The Hollywood Sign is a famous place located on the south side of Mount Lee in the Griffith Park area of Los Angeles. It’s an excellent viewpoint of the Beachwood Canyon and Mt. Hollywood Trail, which provides a breathtaking view of the city. The sign was originally built with wood and sheet metal in 1923 as HOLLYWOODLAND in a temporary form. The sign was refurbished between 1949 and 1978 with a complete reconstruction of the structure using steel, with the help of donations given by celebrities, and since that time, it has been used as a world-renowned representation of the film and television industry. Other than serving as a permanent visual landmark of the entertainment capital, it is also a favourite hiking spot with some trails, but the area does not offer many eating establishments.
How to Get to the Hollywood Sign Hiking Trails?
Here are the four best ways to go to the Hollywood Sign hiking trails:
- By Car
Car ride is a direct and flexible mode of entry; however, parking at the Griffith Park lot is scarce, and it gets occupied very fast, but Hollywood Park has free parking. The car rental cost is $50-$60 per day.
- By Metro or Bus
Metro is the subway to Hollywood/Highland station, and DASH buses such as 180, 207, or 217 to Griffith Park or Beachwood Canyon. It’s the best option for travelling as it is safe, affordable free from the problem of parking. The metro cost is $1.75 per ride.
- Limo & Car Services
Limo & Car are pickup services from your location to some trailhead, such as Lake Hollywood Park. It is a comfortable and trustworthy option that has a straight route and an enjoyable ride. The rental cost for a Limo is $55-$60 per ride.
- By Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Ride sharing is also the best option to go to a hiking spot like Lake Hollywood Park or the Griffith Observatory. It is a convenient and flexible alternative that can be directly taken to the trailhead without having to drive through traffic and seek parking by oneself. Ride-sharing cost is $10-$20 per ride.
What Are the Best Trails to Hike to the Hollywood Sign?
Here are the four best hiking Trails in the Hollywood Sign:
- Mt. Hollywood Trail (from Griffith Observatory)
The Mt. Hollywood trail gives an overview of the Los Angeles basin, the sign, and the park. It is already a classic and easy-to-reach alternative with the beginning of a familiar landmark. It’s free of cost.
- Brush Canyon Trail (Canyon Drive Trailhead)
Brush Canyon Trail is a good substitute for routes that are congested and offers an excellent view of the scenery in the Brush Canyon region. It is an excellent alternative to avoid heavy traffic.
- Cahuenga Peak & Wisdom Tree Trail
Cahuenga Peak and Wisdom Tree Trail is a more demanding and harder route and goes all the way to the top of Griffith Park, Cahuenga Peak. The historic, famous Wisdom Tree is a common place to visit on this hike.
- Hollyridge Trail (Currently Restricted Access)
Hollyridge Trail was one of the most common and direct pathways that was used to see the sign in the past. It’s Free of cost; however, it is not yet a feasible alternative to hikers.
What to See & Do During the Hollywood Sign Hike?
Here are the five best tips to do at the Hollywood Sign to enjoy the tour:
- Take Iconic Photos
For the best photos at the Hollywood Sign, go down to the trail at the very top of Mount Lee to be in the right out of the back of the letters, and have the Los Angeles basin extending in the background.
- Enjoy Griffith Park Nature
Lake Hollywood Park is worth seeing view of nature. It is a good, family-friendly, free photo place and provides a less exhausting experience.
- Visit Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory Terraces is the best place to take a photo of the Hollywood sign; it has coin telescopes allowing you to take a close-up.
- Picnic at Lake Hollywood Park
Lake Hollywood Park is full of greenery, natural views and is also family-friendly. It has many beautiful sights to take photos and enjoy nature.
- Sunset Viewing
The best lighting for photography is at sunrise or the time of sunset, which is known as the golden hours, and this offers the best natural lighting to take a brilliant photograph.
What Are the Entry Fees, Hours, and Parking Costs for the Hollywood Sign Hike?
Here are the entry fees, parking costs and opening hours of the Hollywood sign hike:
- Entry Fees
The entry in Hollywood Sign Hike is free of cost.
- Parking Costs
Free parking on the streets is available, also on Canyon Lake Drive off Lake Hollywood Park. Parking in the vicinity of other attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the parking garages charge costs $11-$36.
- Opening Hours
Hiking tracks are available all day long in daytime. It is advisable to come to your hike early to avoid the heat and rush.
