Explore the universe for free in the heart of Los Angeles!

Overhead view of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background during the day.

Extreme Moon: The Major Lunar Standstill of 2024-2025

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Bringing people together like no other place on the planet

Venti Views. Griffith Observatory and sunset. (https://unsplash.com/photos/oaPkwKZrpSw) Free to use under the Unsplash License

Griffith Observatory is open today from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Local Noon – 12:58 p.m.

Sunset – 7:38 p.m.

Explore the Observatory

Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith Observatory.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium

Travel to the farthest reaches of the universe and into the microscopic building blocks of life. Live presentations immerse you in the wonder and meaning of the cosmos.

Einstein statue

People have always looked at the sky and wondered what is really out there. Our 60 exhibits make you an observer and show you what we know.

Griffith Observatory with the Downton Los Angeles Skyline in the background. Photo by Dhoomil Sheta (https://unsplash.com/photos/dpNyp0OBuiQ)

Griffith Park

The largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park is filled with trails, trees, trains, attractions… and the Hollywood Sign!

A boy looks through a telescope at Griffith Observatory.

Observing the Sky

Anyone can be an observer, and we are here to help. You may look through our free public telescopes or use our astronomical information to observe from your own backyard. Check out the weekly Sky Report to see what you can observe in Los Angeles.

Programs and Events

Griffith Observatory Telescope Demonstrator educates a group of children about the Zeiss telescope.

Daily Programs

Live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, live Tesla Coil demonstrations, and your chance to observe with our public telescope observing are offered every day. Check the schedule!

Telescope demonstrator Katy Haugland uses a laser to point out celestial wonders to Observatory patrons while standing next to a telescope on the lawn.

Recurring Events

Virtual and in-person programs – including public star parties, All Space Considered , and the Sunset Walk-and-Talk – return each month as reliably as the phases of the Moon!

Director Dr. E.C. Krupp makes an announcement to a large crowd.

Special Events

Griffith Observatory reliably connects you to unusual sights in the sky, the changing seasons, visiting astronomers and their latest discoveries, and more.

People on the lawn of the Griffith Observatory.

Planning a Visit? We Can Help!

Located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory is literally in the center of metropolitan Los Angeles. While public transportation is the easiest way to visit, you may also walk, bike, drive, or take a shared-ride service up to the Observatory. There’s paid parking near the Observatory and free parking downhill. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, because roads and parking get busy.

Upcoming Events

sky tour los angeles

September 14, 2024

Public Star Party – September 14, 2024

Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups to share their telescopes and knowledge with the public. With dozens of telescopes on the lawn, there's always something to see!

2:00 PM – 9:45 PM

Griffith Observatory

sky tour los angeles

September 19, 2024

All Space Considered – September 2024

Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater on the third Thursday of every month. Join the Observatory's curatorial staff as they examine and explain the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science. It is free to attend in-person or stream on YouTube.

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater & Online

October 12, 2024

Public Star Party – October 12, 2024

About the observatory.

Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Griffith Observatory 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027 (213) 473-0800

Weekday (Tuesday - Friday) Hours Open 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.

Weekend (Saturday - Sunday) Hours Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Closed Monday

The SoCal Gal

A gal's map to adventure in LA, OC, & beyond

California , Destinations · August 21, 2018

OUE Skyspace Los Angeles: Slide & Observation Deck

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

The OUE Skyspace Los Angeles is California’s Tallest Open-Air Observation Deck and Glass Slide! Whether you are a local or visiting for the first time, this is a Los Angeles experience you won’t want to miss. Gliding 1000 feet above Downtown Los Angeles in a 45 foot slide gives you a view unlike any place else. Located at the heart of the city at the USA Bank Tower, here is what you can expect when visiting this iconic landmark.

Scroll to the bottom to find my expert tips for best times to go for optimal photography, lighting, and less crowds as well as parking and fees, slide prices, and location!

How to Visit OUE Skyspace Los Angeles: Slide & Observation Deck

Snap a green screen picture.

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

See the panoramic view screen

There are two wide screens to give you a taste of what to expect when you see the actual view for yourself.

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Interactive exhibit

A fun interactive light display and floor optical illusion make for great photo opps as well.

