Hiking the Hollywood Sign: A Local’s Guide to LA’s Most Iconic TrailHey there! I’m Jake — born and raised in LA, and if there’s one thing I never get tired of, it’s hiking through our city’s incredible trails. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s one hike that stands out above the rest: the trail to the Hollywood Sign.
Yeah, I know — it might sound touristy. But hear me out. This trail has everything: epic views of the city, a brush with LA history, and that unbeatable feeling of standing right behind one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. And the best part? It’s totally hike-able, even if you’re not a seasoned outdoors pro.
Let’s break it down. Why the Hollywood Sign Trail Is So PopularOkay, first things first. There are a few different ways to hike to the Hollywood Sign. The most popular route — and my personal favorite — is the Brush Canyon Trail, which takes you all the way to the back of the sign, giving you that iconic photo op.
What makes this trail such a hit?
Unbeatable photo spots: You’ll get sweeping views of Griffith Park, downtown LA, and (on a clear day) even the ocean.
It’s moderate: Challenging enough to make you feel like you earned it, but not so hard that you’ll want to Uber back halfway through.
It’s iconic: Let’s be real — if you're in LA and don't hike to the Hollywood Sign at least once, did you really visit?
How to Get ThereStart your journey at Brush Canyon Trailhead, which you can find at the end of Canyon Drive. Plug 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 into your GPS and you’ll end up in a small parking area. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so try to arrive early (before 9am is golden).
Parking is free — but limited. If you can’t find a spot, look for legal street parking nearby and be mindful of signage. The rangers do ticket. The Hike: What to Expect
Distance: About 6.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Around 1,100 feet
Time: 2.5 to 3 hours total (depending on your pace and how often you stop for pics)
You’ll start with a steady uphill walk through the canyon, shaded in parts with eucalyptus and pine trees. After about 1.5 miles, you’ll hit the Mulholland Trail, and from there, connect with Mt. Lee Drive. That’s the road that takes you behind the Hollywood Sign.
You can’t touch the sign — it’s fenced off — but the view from behind is honestly more impressive than you’d expect. The letters are huge (each one’s about 45 feet tall), and you’ll get a panorama of the entire LA basin from up there. Pro Tips From a Local
Bring water — at least a liter or two. There's no drinking fountains or refill stations along the trail.
Wear real shoes — I’ve seen people try to do this in flip-flops. Trust me, just don’t.
Sunscreen and a hat are your best friends, especially in summer. The sun will roast you.
Go early or late in the day for the best light (and fewer crowds). Golden hour up there is chef’s kiss.
Don’t rely on cell service. It’s spotty, especially the higher you go. Download your map ahead of time if you're nervous about directions.
Other Trail OptionsIf you’re short on time or just want a different view, check out the Innsdale Drive Trail (shorter, but no direct back-of-sign access) or the Griffith Observatory route, which gives you stellar city views plus a side of science history.
But honestly? Brush Canyon to the Hollywood Sign is the one I always recommend. Final ThoughtsWhether you're a tourist chasing the perfect selfie or a local just looking to reconnect with the city, the hike to the Hollywood Sign is a must-do. It’s LA in a nutshell: bold, beautiful, a little dramatic, but 100% worth the climb.
So lace up your shoes, charge your phone, and hit the trail. I’ll see you at the top.
Happy hiking!
– Jake
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