In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about hiking to the Hollywood Sign hiking trail. We cover how to get there easily, the best trails to take, parking info, and what to bring along. Whether you’re a pro hiker or just starting out, this article has you covered. So, get ready for an exciting adventure to see this famous landmark up close!
The Hollywood hiking trail is one of the most iconic landmarks in America’s history. It represents the golden age of Hollywood and American real estate. The sign not only slays on television screens but is also drop-dead-gorgeous in real life. Want to explore it from a nearer distance? Take the Mt Lee hiking trail and witness this majestic monument with your bare eyes.
Quick Answer: How To Get To Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail Easily and Quickly?
LA is popular for its glitzy nightlife and the Santa Monica beach. Yet what hooks tourists most is that ever-so-mesmerizing Hollywood sign. Though gorgeous, the Hollywood(previously Hollywoodland) sign hiking trail can be tough, so you better take the Cahuenga Trail.
How Long Does It Take To Hike the Hollywood Sign?
From Griffith Observatory, the hiking trail to the Hollywood sign measures around 6 miles. Trek to and back from the Hollywood sign usually takes around 2-3 hours. The 1250-feet elevation can also affect your hiking speed. But even with a moderate pace, the hike will take max 3.5 hours.
What is the Shortest Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail?
When considering the smallest hiking trails near Hollywood sign, there’s always a tie between the Cahuenga Peak and the Burbank Peak Trail. While the Burbank Peak trail covers 3.5 miles and 1690 feet of elevation, it’s quite challenging. On the other hand, Cahuenga covers 3.2 miles and 1821 feet, becoming a relatively shorter trail.
Source: Youtube
What is the Best Hiking Trail to View the Hollywood Sign?
From the Griffith Park Hiking Trails
The Griffith Park Hiking trail is the most admired hiking trail to Hollywood sign. Beautiful views of the sign along with flora and fauna surround this hiking trail. Though slightly challenging, the 4.5-hour hiking through the Park feels like hiking through heaven.
Source: iStock
From Runyon Canyon Hiking Trails
The Runyon Canyon Park features some of the smallest hiking trails Hollywood Sign. Its main track takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete. The best occasion to visit the Runyon Canyon hiking trail is after rain. When rain hits its smooth sandy track, the petrichor is simply majestic.
Source: iStock
From Cahuenga Peak Trail (The smallest One)
The Cahuenga trail is the smallest of all the hiking trails near Hollywood sign. The best part of the hike on Cahuenga trail is the Wisdom Tree. Known by many names, the tree is a sight to see and worth 1.5 hours on foot. No doubt, the scenery is amazing. However, there isn’t much wildlife to explore at Cahuenga.
Source: Youtube
From Brush Canyon Trail
The Brush Canyon is not for the weak-hearted, quite literally. Its high elevation and distance make the hike a 2.5-hour affair. Serenity is the only thing that can motivate you to take this route. It offers a terrific view of the Santa Monica beach and a panoramic view of the Pacific.
Source: Youtube
From Mount Hollywood Trail
The Mount Hollywood sign hiking trail isn’t easy to ace. Even with an average elevation, the trail takes around 3 hours to complete. The only reason why people prefer this trail over others is because it offers a 360° view of the city. It also covers the entire Observatory view.
Source: iStock
How to get to the Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail?
Note Hollywood Trail Access Points
The main Hollywood trail has several different routes with different starting points. You can join from the Mt Hollywood trail, the Brush Canyon, and the Cahuenga trail as they are the official trails to the Sign. To reach the Mount Hollywood trail access point, you have to reach inside Griffith Park from Fern Dell Drive. On reaching Western Canyon Road, you have to drive to the parking area of the Observatory.
You can also start from the north end of Canyon Lake Drive after the parking lot. Simply walk along the road till you reach a gate in the center of the Canyon. Another access point is through Wonder View Drive after Lake Hollywood Drive. After hiking up the Wonder View Drive, you’ll join an intersection of the Cahuenga trail leading to the main Hollywood trailhead.
Source: Youtube
Use Canyon Drive Trail for Hollywood Sign
Among the different ways to reach the Hollywood sign, the 6-mile hike from Canyon Drive is a challenging one. The Canyon Drive trail passes through a quiet residential area. It’s challenging because if you lose focus, you can easily lose the way and end up at the Sunset Ranch, so follow these detailed directions.
- Start from Beachwood Drive and drive straight till you reach a parking lot
2. You’ll find a path going up from the side of the parking lot
3. Follow the path till you reach a gate (you can see the great view of the Hollywood sign from the gate).
4. Then, reverse and follow the road uphill to get to the Sign.
Source: Youtube
Easiest Directions to the Hollywood Sign
The path to the Hollywood Sign trail is the simplest from Beachwood Drive. A little attention is all you need.