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

A little LA history

Next, a walkway describing a little history of Los Angeles will lead you to the last elevator ride to the 70 th floor! You’re almost there!

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Skyslide Time!!

Wait in line for you turn to experience the thrill of looking at Los Angeles 1000 feet below you! This slide is a quick ride but absolutely worth the extra ticket price ($8 per person) to go down. Don’t have FOMO!

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Pose at Colette Miller’s Angel Wings

An iconic set of Colette Miller’s Angel Wings + the backdrop of a Los Angeles skyline = the most epic Instagram picture ever. Make all your friends jelly. 

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Night or Day?

Come at sunset to see the view during the day, and night! You won’t want to miss the soft lighting and city skyline!

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Skyspace Bar

Feeling fancy? Need a date night idea? This is your spot! Stay awhile and enjoy a little snack, beer or wine!

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

This is what make this open-air observation deck so stunning. Take a peek through the telescope to find you favorite spots in LA!

Skyspace-slide-los-angeles

Westlawn Parking Garage – 524 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 across from the U.S. Bank Tower. The cross street is 5th and Flower. The parking is an $8 flat fee on the weekends and after 4pm on weekdays (or $8 for 3 hours before 4pm on weekdays) so feel free to stay as long as you like there. 

You can buy online here or at the box office located on the ground floor. Tickets don’t include the ride on the Skyslide and must be purchased in addition to your admission ticket.

General Admission – $25

Senior – $22

Youth (3-12) – $19

Skyslide Single Ride (per person) – $8  

7 days a week from 10am – 10pm

U.S. Bank Tower

633 West 5th Street  Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Gal On The Go Pro Tip:

  • There is no limit to how long you can stay there but there is an allotted time you may arrive to go in the building (unless you purchase a more expensive flex ticket).
  • Best lighting for photos: Sunset. Check what time the sunsets (different times depending on the season) and go 1-2 hours before-hand. This will give you time to walk around the exhibit that’s on display prior to the slide and you will be able to get photography during the day time as well.
  • Best day of the week: Monday – Thursday. Your best bet to avoid large crowds.

Would you slide down the epic Skyslide? What are some other LA bucketlist items you have? Let’s hear your answers below!

P I N  T H I S!

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OUE Skyspace: Glass Slide & Open Air Observation Deck in Los Angeles

Disclosure: This experience was provided free of charge; all opinions are my own.

Much like Chicago and New York before it, Los Angeles now has its very own tall observation deck so you can experience the city from above. The deck is 70 floors up, and it provides unparalleled views of Los Angeles and the area surrounding it. Plus, it also features a new glass slide that takes you from the 70th to the 69th floor. I got a chance to check it out opening weekend, and it was a ton of fun, here is all the information. Update Nov 2017 – I visited again, and they now offer a lot more activities, including yoga at sunset twice a month and an interactive experience about the sights and sounds of LA narrated by George Lopez.  Update 2021 – This experience is now closed.

sky tour los angeles

  • Cost: Approximately $25 – $35 (as of 2018)
  • Location: 633 West Fifth Street Suite 840 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Here is a highlight video of my time there.

Here is another video I made when I went back at the end of 2017.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbiaoN9jxpL

Getting There

sky tour los angeles

The US Bank building is located right in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. There is a parking structure on Hope St that you can use to visit the building, or there are other parking lots around the area. Parking can be expensive, but that’s a big city for you. The cheapest parking I have found is at the LA Library, where they have an $8 option for two hours if you are visiting Skyspace (as of 2018).

oue skyspace-1

After making your way into the US Bank building, you will be ushered to the elevators and taken to the first of the multiple floors you visit.

