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Los Angeles Hikes

The Easy Hollywood Sign Hike Guide

  • 6 miles - Moderate Effort
  • 3-4 Hours (Total)
  • Can Get Very Busy
  • 1,100 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 1,709 feet
  • Leashed Dogs Allowed

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign not only gets you to the iconic sign but also provides a fun and safe hike away from the hustle of LA. I'm a professional hiking guide; I'll show you the best (and confusion-free) way to do the hike everyone enjoys. Thousands of people of all shapes and sizes hike to the Hollywood Sign, and so can you.

In this Guide:
  • Where to Park for the Hollywood Sign
  • Video and Hike Directions
  • Insider Tips for the Hike

There's a lot of conflicting information about hiking to the Hollywood Sign. This guide is verified and up to date as of March 2024.

Want a shorter hike to the sign? You can visit the sign from the Wisdom Tree, but it's a more rugged trail that isn't beginner-friendly. Want to just go on a hike without any climbing or dirt but that has good views of the sign? Try the Lake Hollywood hike.

Getting to the Hollywood Sign Hike

Hollywood Sign Location Map
The hike to the Hollywood Sign starts in one of North America's largest urban parks, Griffith Park, located in Hollywood.

Unlike other hikes, you don't have to park in a residential neighborhood or walk through a gated community. The hike starts inside Griffith Park, and has an official parking lot. Be aware the the park hours are sunrise to sunset. Use this trailhead address: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90068, USA.

When you’re planning your Hollywood Sign hike, I’d recommend doing it as early as possible to beat the heat and crowds.

hollywood sign hike parking
When you get to the trailhead address, you can park in the big lot (lot 1), or you can drive up to the second lot that’s closer to the trailhead (lot 2). Try for the closer one, and if it’s full, head back to the bigger first lot. People also park on the side of the road farther down.
Hollywood Hike Parking
The large lot (lot 1) has porta-potties.

Gear Recommendations

This isn't a technical hike that requires special gear, but it's also not something you do in jeans and flip-flops.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.


Gear Inreach Mini 2
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.
Gear Hoka Speedgoat 5
HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Hollywood Sign Trail Maps

Hollywood Hike Trail Sign
The trails are well-marked with signs like this. We're going to the Mt Lee Summit.
Click Here To View

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

Hollywood Sign Hike Directions

Hollywood Sign Directions 2
Hike through the gate at the end of Canyon Drive.
Hollywood Sign Directions 3
Keep hiking uphill on Brush Canyon Trail for about 1 mile.
Hollywood Sign Directions 4
When the Brush Canyon Trail dead ends, make the left onto Mulholland Trail.
Hollywood Sign Directions 5
The Mulholland Trail winds its way around the mountain for about a mile.
Hollywood Sign Directions 6
When the trail splits, stay right on the Mulholland Trail.
Hollywood Sign Directions 1
The Mulholland Trail ends at the paved Mt Lee Road. Hike right and go uphill for about a mile.
Hollywood Sign Directions 7
This last mile of hiking is the steepest.
Hollywood Sign Directions 8
When you get to the radio towers, look for a hidden trail to the left.
Hollywood Sign Directions 9
Hike up the small hidden trail to the summit.
Hollywood Sign Directions 10
Here you are, the summit of Mt Lee!
Hollywood Sign Directions 11
Enjoy the views and then hike back down the way you came up.

Need More Info?

  • Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
  • When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.