Elysian Park
Elysian Park offers unparalleled scenery just minutes from downtown L.A.
Elysian Park, LA's oldest public park at over 600 acres, was established in 1886 and split by Stadium Way when Dodger Stadium opened in 1962. The West Side borders Echo Park with century-old palms, a rare arboretum, and downtown viewpoints, while Angel's Point frames the skyline and stadium in one composition.
Elysian Park's Layered History
Elysian Park, originally called Rock Quarry Hills, was dedicated as a public park in 1886 and remains the last large piece of the 17,000-acre Pueblo Lands granted in 1781, nearly all of which was auctioned off in later decades. The site carries a long record of human encounter, including a 1769 meeting where Yang-Na villagers from Solano Canyon greeted the Spanish expedition with refreshments at what is now the Police Academy grounds. For photographers, these layered histories, set against the rough terrain of the original quarry hills, offer subject matter beyond the standard park view.
Best Photo Spots
Here are 6 photo spots across Elysian Park, ranging from tree-lined paths to hidden overlooks and tranquil gardens.
Avenue of the Palms
Photographs of This Location
History and Photography of Elysian Park
Elysian Park, Los Angeles's oldest park, sits near the North Broadway Bridge, where the river bank opposite Buena Vista Hill marks the 1769 campsite of Gaspar de Portola and Father Juan Crespi. The park's long history includes a mid-twentieth-century fight against a proposed convention center, led by Grace E. Simons and the Citizen's Committee to Save Elysian Park through protests, lawsuits, and letter-writing campaigns. Photographers approaching from the North Broadway Bridge entrance can frame the Buena Vista Hill area in the early morning to catch the low light across the riverbank.
Common Questions
The swing has no safety bars and sits at the edge of a hill above the 110 freeway, so the author chose to only sit and pose rather than actually swing.
The Elysian Park West Loop offers panoramic views of the downtown LA skyline, the 5 Freeway, the LA River, the valley, the San Gabriel Mountains on clear days, and Dodger Stadium.
From Angel's Point you can see the Los Angeles skyline and Dodger Stadium together.
Yes, the trail is described as very dog-friendly and a large number of canine hiking companions are typically present.
Exploring Elysian Park's Trails and Overlooks
Split in two by Stadium Way when Dodger Stadium opened in 1962, Elysian Park offers separate northern and southern sections to explore on foot. Angel's Point is a drive-up overlook on the hill, while the West Loop trail passes the Marion Harlow Memorial Grove, a community garden, and the Elysian Park Arboretum, where the Horticultural Society of Southern California began displaying rare trees on 10 acres petitioned from the Park Commission in 1893. The Friends of Elysian Park, founded in 1965, continues to maintain the trails, groves, and arboretum that make the park a productive destination year-round.
Practical Information
5 minute drive from Dodger Stadium; 835 Academy Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012; A convenience store is located at the bus stop.
Free, Elysian Park Drive; Many of the roads shown on Google Maps in this area are closed to automobile traffic, and driving should be avoided during Dodgers games.
The trailhead is at the western corner of Elysian Park Drive and Stadium Way, beginning near the Grace E. Simons Lodge.; Mon-Fri dawn-3pm, Sat-Sun dawn-dusk; Elysian Park is unstaffed and unlocked, meaning it has no posted opening hours and is open to visitors at all times.
Free
No permit required; Questions about Elysian Park can be directed to the Park Maintenance Supervisor at 213-485-5054.; Montecillo de Leo Politi Park is behind locked gates and is available to the public only by rental for events.
Tipps fürs Shooting
- Wear sturdy shoes because the trail to the Secret Swing is steep and slippery.
- Once inside Elysian Park, follow the various signs and drive all the way up the main hill until you cannot drive any further, then walk to Angel's Point on the left.
- Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months, when hiking Elysian Park's West Side.
- Elysian Park trail signage is notoriously spotty, so download a GPX or KMZ file before heading out.
- Bicycles are not allowed on Elysian Park trails, so plan walking routes for any bike-based shoots.
Was anziehen
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat to shield from the bright California sun when visiting Angel's Point.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:24 PM - 1:49 PM
1:49 PM - 2:49 PM
12:34 AM - 1:34 AM
1:34 AM - 1:59 AM
Beste Jahreszeit
Spring
Vermeiden
Dodger Stadium game days
| Monat | Sonnenaufgang | Sonnenuntergang | Tageslicht |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:58 | 17:06 | 10h 8m |
| Feb | 06:37 | 17:36 | 10h 59m |
| Mar | 07:03 | 19:00 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 06:21 | 19:24 | 13h 2m |
| May | 05:51 | 19:47 | 13h 56m |
| Jun | 05:41 | 20:06 | 14h 25m |
| Jul | 05:52 | 20:04 | 14h 12m |
| Aug | 06:14 | 19:39 | 13h 25m |
| Sep | 06:36 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:18 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:25 | 16:49 | 10h 23m |
| Dec | 06:51 | 16:45 | 9h 53m |
What to Expect During Your Session
Photographers heading to Elysian Park's West Side can drive up the main hill to Angel's Point on the left, which works well at night for shots of city lights, or follow the trail network that covers roughly 3 miles when the Upper Elysian Park Drive loop is included. Because trail signage is inconsistent, downloading a GPX or KMZ file before the trip is sensible, and early mornings on weekdays tend to draw the smallest crowds outside Dodger Stadium game days. Water and sun protection matter most in summer, and the best views come after weather that clears smog from the LA basin.
A typical visit to the Elysian Park West Loop takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes for most hikers, depending on pace and stops.
West Side trails take between a half hour and an hour and a half to complete, or roughly 3 miles if you add the Upper Elysian Park Drive loop.
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Parken
- There are a few free parking spots on Elysian Park Drive near the trailhead to the swing.
- Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
- transit accessible with walking; Elysian Park is located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles.; The page does not mention public transit to Angel's Point.
- Fußläufig
- 5 minutes plus a short hike