One of the best known Hollywood attractions is the Hollywood Sign. It can be seen from all over Hollywood, including from Hollywood & Highland Center (a collection of shops, eateries and the Kodak Theater) and Griffith Observatory (an architectural beauty housing astronomy exhibits, a telescope and a planetarium).
There’s also a special way to get a unique view of the famous letters… if you’re up for a hike.
My favorite version of the Hollywood Sign Hike starts at the north end of North Beachwood Drive and ends at the top of Mount Lee, just above the sign. The hike is moderately strenuous and offers very little shade. It is about three miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 800 feet. The entire hike takes me about 1 1/2 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace.
To get to the trailhead, I head north from the intersection of Franklin Avenue and North Beachwood Drive. The Drive has great views of the Hollywood Sign. It passes through charming Beachwood Village and finally ends at Sunset Ranch (stables that offer horseback rides through Griffith Park).
After parking in the dirt lot just south of Sunset Ranch, I tie on my hiking shoes (or sneakers with really good tread), grab a few bottles of water, and set out on the dirt trail to the right.
The route to the Hollywood Sign is a bit confusing. Hikers have to be careful not to miss the sharp left turn early on, and the right turn when arriving at the paved road. On my first hike, I was led by a friend who knew the way, but there are also free printable maps available online (there is a good one at mydreamcametrue.com/hollywoodsign).
A few steps into the hike is a great photo-op of the Hollywood Sign in the distance to the northwest. Continuing on the hike there are views of Hollywood to the south and, after gaining some elevation, Griffith Observatory to the southeast.
When the trail wraps around the north side of Mount Lee, it’s easy to spot sprawling Forest Lawn cemetery. It is a bit more challenging to find Walt Disney Studios. Binoculars or a good zoom lens would be helpful.
The trail ends on the south side of Mount Lee, just above the Hollywood Sign. A chain link fence keeps people from approaching the sign. The Hollywood Reservoir glistens to the southwest, and, on a clear day, there is a glimmer of the Pacific Ocean along the far away shore.
Although I’ve taken many hikes to the Hollywood Sign, I still enjoy it. For me, it’s the best hike in Hollywood!