park

One walker brings an extra helping of shade on the pathway. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Along the path, the nearby skylines and freeways seem much farther away. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Leon Chilton reads “Mutineer” by Mike Shepherd while tanning in a shaft of light. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

A jogger runs over a pair of bridges on the Griffith Park trail. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles residents Jade Dornseld, left, and Nikki McCauley make a stop at Trails in Griffith Park. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Gary Krieger and his wife, Karen Pickette, of Palmdale, walk their dog through the Fern Dell Grotto. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Fern Dell Grotto features faux bois banisters made in the early 1900s. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Folks used to drive from miles around to fill drinking containers from springs here. Now the springs don’t provide safe drinking water but ... (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)