Park
Amir's Garden
7 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
Stephen
May 16, 2019
Tucked away in L.A.’s sprawling Griffith Park—also home to the L.A. Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and The Autry - you’ll find the less famous, but equally enjoyable Amir’s Garden, a wonderfully lush, shady spot for a picnic. This five-acre ornamental garden was designed as a respite for hikers and equestrians by Amir Dialameh in 1971 after a brushfire wreaked havoc on the area, leaving behind little but carbonized tree stumps. Today, Amir’s Garden boasts towering sycamores, along with an abundance of succulents and numerous picnic tables. Bring the family, including the (leashed) four-legged members along for a short hike, scenic views, and a refreshingly shady spot for lunch.
Tucked away in L.A.’s sprawling Griffith Park—also home to the L.A. Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and The Autry - you’ll find the less famous, but equally enjoyable Amir’s Garden, a wonderfully lush, shady spot for a picnic. This five-acre ornamental garden was designed as a respite for hikers and…
Daisy
May 26, 2021
A great hiking trail
Howard
July 12, 2019
Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh was a West Hollywood wine merchant and hiker, who had taken to the trails in Griffith Park after moving to the States (and hiking all over the world). The Mineral Wells area was one of his favorites, and after the fire he petitioned the city to repair a section of the burnt land and plant a garden to provide shade and rest for hikers. The City eventually gave him permission to re-vegetate the area as a firebreak (but said no equipment or workers would be available to him). Amir signed on, and in 1971 he began his work – digging out over 200 charred tree stumps with his own pick and shovel. Over the next 12 years, Amir planted 60 varieties of trees and shrubs on the land, cut hiking trails into the hillside, and hand-watered all of his plantings. According to the Amir’s Garden history page, His goal was to make, “an attractive rest stop for hikers,” because outdoor recreation was as important to him as breathing. “There are so many problems, so many pressures,” Dialameh once said of city life. “All people do is complain. They need to get away from that.” Although it is possible to hike this trail year-round, it is especially lovely after a few good winter rains. In the spring, the hillsides turn verdant green, and blooms of all types dot the landscape.
Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh was a West Hollywood wine merchant and hiker, who had taken to the trails in Griffith Park after moving to the States (and hiking all over the world). The Mineral Wells area was one of his favorites, and after the fire he petitioned the city to repair a section of the…
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Los Angeles, CA