Floor 54 – Interactive Floor

oue skyspace-4

Floor 54 is the first floor you get to, and it has a few different interactive exhibits that you can experience.

oue skyspace-2

First, there is an almost 360-degree screen that shows various videos of Los Angeles you walk through.

oue skyspace-3

Next, there is an infinity mirror that you can stand on, and that looks like you are going to fall through the building. It was a little creepy but super cool.

oue skyspace-18

Lastly, there is a giant screen that you interact with by standing on specified areas of the ground and moving around to change your silhouette on the screen. From here, you head back to the elevator and up to the 70th floor.

oue skyspace-5

When you exit the elevator on the 70th floor, you will be able to get in line for the slide or just walk around and take in the views.

oue skyspace-6

I made a loop around the deck to see the different points of view and was impressed with the clean and beautiful area that you are walking around.

oue skyspace-15

There were chairs and couches to lounge on, a bar where you could buy soft drinks and floor to ceiling windows all over. You could see a lot of the famous spots in LA like Dodgers Stadium, Hollywood Sign, and Echo Park. Next, I hopped in line for the sky slide.

oue skyspace-17

Having been to a few of these observation decks with glass floors in the past, I was really excited about riding the slide, since it was so unique.

oue skyspace-10

The slide takes you from floor 70 to floor 69 in about 5 seconds, but the entire time you are looking through the glass floor and to the ground below.

oue skyspace-7

It is a pretty surreal experience as I have never done anything like it, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself even though I am not a huge fan of heights.

oue skyspace-8

Sure it is not very long, but when else have you got to do something like this? You go pretty fast, so they have foam pads at the end that you land on when you complete the slide.

oue skyspace-16

At the bottom of the slide, you will be on the 69th floor, which is the open-air observation deck.

Open Air Observation Deck

oue skyspace-12

This was probably my favorite part of my time there as I enjoyed just being able to sit out on the deck and observe the city below me.

oue skyspace-14

It trumps the other deck in city hall as it is at least twice as high.

sky tour los angeles

The open-air atmosphere feels very California as it is almost always beautiful weather here, so it makes sense to have it open.

oue skyspace-11

The famous wings that you can see all over Los Angeles make an appearance up here as well, and they are a trendy photo spot.

sky tour los angeles

There is another deck on the opposite side, and this is the best one to watch the sunset from. Here you can see the colors change over the city, and all of the lights come on.

sky tour los angeles

I went up for sunset recently, and it was a blast to watch it go down and see the city come to life.

sky tour los angeles

After finishing your time on the deck, you can head back to the 69th floor and walk around if you would like, but it is pretty much identical to the 70th floor in the way it looks.

sky tour los angeles

All in all, SkySpace in LA is a unique way to explore the city. I enjoyed being able to walk around, see the vantage points, interact with the exhibits, and go down the slide. Be sure to check it out if you are in downtown and let me know what you think in the comments.

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logo Skyspace

Skyspace La

Sadly, Skyspace LA is permanently closed! Here is the official news! Skyspace LA closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. On October 26, 2020, we sadly announced permanent closure. Due to objections from office tenants, it was revealed in May 2021 that a makeover by the tower's new owner will result in the conversion of the observation deck attraction back into office space and the removal of the slide. Despite this, we still try to maintain this website to share with our old guests and tourists who still want to learn about us the best photos, beautiful places, natural scenery, magnificent and typical dishes of Los Angeles, California and more…

skyspace la

Skyspace Los Angeles information

It was completed

Feet in height

Oue skyspace la

Skyspace La Tickets

Skyspace La is located on the 69th and 70th floors. If you need to have dishes and view sceneries, we have a restaurant named 71Above on the 71st floor. Each person had to pay $25 to gain entry to the observation deck. For an additional $8, guests could slide between the 70th and 69th floors on the Skyslide, a clear glass slide affixed to the building's facade. Thus, there are two different types of tickets. If the exhilaration of gliding over Los Angeles' skyscrapers appeals to you, you can purchase the complete ticket. Otherwise, you can get by with the two open-air panoramic terraces and 360-degree (inside) observatory included with the low-cost ticket.

skyspace-building-in-los-angeles

Opening hours

Skyspace la hours.

Last ticket entry time  is 9.00pm.

633 West Fifth Street , CA 90071, Los Angeles, US

Please note the following:

21 Aug – Hollywood Terrace will be closed from  between 4-7pm.

  • Monday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Tuesday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Holiday: Contact Us

OUE Skyspace

Our skyscraper, Skyspace LA is located in U.S Bank Tower. To see the whole beautiful scenery that surrounds the city of Los Angeles, this is one of the best destinations. Buided as a skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S Banker Tower is known as t he second-tallest building in Los Angeles, the third-tallest building in California , and the 24th-tallest in the United States . Skyspace LA, known as the Los Angeles skyline, is best to admire the view from above. Let’s come and explore it with us!

