Los Angeles: Hollywood Sign Hike Front & Back Views

Summary

Hike to the Hollywood Sign for city views, stories and a new angle on LA

You’ll hike through LA’s quieter side with a local guide who knows every story behind those famous white letters. Expect dusty trails in Griffith Park, city views from both sides of the Hollywood Sign, quick stops at Lake Hollywood Park, free parking included—and moments that stick with you long after you’re back downtown.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, when I first moved here, I thought the sign was just some big billboard,” our guide Alex said as we stopped to catch our breath near Lake Hollywood Park. He grinned at us, sun already warming his cheeks even though it wasn’t even 10am. There were dogs barking somewhere below and the faint smell of eucalyptus in the air — that’s something I didn’t expect about hiking in Los Angeles. It’s not all concrete and traffic; up here in the Hollywood Hills, you actually hear birds more than horns.

The trail itself isn’t hard if you take your time (Alex called it “easy to moderate,” which felt about right), but there are a couple spots where the dust gets loose under your shoes. We passed a few joggers who looked like they do this every day — one lady nodded at us without slowing down, earbuds in. Alex pointed out some celebrity homes tucked behind hedges (“That’s probably as close as we’ll get to Beyoncé today”) and told us how Lake Hollywood isn’t really a lake at all but a reservoir from 1924. The city feels far away up here. At one point we stopped for water, and I realized how quiet it was except for someone laughing behind us in Spanish — maybe another tour group? Or just friends out for their own day trip.

The first time you see the Hollywood Sign up close is weirdly emotional. It’s so familiar from movies that it almost doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there with dirt on your hands from grabbing a fence post (don’t worry, Alex said that’s normal). We took photos from both sides — front and then behind the letters looking out over Burbank and Glendale. The wind picked up at the top, carrying this dry grass smell and making my hat nearly fly off. Alex told us about Griffith Park’s wild history and pointed out the Griffith Observatory way off in the haze — I tried to get a photo but honestly, nothing does it justice. You just have to be there.

I still think about that view from behind the sign — San Fernando Valley stretching forever, sunlight bouncing off windows miles away. Someone asked if people ever climb onto the letters (nope: cameras everywhere), and Alex laughed, saying he’d seen every attempt foiled by security or rattlesnakes. On the way down, my legs felt shaky but happy. We ended up back where we started by late morning, sweatier than expected but glad we’d done it together instead of wandering solo (I would’ve gotten lost for sure). If you’re thinking about doing this Hollywood Sign hike from LA, just wear good shoes and let yourself be surprised by how much greener it is up there than you’d guess.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour and Views

• Walk to front of Hollywood Sign
• Hike to back of Hollywood Sign
• View Lake Hollywood and park
• Explore Hollywood Hills and celebrity homes
• Learn about Griffith Park history
• See Griffith Observatory from Mount Lee
• View Hollywood Film Studios in Burbank
• Enjoy views of historic Hollywood
• See Hollywood Walk of Fame
• View Beverly Hills mansions
• Take in views from Downtown LA to Pacific Ocean
• See San Fernando Valley from behind sign
• Spot Glendale landmarks and towers
• Get views of Sunset Strip
• View Capitol Records Building
• See Hollywood Bowl from above

Top questions

How long is the Hollywood Sign hike?

The full tour is about 2.5 hours and covers roughly 4 miles (6.4 km).

Does this tour go to both front and back of the sign?

Yes, you'll visit both the front and back of the Hollywood Sign during this hike.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you'll meet your guide at the trailhead near Lake Hollywood Park.

Is parking free for this tour?

Yes, free street parking is available—just follow posted signs.

Are children allowed on this hike?

Yes, kids ages 6+ can join if they can walk on their own; no strollers allowed.

What should I wear or bring?

Closed-toe shoes are required; layers are recommended due to changing weather.

Will I see celebrity homes during the hike?

You’ll pass by some celebrity homes in the Hollywood Hills along the way.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; it's best to eat before or after your hike.

What’s included

Your morning includes meeting your local guide outside by the white gate at Lake Hollywood Park (look for their neon yellow vest), free street parking nearby if you arrive early enough, an easy-to-moderate guided hike through Griffith Park with stories about LA history along dusty trails past celebrity homes and movie landmarks—and plenty of time for photos from both sides of the iconic Hollywood Sign before heading back down together.