Griffith Observatory Hike: Hollywood Sign & Mount Hollywood

Walk to the Hollywood Sign without the crowds or the confusion

You hike 3.5 miles through Griffith Park to Mount Hollywood, stopping for the Hollywood Sign at Tiffany Point and panoramic views of Downtown LA, Century City, and Silver Lake. The tour includes skip-the-line entry and an insider walk through the Griffith Observatory, with a certified guide who knows the park's history and filming locations. Free parking at the Greek Theatre and the whole experience takes 2.5 hours, so you're back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. The Greek Theatre5m
2. Hollywood Hills10m
3. Griffith Observatory20m · entry included
4. Hollywood Sign15m
5. Forest Lawn Memorial Parkpass by
6. Griffith Park10m
7. Hollywood10m
8. Autry Museum of the American Westpass by

Guided hike and observatory tour

• Meet in front of Greek Theatre
• Safety briefing and tour overview
• Hike through Hollywood Hills
• Stop at Tiffany Point for Hollywood Sign photos
• Pass by Los Feliz neighborhood
• Pass by Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary
• Hike up Mount Hollywood
• View Warner Brothers studio from afar
• See Downtown Los Angeles skyline
• Pass by Silver Lake neighborhood
• Pass by Forest Lawn Memorial Park
• Pass by Los Angeles Zoo
• Pass by Gene Autry Museum of the American West
• Pass by Walt Disney studios
• Enter Griffith Observatory for insider tour

The experience

You don't need to drive halfway up a canyon or guess which trail leads where. This hike starts at the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park and takes you straight to the views everyone comes to Los Angeles for. The route is 3.5 miles, marked, and takes about 2.5 hours with stops built in for photos and catching your breath. Your guide wears a yellow vest, meets you 15 minutes before departure, and knows the park well enough to point out which buildings you're looking at across the city and where the light hits best for Instagram.

The walk climbs Mount Hollywood through the Santa Monica Mountains on what the tour calls an easy-to-moderate trail, which means it's doable if you're reasonably fit but you will feel it. You'll pass the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary, see the LA River below, and at Tiffany Point the Hollywood Sign sits right there on the ridge across from you: close enough that your phone camera actually captures it. From the same vantage you can see Downtown LA, Century City, Silver Lake, and on clear days the view stretches all the way to the ocean side of the city. Warner Brothers studio shows up as a small cluster of buildings in the distance, and the Gene Autry Museum sits below the trail.

The crown moment is the Griffith Observatory itself. Instead of joining the line at the front entrance like everyone else, you get skip-the-line access and an insider tour of the building: the planetarium, the exhibits, the whole thing. The guide has stories about the films shot there and the history of the place that you won't read on a plaque. After that, you head back down the same route, and the whole thing wraps before the afternoon heat really sets in. Bring two bottles of water, wear closed-toe shoes, and layer up because the morning can be cool even when the city below is already warm.

What’s included

• Your 2.5-hour tour includes free parking at the Greek Theatre, a certified local guide with first aid and CPR training, skip-the-line access and insider tour of the Griffith Observatory, free WiFi hotspot, and expert advice about your stay in Los Angeles.
• The 3.5-mile hike covers Mount Hollywood, Tiffany Point (Hollywood Sign views), and sweeping vistas of Downtown LA, Century City, Silver Lake, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
• You must bring your own water, two bottles recommended, and wear closed-toe shoes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Start at 10am; please be there by 9:45Guide in English · 10:00Departs at 10am and includes a guided hike lasting 2.5 hours

Exclusive Griffith Park Tour, Just for Your GroupGuide in English · 22 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 16:30Your group gets a private tour, with only one group per time slot. Pricing is charged per person, plus a $175 fee that secures your chosen start time and a dedicated guide. Note: On Mondays, the observatory grounds are toured without access to the interior. Events at the Greek Theatre may affect parking availability in the afternoon.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day22 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Bikes and Hikes LA Tours

Is this one for you?Right for anyone with moderate fitness who wants the Hollywood Sign and Observatory without arranging transport, parking, or timing the entry lines themselves. The guide handles the route and the skip-the-line access removes the guesswork. Not suitable if you have poor cardiovascular health, a fear of heights, or cannot commit to arriving 15 minutes early.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How hard is the hike?

It's rated easy to moderate: 3.5 miles over 2.5 hours with multiple stops. You need beginner to intermediate fitness and should not have a fear of heights. Not recommended if you have poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need to bring water?

Yes. You must provide your own water. The tour recommends bringing two bottles and hydrating before, during, and after, especially in summer months.

What time does it start?

The tour meets 15 minutes before the listed departure time at the Greek Theatre. You must arrive on time. The guide cannot wait for latecomers since other guests are on the tour.

Is parking included?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Greek Theatre, where the tour starts. Look for posted signs.

Can I bring young children?

Children under 2 are free. Children should be at least 5 years old and able to hike the full distance. For younger children or strollers, the company offers an express Hollywood Sign tour instead.

Do I skip the line at Griffith Observatory?

Yes. The tour includes skip-the-line access and an insider tour of the Observatory, so you don't wait at the public entrance.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required. Layers are recommended because the morning can be cool even when the city is warm.

Is there WiFi?

Yes, free WiFi hotspot is included on the tour.