July 25, 2014
Destination: Lake Hollywood
Cost: Gas only
I’ve spent countless hours traipsing through the Santa
Monica Mountains, but never had the opportunity to enjoy the easy stroll around the Hollywood Reservoir. I finally found the time to visit this iconic spot –
and it’s enchanting.
Easily accessible off the Barham Boulevard off-ramp of the
101 freeway, with ample parking near the end of the Upper Reservoir on Lake
Hollywood Drive – it’s a cinch to get here. Bonus: you get to drive through a
beautiful neighborhood of Spanish-styled hillside homes.
Once through the pedestrian gate, you can circle the
reservoir, mostly on a paved road whose apex is the Mulholland Dam, built in
1924. Even on a hot day, there’s quite a bit of shade on the west side of the
reservoir, along with abundant wildlife – this is a great spot to birdwatch.
Views of the lake are screened by a chain lake fence which circles the
reservoir and prevents hikers from approaching the shore.
The full trail around the Upper and Lower Hollywood
reservoirs is 3.3 miles. Full disclosure: due to a gimpy foot, I only made it
to the dam and back (probably about two miles). The views while walking across
the top of the historic dam were memorable. Looking north toward the hills, the
Hollywood Sign looms overhead. With your back to the lake looking down-canyon,
you’re directly above the intersection of Hollywood and Vine.
On a midweek afternoon, I was surprised by the quiet here - I only passed a few walkers and cyclists. The term “urban oasis” is overused, but I can’t
think of a better definition for this lush getaway, surrounded by the teeming
city.
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