Hollywood, the symbol of the American entertainment industry, and it’s also a global tourist symbol of Los Angeles itself. Having a picture taken with the Hollywood Sign seems like a must-do for visitors visiting the city. Well, it does feel cool telling your friends: “I have been to Hollywood!”, and show them your picture.
The Hollywood Sign hike is one of those iconic hikes that you need to do at least once in your life. It’s a very popular and scenic hike, you will get to enjoy the beautiful nature of Griffith Park on the way to the sign (to be precise, you’ll actually get behind and above the letters), it is one of the largest urban parks in America.
Mount Lee, with the altitude of 521 meters, is where the Hollywood Sign situated. Up there, you’ll get a spectacular view of City of Angels!
My Trail
The best and the closest one could get to the sign is definitely by hiking, while driving within Griffith Park can be quite a hassle looking for a parking, and the roads are narrow.
There are a few trails with different levels of difficulty and distance to choose from. This is the easy one I believe everyone will enjoy, it is a great rugged urban hike you do in the morning before going for your brunch.
“ Wonder View Trail Head > Wisdom Tree > Hollywood Sign > Garden of Oz > Beachwood Market “
Distance: 6.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 245M
Difficulty: 2/5
View: 5/5
How to Get There & Return:
1. Take UBER/Lyft to Wonder View Trail Head on Wonder View Dr.
2. Your hike begins!
3. You will finish your hike at Beachwood Market, there’re buses on N Beachwood Dr going to Hollywood/ Vine Metro Station.
Hike Overview:
From the Wonder View Trail Head, you are already on the altitude of 326M, follow the sign to Burbank Peak, it takes slightly over 1 km to Wisdom Tree with about 100M ascent. Wisdom Tree is a unique & lone-standing tree, up there you’ll get a sweeping view of Los Angeles.
“ Life is too short to wait and plan for an epic adventure, the best one is often unplanned! ”
– Raynard Jackle
Since this is an easy path, start your hike as early as possible to avoid crowd, you’ll get to enjoy the serenity up there, having the whole spot to yourself.
Another 1 km from Wisdom Tree and you’ll arrive at the Hollywood Sign, the closest you could get to these iconic letters. Now you can scream: ” I have made it to the Hollywood!!!” (D O O W Y L L O H)
There’re benches up there, take as much time as you wish to enjoy the spectacular view and fresh air before leaving. I have seen the Hollywood Sign before from far twice, from Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Walk of Fame. But to be that close, standing above and behind the letters, I felt so overwhelming!
The final 4.5 kms is relaxing, as you will slowly descend to Beachwood Market. On the way, you will be passing by the residences, you’ll see a lot of beautiful houses, do respect the privacy of people living in the area and not causing any sort of disturbance to them.
I have heard stories of people doing something stupid and get themselves into troubles, it’s totally not worth it to take any risk.
Even though this trail is a short and easy one, don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen. On a clear sunny day, it is important to keep ourselves hydrated and protected from the sun.
Next time, I would love to try other longer trails when I am back in Los Angeles. Have you ever done any interesting trail in the city?
Click HERE to check out other authorized trails to the Hollywood Sign!
Can I Touch the Hollywood Sign?
Unfortunately, for your safety, the safety of the plants and wildlife of Griffith Park, and for the safety of the Sign, you cannot. The closest you can get to the Hollywood Sign is up and above it and that location is accessible by several hikes within Griffith Park. The overlook of the Sign offers a unique view of the Sign and incredible views of Los Angeles that can span from the ocean to downtown LA and beyond on a clear day.
The Sign has over 13 cameras including motion sensors, infrared cameras, and loudspeakers protecting it and is monitored 24/7 by the LAPD.
The Opening Hours
The Sign sits within Griffith Park and operates with the same hours. Griffith Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Are Drones Allowed at the Sign?
Drones are not allowed at the Sign, nor in all of Griffith Park as per Los Angeles Rec & Parks Ordinance No. 176,929.