Griffith Park: A Natural Haven

Griffith Park: A Natural Haven
This 4,000-acre park is the nation's largest urban wilderness area, with sage and manzanita-covered hills in which deer, coyote and quail roam. Once part of Rancho Los Feliz, Griffith Park got its name from its former owner, the notorious Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who spent a year in prison for attempting to murder his wife. Griffith gave the land to the city of Los Angeles in 1896. City leaders were scandalized by Griffith's behavior; they refused to accept the money he offered to construct an observatory until after his death in 1898. Today, in addition to the marvelous observatory, the park offers numerous attractions and activities.