OUE_Skyspace

In  New York City, the tourists have opportunities to see all the beautiful scenes in the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower. In Los Angeles, you also can see all of the miniature country panorama with our observation deck named Skyspace LA.

Because local building codes required all high-rise buildings to have a helipad, we made sure to distinguish it from other skyscrapers. Skyspace LA is Los Angeles’ highest observation deck, making it the ideal place to take in the city’s panorama, snap photos of adjacent skyscrapers, and take in the breathtaking scenery at night. In the distance, you can also make out the well-known Hollywood Sign.

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633 W 5th St 2nd, 54th, 69th & 70th Floors, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2005

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Pershing square • 5 min walk, 7th st/metro center • 6 min walk, restaurants • 1,885 within 3 miles, attractions • 418 within 6 miles, see what other travelers are saying.

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Los Angeles Travel Guide > Los Angeles Attractions > Best Views in Los Angeles > Skyspace Los Angeles: Ready to Ride a Slide over the Downtown Skyline?

Skyspace Los Angeles

Skyspace Los Angeles: Ready to Ride a Slide over the Downtown Skyline?

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Here is the official news:

sky tour los angeles

In large cities with skylines full of skyscrapers, it is quite common to find observatories that allow you to admire the view from above. New York City, for example, offers tourists the opportunity to visit several scenic skyscrapers  (the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, and the Freedom Tower). Los Angeles did not want to be an exception, so it built its own observation tower downtown that is about 985 ft high and offers a 360-degree view over the entire city. Its name is OUE Skyspace and it has a unique feature that distinguishes it from other skyscrapers and can be especially interesting for those looking for an unusual experience. Let’s see what it is!

Skypace and Skyslide: What Is It? 

Where is it how do you get there , oue skyspace tickets and hours , other attractions in downtown, where to stay in the surrounding area.

Skyspace Los Angeles

In 2014, the U.S. Bank Tower was purchased by Overseas Union Enterprise Ltd. (OUE), which carried out numerous renovations on the building, including the construction of an observation deck ( Skyspace ), a restaurant (71Above on floor 71), and the Skyslide , a 43 ft transparent slide in the air that launches you onto the lower scenic terrace. The concept, as you can imagine, borders on the bizarre, and rather than use more words, it will be better to let the video below speak for itself:

Whether or not you want to experience the thrill of the high altitude “slide” , the Skyspace remains the highest observation deck in Los Angeles, so it’s the best experience to get a panoramic view of the city, take pictures of nearby skyscrapers (for example the Bonaventure, famous for its revolving restaurant) and enjoy the beautiful view at night. You can also see the famous Hollywood Sign in the distance.

  • Pershing Square Station (purple and red lines)
  • 7th Street / Metro Center Station (purple, red, blue, and Expo lines)

To learn more about the public transportation system in the city, take a look at our guide to getting around Los Angeles .

There are 2 types of tickets . If you like the thrill and the idea of sliding over the skyscrapers of Los Angeles, you can opt for the full ticket. Otherwise, you can settle for the 360° (indoor) observatory and the 2 open-air panoramic terraces included in the basic ticket. 

The OUE Skyspace is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm , and you also have to access a room with multimedia exhibits. In the video below, you can get an idea of what awaits you when you enter the OUE Skyspace.

If you think that Downtown L.A. has little to offer compared to the other areas most visited by tourists, I wrote an article that will make you think again! If you want to give this area a chance to win you over, I recommend reading my itinerary in Downtown Los Angeles . There is a lot of art and architecture in this area , as well as some unusual attractions…

Downtown Los Angeles is also great to find accommodations, not only because of the many hotels in the area but also due to the proximity to other Los Angeles attractions and major neighborhoods . If you want to know more, I explained everything in my article with recommendations for accommodations in the city, which you can read by clicking on the button below:

Tips on where to stay in Los Angeles

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

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I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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Indulge in our creative cocktails and poolside bites. Our food menu is available from 11am to 10:30pm. 

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From iconic pool parties to upbeat live music nights, Skybar holds a variety of curated events and happenings all throughout the year.

