The shortest, most challenging route takes Burbank Peak Trail (formerly known as Wonder View Trail) and Aileen Getty Ridge Trail to the top of Cahuenga Peak and then crosses a ridge to the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee.
There is no cost to visit the Hollywood Sign. But please be aware that parking at the Griffith Observatory is now metered parking and parking illegally will get you a parking ticket.
From Mulholland Drive, you can see the Hollywood Sign and most of the Los Angeles area on a clear day. This route may sound like it connects to the Hollywood Reservoir route above, but it does not. Mulholland Highway and Mulholland Drive are not the same.
The Easy Hollywood Sign Hike
| In This Guide | Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video Hollywood Sign Hike Trail Maps Planning Your Trip Parking Info |
|---|
| Hike Time | 2-3 Hours (Total) |
| Difficulty (?) | Moderate |
| Total Ascent (?) | 1,100 feet (335m) |
| Highest Elevation | 1,709 feet (521m) |
The trailhead sign and landscaping are at the north end of the Observatory parking lot. The hike begins with a short, easy ascent along a ridge. Look for the Mt. Hollywood trailhead sign and landscaping at the north end of the Observatory parking lot.
People who climb to the Hollywood Sign are fully aware they are trespassing: there are Do Not Enter Signs on the way up, as well as a gate. The Sign itself is equipped with sensors and loudspeakers, and police helicopters are deployed at the first sign of a breach.
No permit is required to hike to Griffith Observatory and visiting Griffith Park is free, so get out and enjoy! To get to the trailhead: From Interstate 5, take exit 141 for Los Feliz Boulevard. Go west on Los Feliz Boulevard for 2.4 miles. Turn right up Fern Dell Drive and drive 0.4 miles into Griffith Park.
The Park boasts rare native species such as Southern California black walnut (found only in the Los Angeles area). Mammals making their home in the Park include mule deer, coyote, racoon, gray fox, opossum, skunk, bobcat, and mountain lion.
But according to The Times' Mapping L.A. database, there is relatively little crime in Griffith Park, especially given how many people visit the park. The most common incidents over the last few months were thefts from vehicles.
For the safety of visitors, Griffith Observatory remains closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Observatory's grounds and roads are open, as are the roads and trails of Griffith Park.
Enter Griffith Park's Fern Dell entrance at Los Feliz Boulevard and Fern Dell Drive. The trailhead is about 0.5 miles inside the park, just past the Trails Cafe.
There are 48 moderate trails in Griffith Park ranging from 1.1 to 11.8 miles and from 413 to 1,824 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in all of North America, and the second-largest city park in California.
Reservations for use of designated picnic areas may be made for groups of any size which the facility can accommodate. Alcohol is not permitted in any picnic area. All fees must be paid 30 days in advance.
The observatory is always busy. During the day you can not only see the exhibits inside the observatory, but you can also hike through Griffith Park, which cannot be done at night.
Drive & ParkThe area surrounding the Griffith Observatory is paid parking. Parking is enforced every day of the year, Monday-Friday 12pm—10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am—10pm. Parking fees increase over peak season/holidays.
They offer about 4 shows currently, and is presented by a live, knowledgeable story-teller. Griffith Observatory needs to be a MUST-SEE when traveling to Los Angeles. Totally worth going to. Beautiful area, gorgeous view, educational and fun.
This can be a fairly difficult hike due to loose ground and the potential to slip on the descent. For an easier route in Runyon Canyon, check out this route: This is a quick hike to see the Hollywood sign or views from Inspiration Point and Clouds Rest.
Griffith Observatory hike
The bears were freed from their cages when the New Year's flood swept through the park. Two of the bears have been captured, but others are being hunted. Griffith Park (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Male mountain lions usually have a territory of about 150 square miles where they might encounter some competition and maybe a mate. But P-22 is living all by himself in about nine square miles in Griffith Park.
Alcohol is prohibited in the building, on Observatory grounds, in the parking lot and adjacent roads, and throughout Griffith Park.
Mountain Biking not allowed at Griffith Park. Violators will be apprehended and executed. If you don't mind driving a bit further, you can ride the San Gabriel mountains or Turnbull.
