Amazing Views Hiking to the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is one of Los Angeles' most iconic landmarks and a great place to go for a hike! Three main trails lead up to the sign: Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and Cahuenga Peak Trail.

Each trail has unique features, but all offer stunning views of the city and the spectacular Hollywood Sign. When choosing a trail to visit, be sure to take into account the length of the hike and the elevation gain. This will help you avoid hikes that may be too difficult for your mobility needs or too easy for your liking.

To help you choose the right option for hiking to the Hollywood Sign, here's a close look at each of the official trails.

Mt. Hollywood Trail

With an elevation gain of 1,250 feet, the Mt. Hollywood Trail is a great option for beginner hikers who aren't opposed to breaking a sweat. This 5.3-mile loop is easy to moderate in difficulty and takes an average of two hours and 50 minutes to complete. When the weather is clear, this trail offers incredible views of the entirety of Los Angeles.

The Mt. Hollywood Trail takes hikers along the eastern side of Mount Hollywood, and the trailhead is located near the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, making the Mt. Hollywood Trail one of the most crowded trails in the area. However, if you don't mind sharing the trail with other hikers, this is a great option for taking in the sights of Los Angeles year-round.

Brush Canyon Trail

The Brush Canyon Trail is another moderate hike with an elevation gain of 1,171 feet. This six-mile out-and-back trail takes an average of three hours to complete and offers hikers a challenging adventure, complete with a 360-degree view behind the Hollywood Sign.

The trailhead for this hike is located on Canyon Drive near the Griffith Observatory. Parking is limited, so it's best to take the DASH Observatory Shuttle to the trailhead area. Keep in mind that while the shuttle is wheelchair accessible, the trail is not considered wheelchair friendly due to steep portions of the trail. But if you're capable and ready for a rewarding challenge, you'll want to hike on the Brush Canyon Trail.

Cahuenga Peak Trail

The Cahuenga Peak Trail is the shortest but most difficult of the three trails, with an elevation gain of 875 feet spread across only three miles. This out-and-back trail is considered strenuous and takes an average of one hour and 45 minutes to complete. Hikers who dare to take on this trail are rewarded with spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown Los Angeles, and Burbank.

As the highest summit in Griffith Park, Cahuenga Peak is a popular spot for hikers and photographers alike. The trailhead is located on Wonder View Drive, but you will need to park on the street along Lake Hollywood Drive to access it. From there, it's a quarter mile on the paved ground to reach the trailhead. Because of this, the Cahuenga Peak Trail is typically less busy than the other Hollywood Sign hikes.

Ultimately, there's no right or wrong way to visit the Hollywood Sign. All three of these trails offer a unique and memorable experience, so take your time choosing the right hike. And don't forget to enjoy the incredible views along the way! Once you're finished hiking, be sure to check out the other amazing things to do at Griffith Park for a truly unforgettable Hollywood adventure.