How to Hike to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles: The Complete 2026 Guide
Your Ultimate Roadmap to the Best Views, Legal Trailheads, and Stress-Free Parking in the Hollywood Hills
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign isn’t difficult, but it’s more complicated than you might think
So, you want to see the world’s most famous nine letters up close? You aren’t alone. Every year, thousands of travelers head into the Santa Monica Mountains with visions of that perfect Instagram shot. But here is the reality: the Hollywood Sign sits behind a high-tech fence on the steep slopes of Mount Lee, guarded by cameras, motion sensors, and the LAPD. You cannot touch the letters, but you can hike right up behind them for a panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin that will take your breath away.
The TL;DR: How to Hike to the Hollywood Sign Fast
If you’re looking for a quick answer, here are the three primary legal routes to the summit:
Mt. Hollywood Trail: The classic tourist choice starting from the Griffith Observatory
Brush Canyon Trail: The most balanced hiker's route starting from Canyon Drive
Wonder View Trail: The rugged, steep local secret starting near the Wisdom Tree
The Golden Rule: Look, Don’t Touch
The area around the Hollywood Sign is highly restricted, and the LAPD will have a word if you get too close — Jake Blucker / Unsplash
Before you lace up your boots, let’s clear up a common myth. There is no legal way to stand inside or on the Hollywood Sign letters. The area is a restricted zone. However, by following the legal trails managed by Griffith Park, you can reach the Mt. Lee Summit, which puts you directly above and behind the letters, looking out over Hollywood toward the Pacific Ocean.
The 3 Best Trails to the Hollywood Sign (Compared)
The most popular hike to the Hollywood Sign starts at the Griffith Observatory — Venti Views / Unsplash
1. The Scenic & Popular Route: Mt. Hollywood Trail
If this is your first time in Los Angeles, the Mt. Hollywood Trail is the gold standard. Why? Because it allows you to knock out two bucket-list items at once: the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.
Most hikers begin at the Charlie Turner Trailhead, located at the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking lot. As you ascend, you’ll get sweeping views of the Greek Theatre and the Los Angeles skyline. While this trail doesn’t take you directly behind the letters (it takes you to a viewpoint looking at them from across a canyon), it is widely considered the most scenic because of the constant landmarks in sight.
The Catch: Parking at the Griffith Observatory
The biggest hurdle here isn’t the incline; it’s the logistics. Parking at the Observatory can cost up to $10 per hour, and the lot often fills up by 10:00 AM. If you choose this route, arrive at sunrise. Not only will you beat the crowds, but you’ll also avoid the brutal midday sun that reflects off the decomposed granite paths.
2. The Balanced & Direct Route: Brush Canyon Trail
For those who want a real hike without the Observatory crowds, Brush Canyon is the go-to recommendation from Drives & Detours. This trail starts at the top of Canyon Drive (inside Bronson Canyon Park).
This wide, dirt fire road offers a steady, manageable incline. About 2 miles in, you’ll reach a T junction. Heading left takes you to Tyrolian Tank, a fantastic spot for a front-facing photo of the sign. However, if you keep climbing toward the Mt. Lee Summit, you will eventually wind around the back of the mountain to stand directly over the letters.
Expert Tip: Before you start your ascent, take a quick 5-minute detour to the Bronson Caves. These man-made caves served as the Batcave in the 1960s Batman TV series. It’s a great piece of Hollywood history hidden right at the trailhead.
3. The Challenging Route: Wonder View Trail (Burbank Peak)
Are you looking for a workout that leaves your quads burning and your heart racing? The Wonder View Trail is the highest point in Griffith Park and is significantly more rugged than the fire roads of the other routes.
This trail takes you to the famous Wisdom Tree, the only tree in the area to survive the 2007 Hollywood Hills fire. From the tree, you’ll traverse a narrow ridge (The Cahuenga Peak trek) over to the back of the Hollywood Sign. It is rocky, steep, and requires a bit of scrambling.
A Warning on Parking: Do not attempt to park on Wonder View Drive; you will be towed. Local residents are very protective of their driveways. Instead, find legal street parking further down on Lake Hollywood Drive near the North Gate and walk up to the trailhead. Always check the signs—the LAPD monitors this area 24/7.
Essential Tips for Your Hollywood Sign Hike
Many of the Hollywood Sign hikes offer views of Los Angeles that you’ll never see otherwise — Juan Carlos Becerra / Unsplash
At Drives & Detours, we believe the best trips are the ones where you don’t end up dehydrated or ticketed. Keep these three rules in mind.
1. Arrive Early (Seriously)
The Hollywood Hills act like a giant convection oven. By 1:00 PM, the temperature on the exposed ridges can be 10–15 degrees hotter than at the beach. Starting your hike by 8:00 AM ensures you get a parking spot and finish before the heat peaks.
2. The No Shade Reality
There are virtually no trees on the trails to the Hollywood Sign. You are hiking through high-desert scrubland.
Bring 2 liters of water per person
Wear a hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Wear sturdy shoes. These trails are made of loose, crunchy dirt that can be slippery on the descent
3. Respect the Neighborhoods
The Hollywood Sign is located in a residential area. GPS apps often try to shortcut hikers through narrow, private streets like Beachwood Canyon. Follow the official signs for Griffith Park and stay on marked trails. Avoid blocking driveways or making excessive noise—respect the people who live in the shadow of the sign.
Cool Down With a Self-Guided Hollywood Drive
The Hollywood to Beverly Hills Insider’s Drive shows you the sights of Tinseltown whenever you want to see them
By the time you get back to your car, your legs will be tired, but your Hollywood adventure is just beginning. Don’t spend the rest of your afternoon fighting for a spot on a crowded tour bus or squinting to see landmarks from a distance.
After conquering the hills on foot, get out of the sun and explore the rest of Tinseltown from the comfort of your own vehicle. At Drives & Detours, we’ve designed the ultimate post-hike experience: the Hollywood to Beverly Hills Insider’s Drive.
Our self-guided audio tour picks up where the trails end. As you drive, we’ll guide you through:
The legendary Sunset Strip and its rock-and-roll history
The hidden stories behind the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The opulent gates of Beverly Hills and celebrity estates
You set the pace. If you see a café you like or a shop you want to browse, just hit pause. It’s your tour, on your time.
Ready to see the rest of LA?
