A Classic LA Hike to The Hollywood Sign
The city of LA is probably not best known for hiking, but if you do decide to go for a hiking trip here, there’s nothing more classic than the hike to the top of the world famous Hollywood sign. After living in Southern California for years now, we finally decided to check off this hike from our list.
Parking and Route Planning
There are a handful of options when it comes to the hike to the Hollywood sign, the route we chose is on the lengthy side but it covered everything we wanted to see. Since this is an out and back trail, the map below shows the single way route of our hike for easy demonstration, the actual time and length of the hike is twice as long of the estimate.
We parked at the large parking lot at the trailhead of Griffith Parking Trails (click HERE for Google Map location), it is just next to The Greek Theatre and public restrooms are available. We arrived on a Saturday around 8am, and there were sufficient parking spots left still.
Griffith Observatory
Shortly after we started our hike, Griffith Observatory came into sight. As one of the most beloved and iconic landmarks in LA, the architecture sits beautifully on Mount Hollywood facing the City of Angels. It is well known that the city views from Griffith Observatory are astonishing, but the DTLA view with Griffith Observatory in it is just as incredible.
Captain’s Roost
Palm trees are no strangers in LA, but what about palm trees on top of a hill? That’s a first to us.
These tall palm trees line up on both sides of the path, you walk through them, and there’s the view of the city. For a second it was hard to believe we were in LA, it was a total hidden gem and a very pleasant surprise to us.
The Hollywood Sign From Afar
Though we’ve previously been to other Hollywood sign viewpoints that require minimal hiking, we’ve got the chance to fully grasp the looks of the sign from so many different angels this time. As you hike up towards the top, there will be plenty of chances to stop for a photo with HOLLYWOOD in your backdrop.
Top of The Hollywood Sign
The last portion of the hike is probably the most steep climb, chances are you will need to stop and catch your breaths a few times on the way up. But nothing great comes easy, and the 360 degree surrounding view on the very top will make you think every drop of sweat is worth it.
We’ve climbed to the peak of many mountains, that on top of the world view is always so rewarding and satisfying, but have to admit that it feels extra cool this time with the whole Hollywood below us.. :)
The whole trip had minimal shades and frankly it wasn’t the most fun hiking experience for us, nevertheless it was a memorable hike that represents a classic piece of LA, and for that we would totally recommend it.
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