An L A Treasure

In 1896, mining magnate Griffith J. Griffith donated 3,015 hilly acres that became L.A.'s biggest park. Later he put up the money for Griffith Observatory (above)and the Greek Theatre. And in between donations, the hard-drinking Griffith shot his wife in the face (it wasn't fatal) and served two years in prison. But you come here to hike, not judge.

( Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times )