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The beautifully designed hotel pool, set flush with the surrounding teak deck and featuring underwater music, is the perfect spot for soaking up the sun while enjoying the stunning panoramic views and upbeat vibes of Los Angeles. By day, the lushly landscaped Outdoor Living Room brims with flowering vines and comfortable teak and wicker furniture, making this a chic go-to oasis for enjoying impeccably fresh cocktails with a lively and fun atmosphere. With the setting sun, the pool lights up with hundreds of flickering lanterns placed around the deck and hanging from the boughs of trees, transforming the pool into an vigorously energetic setting to take in the best of Hollywood glamour. 

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8 L.A. night hikes to escape the heat and experience awe

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My coworkers and I were deep in conversation when we all gasped.

We’d crested a hill in Griffith Park, and rising just as we did up the hill was the strawberry moon.

The light red full moon rising over L.A. in June 2023.

All conversation ceased for a moment as we took in the view, the headlights of thousands of drivers on the 5 Freeway, twinkling street lamps and the orange glow from homes in nearby Atwater Village and beyond — and that moon, low in the sky, a reddish tint thanks to its proximity to the horizon.

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That’s when I really fell in love with full moon hikes, standing there eating strawberry-flavored snacks with my giddy colleagues as we celebrated our luck of arriving at Five Points at the perfect moment.

Hiking during full moons, and sometimes just on a nice evening, is a semi-regular ritual of mine. Not only does it offer a different type of sensory experience than daytime treks — including croaking frogs, hooting owls and chirping crickets — but it’s also a more tolerable way to get outdoors during the hottest months of the year.

August’s full moon will be brightest and boldest on Monday. And if you can’t make it on exactly that evening, you can typically hike the night before or after a full moon and get a nice show.

Two dogs sit on a dirt path at night. A bright moon and city lights loom in the distance.

The first thing you need for an evening hike is hiking companions. Don’t get me wrong, I love a solo hike — just me, my dog and my satellite communicator out in the woods. But hiking at night alone isn’t something I would recommend, as many of our native wildlife — including mountain lions, bears and coyotes — are most active then.

The next thing to consider is what gear you’d like to bring. Sturdy hiking boots are helpful because if you trip or stumble, your ankles are more protected. A flashlight or headlamp is good to have, although some hiking groups discourage their usage, unless they come with the option to switch to a red tint, as our eyes are less affected by the longer wavelengths of red light. I like to bring a flashlight with a UV option because it not only saves your nighttime vision but also allows you to see (and avoid) scorpions, which glow under UV light.

As with any hike, you’ll want to check the weather and pack accordingly. My colleagues and I were up at Griffith Park on a particularly windy evening for a full moon hike and were glad we’d layered up. From there, you should bring whatever you usually need on a hike, like poles, snacks and water.

As for where to do a full-moon hike, there is no shortage of options. I look for urban hikes with wide paths to high points with panoramic views of L.A. County. Some hiking spots close at sunset, so you’ll want to check the times that trails are open. When parking, look for gates. You don’t want to come down from your hike to find a locked gate blocking in your car.

If you’d be more comfortable with a group, you’re in luck: There are many organized full moon and night hikes in L.A. County this time of year. I’ve rounded up some of them below:

  • The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates hosts a monthly moonlight walk, usually on Fridays closest to the full moon. You can join them at 6:45 p.m. Friday at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. The hike leaves at 7 p.m. sharp so being on time is quite important. Learn more at ecnca.org .
  • The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter hosts its moonlight hike on Saturday, meaning the moon will be fairly bright for that outing. This is a moderately paced five(ish)-mile hike through Griffith Park. Sierra Club membership is not required. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. to sign liability waivers. The hike leaves at 7. You can learn more and register at meetup.com .
  • We Explore Earth, a nonprofit outdoors group, will host a free full moon hike from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in Elysian Park. Participants can also partake in a 30-minute yoga session during the event and stargaze through telescopes that group leaders will bring on the hike. Register at eventbrite.com .
  • TreePeople, an L.A. nonprofit, will host a moonlight hike at Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills on Aug. 23. It costs $20 per person, kids under 15 cost $10. You can learn more and register at its website .
  • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area hosts a monthly twilight and early full moon hike. The hike is free but donations to the Vasquez Rocks Nature Center Associates are appreciated. August’s event is full (with more than 100 people on its waiting list), but September and October are open for registration.
  • For my Wilders near Riverside or San Bernardino (or for those wanting to explore a new place), the Wildlands Conservancy will host a night hike Saturday at its Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa. You can learn more and register here .

