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The Cahuenga Peak Trail, also known as the Wisdom Tree Trail, is a 3 mile hike back and forth within the Griffith Park. The peak offers a panoramic view of the LA basin and San Fernando Valley. It is also the site of the Insta-famous US flag in commemoration for the 9/11 incident.

So getting there is easy, you can take the 101 and exit at Universal Studios, head on to Barham Blvd and make a right at Lake Hollywood Dr. You can then start the 8 minute pre-hike trail on a paved road at the corner of Lake Hollywood Dr and Wonder View Dr. Since parking is very limited, pull the car over in this area and look for a space. Utilize free street parking but please *please* look out for parking signs and limitations! Based on personal experience, my friend and I got a gift from the patroller. Take note of the time allowed. 30 minutes is definitely not 2 hours!!

On the way up, a sign is visibly posted saying "If you see snakes on trails, please note on the book the date and place". Below that is a logbook and contact information of the nearest anti-venom animal emergency center. This preventive measure is meant to help other hikers and dog walkers from potential risks. Lucky for us, no venomous reptiles greeted our first time.

I'm just gonna place it over here for reference: 11730 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, between Laurel Canyon Blvd and Colfax Ave. Monday to Thursday 6 pm to 8 am. Friday 6 pm to Saturday. Saturday 24 hours. Sunday 24 hours to 8 am Monday. Click here for their website and here for their Yelp account.

Then after, go past a yellow gate and straight ahead, you will see a power line tower. To the right of that is the rugged trail leading to the Wisdom Tree.

Taking over the US, one state at a time. 🇺🇸

When things don't go the way you imagined them to be, IMPROVISE. The following photos are behind the scenes of the times the flag and the wind did not cooperate. 😅

Thank you very much for making me put in more effort. You guys just had one job. One. Job!! #doitforthegramanyway

The art of stone balancing at the center of the peak reminded me of a quote by Indian philanthropist Ratan Tata that goes "Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument".

Say hello to the Wisdom Tree! It is the only tree that survived the 2007 wildfire that blazed the slopes of Hollywood Hills. Beneath it is a geocaching box that is made like a guestbook or register for visitors to leave wise words, mementos, messages, doodles or just anything. Some even left business cards and coupons for our 420 friends. 😉