Kenneth Hahn Park | Los Angeles

This is one of the hidden jewels of the city that only a few know about. Now you have a chance to discover it for yourself! Located on the Baldwin hills range it overlooks the majority of the city and notable landmarks. It is an excellent place whether you are trying to squeeze in a work out or just leisurely walk around the park. There are many remarkable features in this park that you won’t find anywhere else.

A series of cascading waterfalls and ponds, immediately adjacent to the parking lot, serve as a home for multiple species of birds. Scenic overlooks at the top of the hills are a perfect place to enjoy evening sunsets. A humongous bowl-shaped lawn at the top of the hills is a perfect place to play sports or just roll out a picnic blanket and chill.

Considering poor urban planning in Los Angeles, Kenneth Hahn Park is one of a handful parks in the entire city. It is a drop of green in a concrete jungle. A much needed gulp of fresh air available to a few willing to pay $6 for entrance on the weekend. The only way to enter the park is by car (which you will need to get around Los Angeles anyways).  There are two sand boxes with small outdated playgrounds in the lower park area. Also there’s a Sanded areas for “beach volleyball,” and a half basketball court.

They key feature of course are the man-made pond and cascading waterfalls with ducks and geese present all year around. Multiple hiking paths traverse the park with varying degrees of elevation. The most popular hike leads to the upper portion of the park, culminating in a circular path  surrounding a green carpeted lawn – “Janice Green Valley.” This is also the location to snap that perfect  shot of DTLA with San Bernardino Mountains in the background.

 Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Photo Tip:

This is the park to snap a shot of DTLA with San Bernardino Mountains in the background.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area – a very family oriented park that you will love exploring with your kids. In fact think of it as training wheels for a real hike. You can even pitch a tent for a day use an practice going camping with your little ones. It is also a perfect place to try out that baby-carrier backpack that you can take real wilderness later on. Break in new hiking shoes before heading out into the sierras.

The park is well kept throughout the year, however most enjoyable after the rare LA’s rainy winter season. The hills turn lush green making the park Instagram worthy. Quick reminder – there are many dog owner who like to let their pets run loose in the park. Given that’s it’s an urban area many owners like to come to Kenneth Hahn park with their fighter dogs, hence keep an eye out for careless dog walkers, especially if you are  hanging out with your little children.

Additional features of the Kenneth Hahn Park

You will find a Martin Luther King memorial tree grove featuring a granite obelisk at the top of the hill. Erected to commemorating 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement leader’s death.  Obelisk serving a connection to the events taking place in 1963 – the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

There’s a small “Japanese” garden aka “Doris Japanese Garden” located closer to the entrance. Don’t expect anything spectacular; however it is a small memorial to Japanese culture.

Usefull tip: the park is free only during the weekdays

You have to pay (currently $6) to enter the park on the weekend
Info: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=612

Trail head: 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard (Los Angeles, CA 90056) in Baldwin Hills.
Parking: Lots and free (Not free on the weekends and Holidays)
Length: 2.2 (40-60 min) Loop