For those who feel nervous about hiking at night but still want to experience the glory of a summer night sky in person, try these options:

  • The Lancaster Museum of Art and History will host a one-mile astronomy-themed tour Saturday through the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster. Weather permitting, there might be telescopes available to gaze through. Register at eventbrite.com .
  • Orange County Parks will host a full moon nature journaling session Sunday in the gorgeous Black Star Canyon. Registration required. Sign up at letsgooutside.org .

I personally enjoy going to Griffith Park for full moon and evening hikes because it offers so many great views. I usually park near the merry go-round. From there, my friends and I usually head to either 5-Points (lower right corner of this map ), or Mt. Hollywood.

Lights from homes, streets and the city stretch out toward the night horizon.

Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park remains my favorite — especially for a full moon hike. It offers panoramic views of L.A. County, and there are picnic tables where you can take a break before heading down.

That said, it’s a popular spot. My friend Laura and I hiked up to Mt. Hollywood one evening and sat quietly admiring the view, commenting on how remarkable it was that we were in a county of 10 million people, in the middle of the city, and yet we were mostly alone in this beautiful place.

Two human silhouettes against a rocky wall.

And then, we heard the thump of a bass. Dozens of hikers covered in glowing necklaces and bracelets emerged from the trail, dancing joyfully. Laura and I laughed really hard. They were such a fun group, I was tempted to ask how I could join. After all, a full moon over Los Angeles is something best appreciated with friends, new and old.

3 things to do

A wide Los Angeles Street filled with bikers.

1. Bike almost seven miles of car-free streets in Hollywood Walk, jog, bike, roller skate or skateboard along 6.6 miles of car-free streets Sunday as CicLAvia takes over the streets of Tinseltown for the nonprofit’s 54th event in L.A. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can traverse the route , which connects East Hollywood, Hollywood and West Hollywood. Visit any of the five hubs along the route for family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refill stations and basic bike repair. There will also be plenty of spots to eat along the way. Please note that, although certain types of e-bikes are permitted, electric scooters and other nonpeople-powered vehicles are not allowed, outside of motorized wheelchairs and related vehicles for people with disabilities. Learn more at ciclavia.org .

2. Collect data on local wildlife in Harbor City Join jr. urban ecologist Ryan Kinzel from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park (25820 Vermont Ave.) in Harbor City for a so-called BioBlitz. At this L.A. City Recreation & Parks event, you’ll use the app iNaturalist to collect data on species that live around Machado Lake and the rest of the park. Organizers advise you bring sunscreen, water and a charged phone with the iNaturalist app downloaded. Learn more at the L.A. Parks’ Facebook page .

3. Take a free compass and map course in Fountain Valley Getting lost is any hiker’s nightmare. Sports Basement, an outdoor goods retailer, will host a free introductory course to using maps and navigation tools from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will learn how a compass works and how to read topography maps and practice orienting a map and taking a bearing. Register at eventbrite.com .

The must-read

Half Dome at dusk in the distance from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

The death of 20-year-old Grace Rohloff while hiking Yosemite’s Half Dome has reignited debates about how to improve the safety of the iconic outdoors destination. The hike to Half Dome is 14 to 16 miles, and a permit is required to use the cables, installed in 1919, that visitors use to reach the top. You can read part of that debate in our letters to the editor this week. Connie Stewart of Santa Monica argues that National Park Service officials should permanently remove the cables, which are currently available seasonally . “Half Dome is dangerous. And that’s as it should be. National parks aren’t Disneyland; they are part of nature,” Stewart writes. Conversely, Bill Smart of Santa Barbara suggests that the problem lies in too many inexperienced hikers attempting to summit Half Dome. “Let the cables be. Screen permit applicants more carefully, as the danger lies with some of them, not the cables,” Smart writes.

