Famous Hollywood Sign Hides Wonderful Hikes

by reneekische on July 9, 2009

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.

Hollywood Sign outdoor activities

360 Views from the Ocean to the Valley in Hollywood

Venture up Bronson, just north of Franklin Avenue and at the end of this residential street is a wonderful starting point into the country’s biggest public park, Griffith Park. Here you beign your journey to the Hollywood Sign.

Inside Griffith Park

Once you’ve found your parking spot you can choose to go on a medium or hard hike. Personally, I’ve hiked “off road” just east of the parking lots. It’s a bit challenging to find the initial beginnings of each trail head, yet look past some of the brush and you’ll see well worn paths.

What you’ll see: Aside from the wonderful views of our grand city, you also walk past backyards of some of the neighborhoods most spectacular homes. On occasion, I’ve waived to a few neighbors who are surprised we took this bushy path.

The other more obvious trail head is next to the northern most parking lot. Begin your quest by heading straight past a creek bed (full flowing in winter), past a ravine, round the bend towards a waterfall (again, full flowing in winter), and straight uphill for the burn of a lifetime. I’m an avid outdoor girl and it took me a few rounds to not be winded up the first few inclines.

At the top: Once near the top of the initial climb, the trail flattens out and you begin to see the Hollywood sign. Another 1/2 mile – mile, past the Sunset Ranch riders, you’ll come to an asphalt fork in the road. Turn left (or north) and start your assent. From what I know of this road, it doubles as the Parks Department access, but I bet it was the original road from the 1920s when anybody could ride there car to the top of the hill.

Is it worth it?

YES! It’s very exciting to be standing behind the Hollywood sign. Take lots of pictures to prove you made it to the top.

What to expect:

There may be a few other brave hikers, but most likely it’ll just be your clan. Make sure to stop and view the “Valley side” of the hike. You’ll gaze across Studio City, Burbank, and Forest Lawn.

Warning:

Of course, bring lots of water, possibly a jacket if it gets windy or intense sun raze. The best hike is towards sunset, but give yourself at least 45 minutes- 1hr to get off the mountain. When the sun goes down, the coyotes come out and few others are around.

More more details:

Check out the official Griffith Park page here