Los Angeles River
From Griffith Park to Elysian Park
L A River – Griffith Park
There may be hope for L. A. cyclists yet, if the city can tie this path to the new downtown parkland.
The first 3.2 miles, from Riverside Dr. (at Victory) down as far as Los Feliz Blvd., had been opened to the public for quite a few years. The next mile and a half, as far as Fletcher Drive, opened in 2000. The Los Feliz overpass was finally completed, and lighting is now installed all the way.
This bike trail could grow into a fabulous Los Angeles River Project some day with parkland hugging the west bank of the river from above the Sepulveda Basin all the way downtown, and – who knows – maybe one day all the way to Long Beach. That’s what they tell us, anyway.
Access is at each end, and above the golf course. You can ride the river trail in one direction, then make a loop by going back through Griffith Park, along Crystal Springs Rd.
Thomas Guide, pp. 564, 594.
Although the path isn’t maintained below Fletcher Drive, the cyclist does encounter the striking Heron Gates, welcoming one and all to Rattlesnake Park.
There’s evidence of a community of sorts along the river bed.
Someone has set up this unusual water garden (between Glendale and Fletcher).
Some Viewers’ Comments:
While this route is not exceedingly scenic, it is interesting with its gentle twists and turns in places connected by wide open stretches. There are mild elevation changes. There have been complaints about the exhaust fumes and dust from the adjacent freeways. These complaints are largely exaggerated. There is a steady up river breeze that dissipates exhaust fumes and dust is seldom any problem at all. The steady up river wind surprisingly results in uphill runs well faster than downhill runs.
I’ve ridden the LA River path and am very disappointed in it, particularly its location. Riding into the face of oncoming freeway traffic is not my idea of a good time. The exhaust fumes coming off the freeway are horrible. Couldn’t this path have been placed on the Eastside of the river? (perhaps not) There is already a parallel route through Griffith Park that is much more enjoyable and far less auto traffic and exhaust fumes.
The path is clean and well lit. Bike, blader, runner and walker traffic is steady but never congested. You can park on Victory near the entrance to the path or at the little park with a co-ed port-a-potty on Giffith Park Drive (Warning: The park closes at dark). — Peter Wright
The section of the L.A. River east of Fletcher is paved, but very rough in spots; drainage channels across path sometimes containing effluents from the industrial businesses which back up to the river, and severe bumps due to tree roots pushing up the pavement. The LACBC (Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition) has rides along this path each year and paints markings to point out and guide around these spots. Despite these hazards, I enjoy riding this path and do so frequently.
I ride the LA River path by Griffith Park 3 times a week. If you look at the river instead of the freeway, it is a pretty nice ride. I like birds and I have seen herons, egrets, red-hawk eagles, ducks, kingfishers, shore-birds, and many others. It is a nice smooth ride. I think it’s great for LA. — Frances
54 Comments
When will the extension from Fletcher to Figueroa re-open again?
ReplyIt was open back in June but closed shortly thereafter.
I’m happy that this place exists but it’s too dark in the evening. I’m not sure why the lights were not on if they have solar panels attached to them. Time change perhaps? I jogged on the bike path (while my husband rode his bike) on the stretch between the 5 fwy & Colorado Blvd. exit. It’s not so bad in areas with little brush because of the light emitted from the NB traffic on the 5 fwy. It’s creepy in areas with denser vegetation, though. I’m trying to work-out with my husband during the week after work but I’ll save this option for the weekend when we can do it during the day. Regardless, I’m happy this bike path exists. We need more like them in L.A!
ReplyI was riding this path on November 15th 2010 and passed through the area where the gate had been removed only moments earlier. This is BIG NEWS!! The Los Angeles River Bike Path is now open and clear all the way from Riverside (Victory) through to N. Figueroa and Riverside where the Golden State Freeway (5) and the Pasadena Freeway (110) intersect. I like to start in the Valley going toward downtown using the Orange Line Busway Bike Path/Chandler Bikeway to Victory Blvd. at the beginning of the L.A. River Bike Path. Next Stop Downtown, finally. I enjoy the L.A. River Bike Path because it cuts through neigborhoods where the streets are rougher and the traffic is dense. This path is not perfect but what is?
ReplyBreaking news indeed – Great! and Thanks!
ReplyHappy to hear that it’s finally open! Thanks!
ReplyI am pleased to announce the Ribbon cutting ceremonies on this part of the path will take place on Dec. 4th. Please join members of the LACBC who will gather at the Autry Center at 8:30am to ride down to the ceremonies at Crystal Street. At the ceremony, riders and pedestrians alike will take the path together.
The LACBC have been advocating for this path for years. In 2006, at their annual event the Los Angeles River Ride, each participant signed a postcard asking the Mayor to repave this portion of the path. That’s 1500 postcards sent to the Mayor on the same day!
We are very pleased that it is finally here.
www.la-bike.org
november traffic griffith freeway fletcher
for its contents. This is a safe-cache copy of the original web site.