Wisdom Tree
The Wisdom Tree is a single coniferous tree standing alone on a rocky ridge atop Burbank Peak in Griffith Park. The route is short but steep and rocky, with open views of Los Angeles and the surrounding mountains stretching out below.
This tree survived the major wildfire of 2007 that devastated the surrounding area, becoming a symbol of resilience. The land faced development plans, but the community purchased and donated it to Griffith Park in 2010 to preserve it as open space.
The tree serves as a gathering place where visitors pause to reflect and connect with others through shared messages. People leave notes and words of wisdom in a notebook at its base, creating a tradition that links hikers from different backgrounds through their personal thoughts and hopes.
Park only along Lake Hollywood Drive, not on Wonder View Drive itself, and walk to the trailhead from there. The route is short but steep, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential, and bringing water and sun protection is wise since the trail offers little shade.
The tree is believed to have grown from a seed given away by McDonald's during Arbor Day in the 1980s. The fact that this single tree survived a devastating fire that destroyed everything around it made it a symbol of hope and endurance for the community.
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