Where To Park To Hike Up The Hollywood Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Locals know it as Bronson Caves, and there’s

a small parking lot close to the trailhead on Canyon Drive and an overflow dirt parking lot just down the road

. The trail offers sensational views of the city and ends behind the Hollywood Sign.

Can you hike the Hollywood Sign for free?

Griffith Observatory is an great starting point for this hike.

Parking is free at Griffith Observatory

. The hike from Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign is about 6 miles round-trip. It’s not the easiest trail but it’s perfect for those looking for more of a challenge.

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.

How do you get to hike behind the Hollywood Sign?

Both Hollyridge Trail and Brush Canyon Trail link up with Mulholland Fire Road, taking that trail to Mount Lee Drive to ascend to the the viewing area behind the Hollywood Sign at the top of Mount Lee. Stand at the summit and look down on the Hollywood Sign and out over the cityscape of Los Angeles.

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.

How much is parking at Griffith Park?

Griffith Park parking fee ranges from

$4 an hour to $20 a day

, on average. Private garages and parking lots near the park will charge about $10 – $20 daily, while metered parking near the Griffith Observatory is $1 per hour. Griffith Park parking hours and rates can vary during holidays and peak seasons.

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.

Where do you park to see the 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.

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 trail gets you closest to the Hollywood Sign?

The

Mt. Hollywood Trail

, offering a mind-bending side-angle view of the Sign, has two starting points in Griffith Park, the 6.5 square miles of protected wilderness AKA the heart and lungs of Los Angeles (Phone: (323) 913-4688; Hours: Sunrise – Sunset).

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.

Where do you park to hike the Hollywood Sign Reddit?

2 has its own parking area around bronson caves, 4 & 5 you can park

wherever near the observatory (or down in western canyon or vermont canyon)

depending how long you want to hike and precisely where you want to start.

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.

Is all of Griffith Park closed?


The following Griffith Park areas are closed

: the Observatory. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the EXPO Center are closed. All senior citizen centers remain closed. Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered to seniors enrolled in LA City Department of Aging program.

Can you hike Griffith Observatory to Hollywood sign?

The hike from Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee is

8.8 miles round trip (4.4 miles each way)

. The trailhead and the summit are separated by 575 feet of elevation, but because this route crosses a mountain in between, the hike actually has two ascents of 425 feet and 525 feet.

Is Griffith Observatory open during Covid?

Griffith Observatory is

closed today

.

Is Griffith Observatory better at night or day?

That’s another reason that the best time to visit Griffith Observatory is during a

weekday morning or early afternoon

. If you want to go inside to see the exhibits, check out the facility’s hours. Of course, they’re open late most days, so guests can see L.A. and the night skies in the dark.

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.

Where do you park for Griffith Park trails?

Hiking up to Griffith Observatory. Set out from Western Canyon, which is just below Griffith Observatory to the west. Parking is available along

Fern Dell Drive and Western Canyon Road

, which is one continuous road.

How long is Griffith Park hike?

You can hike from the street parking area to the Observatory in Griffith Park in about

20 minutes

. From there you have a great view of much of the Los Angeles basin, including the Civic Center, the Hollywood Hills, and the Hollywood sign. On an unusually clear day, you could see the ocean.

Is there free parking at Griffith Park?

Did you know? It’s actually free to park in the observatory’s parking lot during these times: On Mon to Fri from 5:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M. And on the weekends from 5:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

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.

Where can you park for free in Hollywood?

  • Hollywood & Highland Parking Structure. 0.7 mi. …
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame. 0.5 mi. …
  • Robertson Public Parking Lot 703. 3.1 mi. …
  • Hollywood / Highland Red Line Station. 0.5 mi. …
  • LA County Library – West Hollywood Library. 2.9 mi. …
  • The Grove. 2.1 mi. …
  • K 3 Parking. 3.1 mi. …
  • Egyptian Theatre.

How much is parking at Hollywood and Highland?

Parking Type SpotHero Average Price Offered
Commuter Parking


$11 – $23
Weekend Parking $20 – $25 Event Parking $20 – $24 Overnight Parking $25 – $26

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.

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.