Regardless of where you are adventuring, please be safe out there, friends. When in doubt, turn around. The mountains will be there next time you return.

Happy adventuring,

Jaclyn Cosgrove's signature

After I wrote a local campground guide in May, many of you graciously shared some of your favorites too. I rounded up the five best recommendations here .

I loved the advice from reader Jan Rasmussen, who said she, her husband and their dog head to Table Mountain near Wrightwood in Angeles National Forest over the Fourth of July to escape the explosive sound of fireworks. Brilliant!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

Sign up for The Wild

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

sky tour los angeles

Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government. In 2022, they managed For Your Mind, a yearlong mental health project. Cosgrove is originally from rural Oklahoma and is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate. They fell in love with the Southern California landscape when they moved here in 2017. They are always looking for the next adventure and welcome your ideas. If their phone goes straight to voicemail when you call, it probably means they’re in the mountains with their beloved dog, Maggie May.

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Sparks' home skid reaches five after Sky rallies in 4th quarter for 90-86 victory

  • Aug 17, 2024

LOS ANGELES (AP) Lindsay Allen scored 16 points, Kamilla Cardoso and rookie Angel Reese posted double-doubles and the Chicago Sky rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Los Angeles 90-86 on Saturday, handing the Sparks their fifth straight loss at home.

Chicago (11-15) trailed 74-64 at the start of the final period, but a turnaround jumper from Allen and a Rachel Banham 3-pointer halved the Sky’s deficit just 61 seconds in. Cardoso followed with a layup as Chicago scored the first seven points. Odyssey Sims answered with a layup for Los Angeles (6-20), but Reese had a layup and Cardoso scored twice inside to give the Sky a 77-76 lead with 6:35 left to play.

Stephanie Talbot pulled the Sparks even at 79 with a 3-pointer at the 4:43 mark. Reese hit 1 of 2 free throws to give Chicago the lead, Michaela Onyenwere followed with a layup and the Sky never trailed again.

Allen made 7 of 11 shots from the floor for Chicago. She added six assists. Cardoso scored 15 points and had 14 rebounds, while Reese tallied 14 points and 11 boards. Banham sank three 3-pointers and scored 14.

Kia Nurse scored 16 to lead the Sparks, who have dropped the last five matchups with the Sky. LA has lost three straight overall. Rickea Jackson and Talbot added 13 points each. Crystal Dangerfield chipped in with 11 points and six assists. Azurá Stevens had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

The Sparks took their first lead at 20-18 on a layup by Dearica Hamby with 2:51 left in the first quarter. Chennedy Carter had back-to-back baskets to cap a 6-0 run and help the Sky take a 26-25 lead after one period.

Nurse had 13 points by halftime and her 3-pointer with 4:49 left in the second quarter put the Sparks ahead 35-33. Nurse made five straight free throws for a 43-38 advantage. Chicago pulled within a point twice, but Dangerfield hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds to go to put LA up 46-42 at intermission.

Banham hit a 3-pointer to begin the third quarter for the Sky, but Stevens answered with one of her own and the Sparks maintained a lead. Dana Evans connected from beyond the arc to pull Chicago within 66-64 with 2:06 left in the period. Talbot had three layups in an 8-0 run and LA took a 10-point lead into the final 10 minutes.

Chicago: Sky travel to play the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

Los Angeles: Sparks hit the road to play the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Copyright 2024 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

1st CHI Sky 26 LAS Sparks 25

2nd chi sky 16 las sparks 21, 3rd chi sky 22 las sparks 28, 4th chi sky 26 las sparks 12.

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IMAGES

  1. Tour Los Angeles From the Sky

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  2. Downtown Los Angeles: A Photo Tour and Guide

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  3. The Los Angeles Skyline and Where to See It

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  4. OUE Skyspace Observation Deck, Skyslide, and Skyspace Bar Tickets

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  5. Downtown Los Angeles: A Photo Tour and Guide

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  6. OUE Skyspace Los Angeles: Slide & Observation Deck

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  25. It's a full moon weekend. Here's where to hike in L.A.

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    Odyssey Sims answered with a layup for Los Angeles (6-20), but Reese had a layup and Cardoso scored twice inside to give the Sky a 77-76 lead with 6:35 left to play.