Hiking to the Hollywood Sign really lets you soak in Los Angeles and get up close to one of its most iconic landmarks. I think I found the best route for my trek, which gave me that perfect photo from behind the famous white letters and some sweeping city views.
The journey through Griffith Park surprised me with peaceful stretches and scenery I didn’t expect. I came away with a whole new appreciation for LA’s hills.
My adventure started early—I wanted to beat the crowds and breathe in that crisp morning air. The trail markers made it easy to follow, so I could just relax and watch the landscape change as I got closer to the sign.
I stopped at different viewpoints along the way. Each one gave me a fresh angle on the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline.
Choosing the Best Route to the Hollywood Sign
Griffith Park offers several popular trails that lead to the Hollywood Sign. Each trail has its own starting point, distance, and vibe, ranging from easy strolls to longer, more rewarding hikes.
Brush Canyon Trail
I kicked off my hike at the Brush Canyon Trailhead on Canyon Drive. This trail is one of the most direct ways to reach the back of the Hollywood Sign.
It’s about 6.4 miles roundtrip and climbs steadily through Brush Canyon. The wide, well-kept trail made things simple.
I passed families, runners, and dog walkers along the way. The path is mostly open to the sun, but there are a few shady spots under trees at the start.
Climbing higher, I could see Griffith Park, downtown LA, and the Hollywood Sign getting closer. The last stretch connects to Mt. Lee Drive, a paved road that leads right to a viewing area behind the sign.
I found plenty of space for photos, and there weren’t huge crowds.
Key info:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~6.4 miles roundtrip |
| Elevation Gain | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Canyon Drive |
| Highlights | Scenic viewpoints, wide trails |
Hollyridge Trail
The Hollyridge Trail starts near Beachwood Canyon. I checked ahead for access updates, since public entry can change.
This trail used to be the quickest and easiest, but sometimes the trailhead gate closes to ease neighborhood traffic. When it’s open, Hollyridge gives you sweeping LA views and a direct route to Mt. Lee Drive.
It’s about 3.5 miles roundtrip—nice when you want a shorter hike.
The path feels quieter than Brush Canyon. I walked past horse stables and caught different angles of the sign as I climbed.
There are good places to pause and take in the city skyline.
Quick facts:
- Distance: ~3.5 miles roundtrip
- Trailhead: Beachwood Drive (check access)
- Highlights: City views, quieter trail, direct route
Mt. Hollywood Trail
The Mt. Hollywood Trail is another favorite inside Griffith Park. Starting near the Griffith Observatory made parking easier and gave me a chance to check out the observatory first.
This trail is longer than Hollyridge and delivers that classic LA hiking experience. It winds up Mt. Hollywood’s slopes before branching toward the Hollywood Sign.
The whole hike is about 6 to 6.5 miles roundtrip, with gentle switchbacks most of the way.
Several scenic viewpoints overlook the city, the sign, and sometimes even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. I liked having the option to take side trails or stop at picnic spots.
The summit’s panoramic views made the climb worth it.
Trail summary table:
| Start Point | Griffith Observatory |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~6-6.5 miles roundtrip |
| Trail Experience | Gradual climb, city vistas |
| Highlights | Multiple viewpoints, picnic spots, observatory access |
Essential Tips for a Successful Hike
Planning ahead really made my Hollywood Sign hike smooth and fun. I picked a trail that fit my fitness level and paid attention to weather and timing for the best photos.
Assessing the Difficulty and Fitness Level
Picking the right route matters. Some trails climb gently, while others are steeper and push your limits.
Elevation gain can really vary—some hikes go over 1,000 feet, which can be tough for beginners. I chose a trail that matched my fitness.
Even if you’re used to hiking, certain sections feel tough, especially in the summer heat. I brought plenty of water and took breaks on the steeper bits.
The trail is well-kept, but some parts are rocky and uneven. Good shoes definitely help prevent slips.
If you’re new to hiking or want something easier, Hollyridge is a popular choice with steady climbs and lots of fellow hikers. More experienced folks can try the longer, quieter routes for bigger views and a real adventure.
Timing and Weather Considerations
Timing changed everything for me. The Hollywood Sign area fills up by midday, especially on weekends.
I started early to dodge the crowds and the harsh sun. Early hikes also gave me clearer views and a better chance at spotting wildlife.
Southern California weather can be unpredictable. In summer, it gets hot and there’s not much shade, so I wore sunscreen, a hat, and light clothes.
I always checked the forecast before heading out and skipped days with extreme heat or poor air. Cooler months bring chilly, foggy mornings, but the trails are quieter.
I brought layers for changing temps. If you want the best photos—and maybe a rare celebrity sighting—try midweek mornings. It’s quieter and way more peaceful.
Iconic Viewpoints and Photo Opportunities
Los Angeles has tons of great spots to see the Hollywood Sign. The best places give you clear, memorable photo angles and let you soak in the city and hills.
Best Spots to View the Hollywood Sign
I found a few favorite spots for seeing the Hollywood Sign. Griffith Observatory stands out. From the balcony, I caught a sweeping view of LA, with the sign perched perfectly in the hills.
There’s plenty of space for photos, and the observatory itself is iconic.
Lake Hollywood Park is another great option. It’s peaceful and less crowded, and the sign looks big and clear above the grass. Photographers love it, so don’t be surprised if you see tripods or selfie sticks.
