Where Does The Hike To The Hollywood Sign Start?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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This route is long at 8.8 miles round trip and crosses over Mount Hollywood along the way for extra climbing. By starting at

the bottom of Mount Hollywood Drive from the intersection below the Griffith Observatory

, the distance can be shortened to 7 miles round trip, bypassing Mount Hollywood.

Which trail is best for Hollywood sign?


Griffith Park Hiking Trails

The best place to see the Hollywood Sign is at Griffith Park. There are multiple hiking trails on Mt. Hollywood leading from the back corner of the Observatory parking lot. The main Griffith Observatory hike leads to an advantageous spot that allows you to view the sign in comfort.

How long is the hike up to the Hollywood Sign?

How long does it take to hike to the Hollywood Sign? The trail is

3.3 miles

and can take up to two hours.

Can you touch the Hollywood Sign?


Climbing the Hollywood Sign itself is dangerous, illegal, and basically impossible

, so don’t try it. Because of previous vandalism to the sign and the dangers of getting too close to it, access is restricted and the area is heavily surveilled.

What is the easiest hike to the Hollywood Sign?

The Easiest –

Hollyridge Trail

One of the easier hikes to the Hollywood sign is the Hollyridge Trail. Taking roughly 2 hours, the trail covers about 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 750 feet.

Is the observatory free?

The Observatory is the best vantage point for observing the world-famous Hollywood Sign. Griffith Observatory is a

free-admission

, public facility owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in the middle of an urban metropolis of ten million people.

Where do you park for Hollywood sign?

Locals know the best unofficial Hollywood Sign viewing spot is is from the top of the

Home Depot parking garage on Sunset Boulevard

. But if you want an experience, the most rewarding option is to go for a hike in the oak-studded hills of Griffith Park.

How do you get to Hollywood sign without hiking?

  1. Lake Hollywood Park, Canyon Lake Drive, Los Angeles, California, United States.
  2. Hollywood Reservoir, Los Angeles, California, United States.
  3. Jerome C. …
  4. Griffith Observatory, East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, California, United States.
  5. N Beachwood Drive.

Can you see the Hollywood Sign at night?


The Hollywood Sign is not lighted at night

. It faces south and is visible during daylight hours only. You cannot walk up to it, but there are plenty of ways to get a look at it.

Can you drive up Mount Lee Drive?


Mix dirt fire roads, paved trails, and residential streets on a route up Innsdale Drive, Mulholland Highway, and Mount Lee Drive

past some of the area’s very best views of the Hollywood Sign! The ascent is 2.25 miles long, gaining 750 feet of elevation.

Can you drive up to the Hollywood Sign?

The only signs you need to pay attention to are the ones governing parking. Street parking is plentiful throughout the area, but

make sure your car is not blocking access to any driveways or roads

. You will be towed or get a ticket.

Is the MT Hollywood Trail open?

The trail is

open year-round

and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This trail takes you on a loop along the eastern side of Mount Hollywood. Although this trail does not summit the peak, expect stellar views.

Who owns the letters of the Hollywood Sign?

Each letter had its own sponsor.

Alice Cooper

donated one of the O’s, Gene Autry donated an L, Hugh Hefner himself — surrounded by Playboy bunnies — paid for the Y. They laid down $27,777 each, with various reasons given for the letters they chose. Cooper said he bought the O in honor of Groucho Marx.

What happens if you go to the Hollywood Sign?

People who climb to the Hollywood Sign are fully aware they are trespassing:

there are Do Not Enter Signs on the way up, as well as a gate

. The Sign itself is equipped with sensors and loudspeakers, and police helicopters are deployed at the first sign of a breach.

What happens if you sit on the Hollywood Sign?

If you are caught trespassing (not just to the Hollywood sign, but anywhere)

you may be arrested

, unless the officer(s) are kind enough let you go with a warning. If charged as an infraction, you would have a fine to pay.

Is Hollywood hike hard?

There’s no getting around it, to hike to the Hollywood sign, you have to go up.

The trail is pretty easy

, and there are views of the sign and LA for most of the way up, so take your time and soak in the views when you need a break.

What street has the best Hollywood sign?


Mt Lee Drive

is probably the best front facing view of the sign, but it is not as easy to access as Lake Hollywood Park. You can drive through the windy streets of the neighborhood to get up here, but there is no real parking and lots of signs you will want to watch out for, even if you find a spot.

Is Griffith Observatory open during Covid?

Griffith Observatory is

closed today

.

How much does observatory cost?

The total budget for an observatory can range from

$50,000 to more than $500,000

, depending on how technologically advanced the equipment and the size and complexity of the structure.

How safe is Griffith Park?

But according to The Times’ Mapping L.A. database, there is

relatively little crime

in Griffith Park, especially given how many people visit the park. The most common incidents over the last few months were thefts from vehicles.

Can you see the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park?

The best places to see the Hollywood Sign are Griffith Observatory and Hollywood & Highland.

You can hike toward the Sign along trails in Griffith Park, but you cannot get too close

. The Sign is NOT illuminated at night. The Hollywood Sign Trust has collected all the best ways to see the Sign, including live webcams.

Can you see Hollywood sign from Rodeo Drive?

Guided Tours from Hollywood Boulevard –

some of the tours offered in Hollywood will take you to Mulholland Drive to view the Hollywood Sign

, as well as Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and movie star homes.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.