Elysian Park Los Angeles
Elysian Park Los Angeles
Elysian Park is a great get away for a day. This nearly 600-acre park is the second largest in Los Angeles and has been a public park since 1781. There are still several unspoiled hiking trails on which to trek. The area known as the Chavez Ravine Arboretum is dotted with rare trees planted throughout the 19th century.
The park is open from 6am-sunset daily. Additionally, Elysian Park is home to numerous historic sites, including the Los Angeles Police Academy and Barlow Hospital, that are linked by miles of walking trails.
The park got its start in 1769, Gaspar de Portola and Father Juan Crespi camped on the river bank opposite Buena Vista Hill and Yang-Na Indian villagers greeted the Spaniards with and drink and the Spaniards established a small settlement.
In 1781, the Pueblo of Los Angeles was officially established by Spanish California Governor Felipe de Neve with the Royal Grant of 4 square Spanish leagues (translated into 28 square miles or about 17,000 acres) of Pueblo Lands. Interestingly, of this land granted, the approximately 575-acre Elysian Park is the last remaining large piece of this entire land grant.
In 1886, the Mayor and City Council of Los Angeles dedicated the Rock Quarry Hills as a city park forever, and renamed it Elysian Park (Elysian is derived from the Greek word paradise). Subsequent city charters have protected dedicated park lands and their use for park purposes eternally.
Presently, Elysian serves as a great place to get away and enjoy nature at its finest. This park is extremely well maintained and many of the trails are completely natural and appear to have very little wear.
Enjoy Elysian Park on your next tour of Los Angeles.
