**View It or Climb It: The Hollywood Sign Hike with Options**

I finally found the epic hike: the Hollywood Sign hike with not just one but two incredible viewpoints to choose from (or do both!). And let me tell you—it was movie magic, canyon charm, and a nice little leg workout all in one.

This trail starts out mellow, builds with elevation, and then surprises you with options. Most hikes to the Hollywood Sign get you to one view. But this one? It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure with photo ops in every direction.

*On Brush Canyon Trail & Mulholland Trail (on the way to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint)*

🗺️ Trail Basics

Trailhead: Mount Hollywood Drive at the end of Canyon Drive
Distance: ~6 miles round trip (if you do the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint version)
Elevation Gain: 700–800 ft if you stop at the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint; closer to 1,100 ft if you go all the way behind the sign
Parking: Free (yes, you read that right) – see below!
Bathrooms: Portapotties at the first parking lot (lot furthest from trailhead)
Shade: Very little in the beginning then opens up to be basically none
Best time to go: Early morning or a few hours before sunset, to beat the heat and the crowds, especially during the warmer months

*Hollywood Sign in the distance, as we walk on Mulholland Trail (getting close to Mount Lee Drive)*

🌟 Why I Love This Hike

1. That Hollywood Sign Magic ✨

There’s just something about seeing the Hollywood Sign up close. It’s such an LA thing, but honestly, it never gets old. I’ve done a few different Hollywood Sign trails over the years, and this is the first one where I felt like I had a say in the experience. You want the panoramic hilltop view above the sign? Go right. You want the picture-perfect postcard moment with the sign in the background? Go left.

Or hey—do both!

2. Pick Your Adventure

What I loved most about this trail is that it gives you the freedom to decide your route mid-hike. The terrain is moderate, the signage is clear, and it feels like you’re in the heart of Griffith Park without being overly touristy.

We hiked to the flatter viewpoint and took in the canyon views, the city skyline, and even spotted a horse ranch in the distance. (More on that below!) It felt like just the right length and effort for a weekend morning adventure.

*The Hollywood Sign is right where these towers are - walk towards the towers for the Summit view of the Hollywood Sign.*

3. 🅿️ FREE Parking (!!)

At the time of writing this, there were three parking lots near the trailhead. Yes, THREE.

The biggest lot is right at the start of Canyon Drive.
There are also additional dirt and paved pull-offs further in—just watch the signage.

We arrived around 11AM on a Saturday and found a spot in under 10 minutes. By the time we left at 1:30PM, there were still a few spots open. In LA terms? That’s miraculous.

Tip: Go early. You’ll avoid the heat and get better parking.

*Lovely bench on the Brush Canyon Trail (on the way to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint hike)*

4. Light to Moderate Workout Vibes

We clocked in just under 2.5 hours round trip, including lots of water breaks and photo stops. The elevation isn’t too intense if you’re just going to the lookout, but if you decide to summit behind the sign, prepare for a bit more of a climb and exposure to sun.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is almost nonexistent. And if you're hiking with pups or friends visiting from out of town, this is a great trail for mixed ability levels.

5. 🐴 OPTIONAL - Trail by Horseback?? YES.

We were delighted to see several large groups of horseback riders sharing the trail with us—majestic horses clip-clopping up the same canyon roads, emerging from the trees like they were on a Western movie set.

Turns out, these riders are from Sunset Ranch Hollywood, which offers trail rides to the Hollywood Sign starting at $75 for one hour. If hiking isn’t your thing (or you just want to live your cowgirl fantasy), this is a cowgirl’s dream to experience the same views—with less of the sweat.

5. (OPTIONAL) Skipping the Hike? Here’s How to Drive to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint

I’m big on hiking—but hey, if you're short on time (or just not in the mood to sweat), you can drive, scooter, or Uber/Lyft pretty close to the viewpoint. Here’s how:

Navigate to:
📍 6000 Mulholland Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90068
This address drops you right by the Tyrolian Tank, which sits just next to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint

*See arrow, this is the opening that leads right to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint (Tyrolian Tank).*

🎥 Once at the Viewpoint... It’s a Scene

There’s often a whole vibe at the Viewpoint. When we arrived, we saw a professional photographer who had e-biked up with umbrellas, chairs, and a full movie executive chair setup. If you’re looking for a next-level selfie or engagement shoot backdrop, this is your moment.

The area itself is wide, flat-ish, and sunny with a few scrubby shrubs and short trees. It’s a great resting point and a natural turnaround spot if you’re not continuing up to the top.

For us, we were satisfied here. We took a ba-zillion selfies making sure the Hollywood Sign in the background graced our presence! Then we turned back. I personally could have continued up the mountain to also go behind the sign - but my partner was done for the day - and I was totally satisfied to hike back.

It’s an out and back hike - meaning no loop. The time it takes you to get out there is similar to the time it takes you to hike back to your starting point.

*Photographer shooting a couple with the Hollywood Sign in the background. At the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint.*

🧭 Hiking Directions: Choose Your Hollywood Sign View

For hiking, you navigate to the Brush Canyon Trailhead, and park your car. Walk north and follow the Brush Canyon Trail. Turn West on Mulholland Trail.

When the trail reaches the intersection of Mount Lee Drive and Mulholland Trail, you’ll have two options:

Right Turn → to get up close and personal with the Hollywood Sign, turn East on Mount Lee Drive, heading north next to the radio towers. It’s a steeper climb, but you’ll be standing right over the letters—unforgettable!
Left Turn → Head south on Mount Lee Drive to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint, a flatter overlook with the sign clearly visible in the background. This is the route we chose—great for photos and a bit less effort.

Both are clearly marked, so you can’t miss it. And honestly? You could do both if you have the time and energy! Once I reached the lower elevation viewpoint, I was roaring to continue to the closer Hollywood Sign hike. However, my hiking party was satisfied for the day, so we turned to start the journey to go back. I was still content - which is what makes this hike amazing.

*Terrain view of our hike. We did the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint (in pink), but you can go up to the sign if you continue with the white path, after starting on the pink.*

Street aerial view of our hike. We did the blue Hollywood Sign Viewpoint Hike. The pink now shows, you can continue behind the houses, and go towards Lake Hollywood Park, after connecting with Innsdale Trailhead. — *Street aerial view of our hike. We did the blue Hollywood Sign Viewpoint Hike. The pink now shows, you can continue behind the houses, and go towards* *Lake Hollywood Park,* *after connecting with* *Innsdale Trailhead.*

Pro Tip: If you want more step-by-step directions (with arrows, photos, and everything), I recommend Hiker Guy’s guide — it’s clear, detailed, and super helpful for first-timers.

*Pretty views along the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint hike*

It’s a Wrap!

This trail is an ideal mix of flexibility, scenery, and accessibility, making it one of my favorite Hollywood Sign hikes to date. Whether you're showing off LA to visitors or just soaking it in for yourself, there’s something special about standing at the base of those iconic white letters—or looking down on them from above.

Either way, it’s a reminder that LA is still full of little moments of awe. ✨

In Short:

For the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint Hike or the Summit, navigate to the Brush Canyon Trailhead and follow the blog post’s instructions ^^ depending which trail you want!