1. Starting, you have to turn left from the main Beachwood Drive signal and go up the elevation and hike around a mile.
q. On reaching Ledgewood Drive, you’ll get a clear front view of the huge Hollywood.
3. When you come across the Ledgewood Drive sign, turn left until you reach Deronda Drive.
4. Now, that’s where you’ll have to start on foot. Go uphill till you see a white gate; cross it, and that’s where the Hollywood trail hike is located.
5. On reaching another gate, make a sharp right turn on a dirt path and take the narrow steps up the elevation.
6. Follow the path to get up close and personal with the iconic sign. However, if you want to visit the Hollywood sign from the backside, skip the dirt path, take the pavement, and follow the trail.
Source: Shutterstock
Mulholland Highway Route
The Mulholland highway route is connected to the Santa Monica mountains, offering a direct link to the main Hollywood trail. Drive from Mulholland to Hollywood is considered a blissful one because of the best views one gets to witness.
1. To begin, you have to reach the Mulholland Dam and cross it all the way to the Weidlake Drive water fountains.
2. Follow the neighborhood’s path to the short incline until you reach a gated fence. Complete the journey from the Mulholland highway up the elevation to the Reservoir.
3. From there, keep driving north till you face a Mediterranean white mansion.
4. Take the private driveway to 2.2 miles of Lake Hollywood Dr and then 2.6 miles of Innsdale Drive with a slight right, which will lead you directly to the Hollywood Sign trail.
Source: Adobe Stock
Hollywood Sign Viewpoints
The Observatory gives the best viewpoint of the Hollywood sign, but reaching the Hollywood trail from there is super hard. It might sound uncomplicated to you, but remember, it’s a 6-mile distance with a very difficult elevation. You have to start from the parking lot of the Observatory park.
1. Head straight in the direction of the West Observatory Road
2. Drive straight till you reach the West Canyon Road sign and make a left.
3. Then follow the road to the Mount Hollywood Drive sign and make a right.
4. Now park your car and start on foot. Keep an open eye on the left side till you reach a narrow path that connects through the elevation to Mount Lee. There’s your main trail to the Hollywood Sign.
Source: iStock
Where To Park at Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail?
Parking seems to be a big issue for hikers hiking the Hollywood sign trail. Well, not anymore! We have searched a couple of locations where you can easily park your car for the duration of the hike. However, you might have to keep track of the parking hours because some parking lots have limited slots.
The first parking location is on Lake Hollywood Dr, near the Mulholland trail and Reservoir trails. This parking lot is spacious with free parking, but rarely any parking space after evening. The exact location of the parking lot is 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles.
The second parking lot is of the Bronson Canyon Griffith Park and thus attracts a crowd. Because of the park’s popularity, finding a parking space can get extremely competitive. Moreover, the parking lot is only available during park hours, which are from 5 am to 10 pm. The exact location of the Griffith Parking lot is 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles.
What are the attractions near the Hollywood Sign?
View of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory
The Observatory is situated south-facing the Hollywood sign. It’s one of the country’s biggest attractions, often known as the essence of LA. From the Hollywood and highland tours in the morning to Griffith Park merry-go-round at night, the Observatory is rarely quiet.
Lake Hollywood Park
One of the major attractions near the Hollywood sign is Lake Hollywood Park. This place hits like a breath of fresh air. Despite being a tourist attraction, this park never feels crowded or overflowing with people. Unlike some parks in LA, this one is dog-friendly.
Cahuenga Peak Trail and Hollywood Sign
The Cahuenga Peak is a delightful path to the summit of Mount Lee. Since it is the twelfth-highest peak of the Santa Monica mountains, you can expect sweeping views of LA Central Park. Apart from the Hollywood sign, Wisdom Tree is the main attraction. Being the only tree left to survive the Barham fire of 2007, this tree has become a universal symbol of strength.
Behind the Hollywood Sign Scenic Viewpoint
The Hollywood sign itself is a great attraction, but the viewpoint behind it is no less. To witness the grand Mt Lee in all its glory, even if away from the sign, is a dream for many. Even the Angelinos can’t stop from taking in this sight on their off days. This is one of the main reasons why parking is jam-packed on weekends.
Hollywood Reservoir and Hollywood Sign
The Reservoir is an underrated tourist attraction. This reservoir is located between the Santa Monica mountains and the north of the Hollywood neighborhood. It’s a source of drinking water for the city, and while swimming is not allowed, you can fish here.
Preparing for the Hike to Hollywood Sign
Best Time to Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Most people imagine hiking the Hollywood sign trail at night to witness the illuminated LA, but that’s better left to the imagination. Since the trails are closed at sunset, the best time to hike the Hollywood sign is at 5 am. We don’t recommend hiking in the middle of the day, even on a fine day, because of the crowd.
