I Hiked the Hollywood Sign and Want to Talk About it

As you can tell by the headline… I really didn’t know what to call this post. Here’s what I know … I hiked the Hollywood Sign and want to talk about it. Like, I really want to talk about it!

I’m not an expert. I’m just an everyday woman who was in LA and had a Bucket List item that needed to be checked off. That item was getting to the tip top of the 1,578 ft of elevation to the back of the Hollywood sign.

You’re probably wondering: Why?

That’s because I’m a sucker for a good view.

Table of Contents

I Hiked the Hollywood Sign and Want to Talk About it

My friend and I were smart about our workout wear but not about supplements. I know better too but did my calculations very incorrectly. I calculated the hike on my own time and speed.

Thing I should have factored in:

Being with another person
Other people on the trail
The trail being very dusty
What time we went

Why are these important? Well, we spent an hour longer in the blazing sun without snacks or water and, again, climbing 1,578 ft for a view. Fun fact, locals call it Mount Hollywood. An accurate description.

Hiking the Hollywood Sign: The Route

We took the Moderate level trail: Brush Canyon Trail

Well, we took Brush Canyon to Mulholland Trail to Mt Lee Drive. Mr Lee Drive takes you to the back of the sign and I think I might have liked this part of the hike the most.

It’s paved
You get an amazing view of Burbank

This hike is labeled “Moderate” but when you turn onto Mt Lee Drive, it’s much more Advanced due to how steep it is. That’s not to a child couldn’t manage it, though we didn’t see any at the top. I’m simply saying that this hike isn’t impossible, especially when walked slowly.

For more info on different trail options, check out the official site here.

Back of the Hollywood Sign — At the very top and back of the Hollywood Sign

Hiking the Hollywood Sign: Preparation

Mistake One: Water

I’m gonna say it: No matter what time of year it is… BRING WATER. Your argument is invalid. Bring water. 😅

Search & rescue was literally out doing rounds because there are people out there, like me, who decided not to take their back pack with their 40oz water bottle in it. I’m lazy and thought it would be too heavy. Total transparency, we stopped them to ask if they had any water and they did. Two of the coldest waters we’ve ever had. I could have kissed them!

Mistake Two: Snacks

If you have a very fast metabolism and get hangry when you don’t eat enough… bring snacks. If you don’t get hangry… bring a snack anyway. Haha! Again, search and rescue were driving the trail because this happens on the daily for them. Definitely prepare yourself.

Mistake Three: Sunscreen

Okay, I really thought we’d be done in an hour. 🥺 I didn’t think about how hot it was and how we would sweat all of our sunscreen off. What a rookie mistake this whole ordeal was!

Perfection One: Workout Wear

We got two things right on this hike. Our workout wear was perfection.

Not only stylish (with our hats) but I read that it was pretty rough so we wore closed toed shoes. We later found out the trail does have snakes on it. We were so happy we wore our sneakers with socks and short sleeves.

Perfection Two: Maps

My friend taught me this trick when we were hiking together in Hawaii. I always take a photo of the map before heading out on the trail. When I hike alone, I send the photo and what I’m wearing to my sister (in case the worst of the worst happens).

We didn’t get lost because I did this. We also helped out a few guys who were trying to get back to their car because I had all the trails on the photo I took.

This saved us so much time and energy. I also activated my Strava, to pin point us on a clear digital map. I normally use Strava or AllTrails because their maps work without service.

Hiking Preparation Review

Bring WATER
Bring Snacks
Don’t forget Sunscreen
Wear closed toed shoes, workout gear and maybe a hat
Take a Photo of the map

Chicken Avocado Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries — A WELL deserved lunch

Hiking the Hollywood Sign: After Thoughts

That hike was so much fun. I don’t think my friend enjoyed it as much as I did. Though, at the end we both felt immensely accomplished and had a huge lunch to celebrate our victory.

Time of Day

This hike would be perfect in the morning or evening. Not the greatest in the middle of the day. However, because we went in the middle of the day, there was hardly anyone up at the top when we got there. We had the whole place to ourselves for about 15 minutes.

Solo Female Travelers

This hike is incredibly safe. My friend and I didn’t feel uncomfortable once. We passed loads of people on the trail, including a group of horse back riders. Probably not best to go late in the evening or super duper early in the morning alone. With that said, again, search and rescue was out and there’s also a helicopter on patrol to keep watch over the sign.

As always, keep an eye out and you’ll be just fine.

Fun (and inexpensive)

This was, shockingly, one of the highlights of my trip. I found that interesting because it didn’t cost a cent and I also got in an amazing workout. We have a million photos at the top and a great memory to go along with it. I’m really happy we did this hike together.

Have you hiked the Hollywood Sign?

Tell me about your adventure in the comments! I want to know if anyone else thought it was fun or would do it again.

Thanks for reading my post about … I Hiked the Hollywood Sign and Want to Talk About it. Haha! Maybe I’ll come up with a better title on my next hike. 😅