NYC may have its Statue of Liberty, but in LA there’s no need for a huge and fancy statue to symbolize the city. It’s a HOLLYWOOD sign right up there on the side of the mountain. It’s a sight that’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and invariably every movie and TV show displays the sign to immediately tell people where the action is.
While it seems like a great view from below, you know what’s better? It’s if you can hike up to it so that you can take a selfie with that huge sign as your immediate background. There’s an easy way to get there, and there’s another hiking trail you can use if you want more of a challenge.
Best Hiking Trails to the Iconic Hollywood Sign
The Easy Trail
If you want to take things easy, it’s understandable. All you need to do is to take the Mount Hollywood trail to take you right to the sign. You start in Griffith Park, with 2 possible starting points in the area.
The starting point for the shorter trail starts at the parking lot of the Griffith Observatory. This hike is about 3 miles long, which is like a stroll in the park for most hikers. For newbies, it’s not all that bad either.
The other starting point is on a fire road intersecting N. Vermont Canyon Road. It’s only a little bit longer. You can find parking at both spots, but you may have to compete with other hikers especially if you come later in the day. You should come in early in the morning so parking is easier, plus you can enjoy a cooler hike.
The Charlie Turner Trailhead also has another starting point for the Mt. Hollywood trail. You can’t miss it, as you’ll see various signs that should point you in the right direction.
Just remember, this is the easy trail with different starting points. It’ll be a little over 3 miles, and it should take you about 2 hours to hike. It’ll take you right next to the sign.
The Challenging Trail
If you’re really fit and itching to prove it, then this is the trail for you. This is the Canyon Drive trail, and you’ll end up behind the sign with this hike. What’s more, you get to see the awesome view of downtown LA as well as the San Fernando Valley.
It’s about 6½ miles long and you’ll need about 4 hours to complete the journey. Keep in mind that you’ll hike going up by about 1100 feet, so be prepared. Take lots of water with you, and make sure you have sunscreen.
Plenty of people start this trail at the wee hours of the morning. This gives you a cooler hike and at the end, the sunlight gives you a great view. But you may also want to try it at sunset too. The view is a lot more unique, and you get enchanting hues with your views of downtown LA and the San Fernando Valley.