Ovation Hollywood Mall (formerly Hollywood & Highland Center) has balconies with direct sign views. I took the escalator up for a better angle.
It’s busy but easy to reach, and you’re right by the Walk of Fame.
| Viewpoint | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Griffith Observatory | Panoramic city and sign views |
| Lake Hollywood Park | Quiet, close sign shots |
| Ovation Hollywood Mall | Central, easy access |
Capturing the Perfect Los Angeles Photo
For that classic shot, I paid attention to light and angles. Early morning or late afternoon gives you softer light and less haze.
I found the paths around Griffith Observatory perfect for wide, panoramic views. I tried to center the sign while still catching some of the city—that way, the photo tells more of a story.
Using my phone’s wide-angle setting, I pulled in more of the hills. If I wanted fewer people in my shot, I went to Lake Hollywood Park during the week.
A small tripod helped keep my photos steady, especially for sunset shots. The whole area is so photogenic that even a phone or compact camera works great.
Sometimes, just walking a bit further up the trail gave me a fresh, interesting angle that stood out from the usual tourist photos.
Alternate Trails and Hidden Gems
There’s more than one way to reach the Hollywood Sign, and some trails offer a lot more than just a famous view. You’ll find secluded paths, secret stops, and quiet places to see LA from a different angle.
Cahuenga Peak and the Wisdom Tree
The Cahuenga Peak Trail is tougher than most, but it’s worth the climb. I started at the end of Wonder View Drive and headed up the Burbank Peak Trail.
The trail led me straight to the famous Wisdom Tree—the only tree left after a 2007 fire. Hikers often leave notes under the branches, which gives the spot a unique, reflective vibe.
After a break at the Wisdom Tree, I followed a narrow ridge to Cahuenga Peak, the highest point in the area. The views stretch from downtown LA to the San Fernando Valley.
From there, the trail connects to Mount Lee, landing you right behind the Hollywood Sign.
Highlights:
- Challenging hike with a steady climb
- Panoramic LA views
- Quieter trails than the main routes
- Main access: Burbank Peak Trailhead on Wonder View Drive
Lake Hollywood and Nearby Attractions
Lake Hollywood Park sits right below the sign and gives you a relaxed spot with grassy hills and clear photo lines. I loved stopping here for a picnic or to rest after walking up Lake Hollywood Drive.
The area is family-friendly, with a playground and plenty of benches. Walking near the Hollywood Reservoir, I enjoyed the peaceful loop trail.
It’s less crowded than the park, and you’ll find shaded viewpoints and fun facts about the dam along the path. You won’t get super close to the sign, but you do get a unique angle for photos.
Key features:
- Lake Hollywood Park: Great views, picnic area
- Reservoir loop: 3.5-mile walk, stroller-friendly
- Access from: Lake Hollywood Drive and Weidlake Drive
Exploring Bronson Caves and Mulholland Drive
Bronson Caves, known as the “Batcave” from classic TV, are tucked at the end of Canyon Drive. I reached the caves in under 15 minutes from the trailhead—super easy detour.
The cave is a short tunnel through the rock, perfect for movie buffs and photos. From Bronson Caves, hiking up the Canyon Drive Trail takes you toward the Hollywood Sign.
The trail is moderate and gives you wide views back toward downtown LA. If you want to mix it up, Mulholland Drive is a scenic road with turnouts for city and park views.
It’s a good spot to stop for more photos.
Highlights:
- Bronson Caves: Quick side trip, movie history
- Canyon Drive Trail: Less crowded, forest-like setting
- Mulholland Drive: Roadside views, easy car access
Guided Hikes and Local Experiences
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign isn’t just about those famous views. Guided tours and local experiences add a whole new layer to the adventure.
Joining a Guided Hollywood Sign Hike
Joining a guided hike is a great way for visitors to get more out of the trip. Local guides share safety tips, history, and sometimes even celebrity stories from the trails.
Some have personal tales about famous sightings near Griffith Park. Most tours stick to routes like the Mt. Hollywood Trail or Wonder View Trail, and they’re usually rated well on TripAdvisor.
Group hikes come in all sizes, so you can pick what feels comfortable. Guides point out the best photo spots and explain the story behind the sign and park.
Guided hikes usually start in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Some offer themed experiences, like sunset treks or family-friendly walks, which makes the Hollywood Sign hike fun for everyone—beginners or anyone looking for something different.
Combining Griffith Observatory with Your Trek
Pairing my Hollywood Sign trek with a stop at the Griffith Observatory? Honestly, that ended up being a total highlight of the adventure. The hike up to the Observatory feels like a breeze—it’s mostly paved, about 2 miles out and back, and I noticed it works well for families, strollers, or even wheelchairs.
Once I made it to the Observatory, those city views just opened up. It’s wild how the Hollywood Sign pops from this angle. I snapped a few photos, wandered through the exhibits, and caught a planetarium show that had me wishing I knew more about the stars.
Sunset here? It’s something else. You get those panoramic views that just make you want to linger a little longer.
If you’re into science or just want to soak up some scenery, this combo really captures the spirit of Los Angeles. Here’s a quick rundown of what stood out to me on this route:
- Super easy, scenic trail—great for almost anyone
- You get to check off a famous LA landmark
- Perfect for families or groups of friends
- Tons of photo ops from different viewpoints
- The Observatory’s exhibits are actually pretty fun and educational
