The Trail to the Sign
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign is the closest you can get to the most famous landmark in Los Angeles — climbing the trails of Griffith Park to viewpoints on the ridge above and directly behind the sign, where the letters are visible at close range and the panoramic views of the LA basin spread out below. The hikes are the active, immersive alternative to the bus and vehicle tours — you earn the view with your legs, and the trail through the chaparral-covered hillsides of Griffith Park is a surprisingly wild experience within a city of 4 million people.
Trail Options
The Brush Canyon Trail (Hollyridge Trail) from the Beachwood Canyon trailhead is the most popular route to the sign — approximately 5 kilometres one way to the Mount Lee summit (directly behind the sign), with approximately 300 metres of elevation gain. The trail is moderate in difficulty — a steady climb on a wide fire road with increasingly dramatic views of the sign and the city as you ascend. Allow 2–3 hours for the return hike.
The Mount Hollywood Trail from the Griffith Observatory — a gentler, less crowded route that reaches the summit of Mount Hollywood (not Mount Lee) with panoramic views including the sign. Approximately 4.8 kilometres round trip.
The Bronson Canyon Trail from the Bronson Canyon entrance to Griffith Park — the shortest approach but steeper. The Bronson Caves (a former quarry used as a filming location for “Batman,” “Star Trek,” and other productions) are a bonus on this route.
The Wisdom Tree Trail from the Lake Hollywood Drive area — a steep, direct climb to the Wisdom Tree (a lone pine tree on a hilltop), with close views of the sign’s backside.
Practical Tips
Start early. The trails are exposed to full sun (minimal shade on the fire roads), and Los Angeles summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C. Starting before 8:00 AM avoids the worst heat and the heaviest trail traffic.
Bring water — more than you think you need. The trails have no water sources. A minimum of 1 litre per person is essential; 1.5–2 litres in summer. Dehydration on exposed, sun-baked trails is the most common hiking problem in Griffith Park.
Wear proper footwear. The fire roads are compacted dirt and gravel. The single-track trails have loose sections. Hiking shoes or trail runners are appropriate. Sandals and fashion shoes are inadequate.
Parking at the trailheads is limited. The Beachwood Canyon trailhead in particular has very limited street parking and residents are hostile to tourist parking. Ride-share to the trailhead or use a guided tour with transport included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike to the Hollywood Sign?
The most popular route (Brush Canyon/Hollyridge Trail) takes approximately 2–3 hours round trip for the full Mount Lee summit hike. Shorter viewpoints are reachable in 60–90 minutes.
How difficult is the Hollywood Sign hike?
Moderate. The trails are wide fire roads with steady but manageable grades. The elevation gain (200–300 metres depending on the route) and the sun exposure are the main challenges. Anyone with reasonable fitness can complete the hike.
Can I touch the Hollywood Sign?
No. The sign is fenced and gated at the summit of Mount Lee. You can view it from close range (approximately 50 metres) from the summit viewpoint, but physical access to the sign is prohibited.
Is the hike safe?
Yes. The trails are well-maintained, well-marked, and well-populated (particularly on weekends). Rattlesnakes are present in Griffith Park — stay on the trail, watch where you step, and give any snake you see a wide berth. The primary safety concern is heat and dehydration rather than trail hazards.