You’ll hike through Griffith Park with real LA comedians and their trail-loving dogs, hearing wild Hollywood stories as you climb to secret photo spots above the Hollywood Sign. Take in city views at sunset, laugh more than you expect, and leave feeling like you just spent an evening with friends—plus some very good dogs.
Someone hands me a leash before I even get my bearings—turns out, the real stars of this Hollywood Sign tour have four legs and wagging tails. The comedian leading us (I think his name was Mike? Or maybe Matt—I’m terrible with names) jokes about sunscreen while his dog sniffs everyone’s shoes. We set off into Griffith Park, sun already dipping low enough to make everything look sort of golden. There’s that dry California smell—eucalyptus and dust—and someone in our group keeps laughing at every bad pun. I try not to trip over a root because I’m too busy watching the skyline shift behind us.
It’s not a quiet hike, which I liked. The guides are all working LA comedians, so you get these weirdly specific stories about the Walk of Fame or which actor once tried to sneak up here for a photo. At one point we stop for water (included, thankfully), and one of the dogs plops down right on my foot like we’ve been friends forever. The city spreads out below, all hazy and loud even from up here. We get to these “secret” photo spots—honestly, they’re good—and everyone takes turns pretending they’re in an album cover. Our guide points out the Capitol Records building and downtown LA, rattling off facts but also just chatting like we’re old friends.
The last stretch is steeper than I expected (maybe don’t wear brand new sneakers), but when we finally reach behind the Hollywood Sign it’s quieter than I thought it’d be—just wind and someone’s dog panting next to me. You can see all the way to Santa Monica if you squint past the haze. Someone asks about “Hollyweed” and our guide actually knows the whole story; there’s laughter echoing off the hillside. On the way back down, I realize I didn’t check my phone once during those views—which says something for LA.
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Yes, trail-trained dogs join every tour and love meeting people.
No hotel pickup is included but there’s free street parking near the starting point.
Yes, you’ll hike all the way up behind the sign for panoramic views.
Bottled water is included for all guests during the tour.
Children under 2 can come for free; infants/small children can ride in a stroller.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and your camera phone; tips for guides are appreciated.
Your afternoon includes free street parking nearby, bottled water along the trail, friendly comedians as your guides (plus their well-behaved dogs), WiFi hotspot help if you need rideshare assistance after finishing at sunset—and plenty of chances for photos in front of and behind the Hollywood Sign before heading back down together.
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