Long before LAX, a different kind of beacon shone here at Beacon Hill. Today we are standing at the eastern edge of Griffith Park. Beacon Hill marks the easternmost summit of the Santa Monica Mountain Range. It drops steeply into the Los Angeles River.
Once, Glendale’s Grand Central Airport was Los Angeles’s main air terminal. It was long before Los Angeles International Airport existed. In the early 1900s, a luminous beacon was placed atop this very hill. Its purpose was to warn pilots about the rising mountains to the west. This beacon guided flyers in and out of the nearby Grand Central Air Terminal. The light is gone now. Only the name Beacon Hill remains as evidence.
From this 1001-foot summit, the views are stunning. On a clear day, you can see from Burbank to Santa Monica Bay. Downtown Los Angeles is just a few miles south. Silver Lake Reservoir shimmers in the sunlight. The I-5 Freeway snakes through the landscape. The Los Angeles River flows nearby. Westward, Santa Monica Bay offers a glistening wink. On the clearest days, you might spot barges on the Pacific. To the north and east, you’ll see Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Burbank. They are framed by the Verdugo Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains. Even Mount Baldy is visible from Beacon Hill.
The Grand Central Air Terminal played a vital role in aviation’s early days. Legendary figures were associated with the airport. Jack Northrop, Howard Hughes, William Boeing, Amelia Earhart, and Charles Lindbergh all spent time there. After the U.S. entered World War II, the airport became a P-38 fighter base. It ceased operating as a commercial terminal after the war. The airport finally closed in 1959.
There is still a metal stub of the beacon poking out of the ground here. Beacon Hill offers a nostalgic look back at the early days of flight.
The hike to Beacon Hill is a rewarding experience. The most popular route is a 2.75-mile out-and-back trail. It has about 500 feet of elevation change. A 3.9-mile loop is also an option. The trail winds through sweet-smelling chaparral and exotic plants.
From the summit, take in the vistas. Imagine Los Angeles without freeways or a dramatic skyline. Contemplate the conservationists’ vision of restoring the river. Consider Assemblyman Richard Katz’s proposal to convert the riverbed into another freeway.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Beacon Hill offers a unique perspective. It combines history, natural beauty, and panoramic views. As you descend, remember the beacon that once shone here. Remember the pilots who navigated by its light. Beacon Hill stands as a testament to Los Angeles’s rich aviation history and stunning natural landscape.