Source: iStock
Hollywood Sign Trail Difficulty Level
According to surveys, the hiking trails and Hollywood Sign are easy to moderate, but the difficulty level varies from person to person. The hike might be tough if you have low stamina or are a first-time hiker. You can simply measure the difficulty level pre-hike using the formula: elevation gain x 2 x distance in miles.
Source: iStock
Don’t Forget Essential Items for Hiking to the Hollywood Sign
No matter how apparently easy the hike seems, never pack less. For Griffith Park hiking trails Hollywood sign, we recommend you pack a backup navigation map in case of battery drainage.
Bring plenty of water and protein treats as it gets too hot in summers. Also don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses as there will be little to no shade. The last ‘essential’ item is a nice camera because you’d want to capture that view.
Source: iStock
Parking Information for Hollywood Sign Trail
Parking isn’t always available when you’re off to hike the Hollywood sign. Hence, confirming the parking information beforehand is necessary to save time. So make sure to confirm the parking timings and slots beforehand. You can even check the residential area parking areas and cover the distance to the starting point.
Source: Shutterstock
Safety Measures and Tips for Hollywood Hike
- Avoid hiking alone and try hiking with someone who knows the trails.
- If hiking alone, let someone know your plans or share the location.
- Wear proper hiking gear after you check the weather forecast.
Source: Shutterstock
What Gear Should I Have For Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail?
The Hollywood sign hiking trail isn’t as hard as the Timberline or Pemi Loop trails. So you can relax a bit while putting your gear together. There are a few basics that you must have in your hiking gear, though.
Prefer Running Shoes over Hard-toe Hiking Boots
Comfortable hiking shoes are not optional in the hiking gear for Hollywood Sign. The reason is that the distance up is great, and flip-flops will only give you foot injuries. The trail isn’t bumpy, so we don’t recommend hard-toe hiking boots, but running shoes would do good.
Source: Stock
Wear Complete Hiking Apparel
Make sure to dress in full clothing like joggers or pants instead of shorts. Hiking always comes with bushes, so full clothing is a must to protect your skin from poisonous thorns. We recommend lightweight, synthetic fabric, but you can also choose gym wear.
Source: Stock
Get Your Backpack
We understand most people prefer hiking without load when they’re hiking for fun. However, the Hollywood sign trail is not a piece of cake, especially for beginners. Therefore, make sure you have a backpack with a little first aid kit. The basic first aid kit items include antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, assorted bandages, tweezers, insect sting treatment, and ibuprofen.
Source: Shutterstock
Pick Rain Gear in Rainy Weather
LA usually experiences overcast and rain in colder months from September onwards, so packing rain gear is recommended. Rain gear consists of a rain poncho, rain jacket, rain pants, a foldable umbrella, and a pair of dry clothes. Trekking poles are also helpful when hiking in the rain, so you can take those as well.
Source: iStock
Are there any Specific Regulations for Hiking to the Hollywood Sign?
#1: Trail Etiquette for Hollywood Sign Hike
The trail etiquette for hiking the Hollywood sign trail is just like any other. You have to stay on the trail no matter what without disturbing the fauna. All hikers should also create a friendly hiking atmosphere by their gestures.
#2: Hollywood Sign Trail Hours of Operation
The hiking trails are open from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm, 365 days a year. These same hours are for Griffith. You can not stay from sunrise to sunset or camp near the Hollywood trails.
#3: Environmental Conservation Guidelines for the Hollywood Sign
The environmental conservation guidelines for the Hollywood sign are pretty basic. You’re not supposed to leave trash on the trail. The trail is dog-friendly, but make sure your dog doesn’t poop on the trail, as it’s against guidelines.
#4: Restrictions for Accessing the Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail
Once you’ve reached the Hollywood sign, enjoy it with your eyes, don’t touch it. Touching, climbing, or even closely posing with the Hollywood sign is prohibited, and the sign is under 24/7 surveillance.
#5: Permitted Activities on Trails near the Hollywood Sign
You can do a lot of things near the Hollywood Sign, like photography. The majority of the crowd prefers documenting their trip. If you’re hungry, you can even indulge in light snacking as long as there’s no littering.
FAQs: Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail
Is the hike to Hollywood Sign worth it?
What is the easiest hike to the Hollywood Sign with kids?
Where is the best place to see the Hollywood Sign without hiking?
How hard is the hike up to the Hollywood Sign?
Is it safe to hike up to the Hollywood Sign?
Can you hike to the Hollywood sign by yourself?
Let’s Hike the Hollywood
The Hollywood sign hiking trail is a great outdoor activity if you’re in LA. It soothes the soul and relaxes the mind, away from the dazzling city din. The great Hollywood sign is simply a bonus compared to the natural aesthetics. So what are you waiting for? Pack your stuff and get ready for your next adventure!