How to Hike Behind the Hollywood Sign {Video}

Your guide to getting safely behind Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood Sign – talk about the perfect Insta!

You’ve seen the Hollywood Sign in movies, magazines, and heck, even the glitzy, glamorous streets of Hollywood Studios in Disney World. (Er, at least that’s where I have my fondest memories of it?)

No matter how you relate to or remember it, the Hollywood Sign means something different for everyone. And, after my most recent trip to LA – where I not only saw but hiked behind the Hollywood Sign – this California icon now has an important, memorable place in my heart.

 

Hikers can take a couple different paths to check out the sign from below or above, but be warned: The hike above the sign is definitely tougher. Expect a lot of steep hills and direct sunlight, but hey – the views from the top are (as always) well worth the climb.

Here’s a quick vlog highlighting our trip up the 1.2-mile Hollyridge Trail, which starts and ends on North Beachwood Drive in LA.

 

 

Just a few quick things to note if you’re planning your own hike:

1. We took an Uber to and from the parking lot. Service can get a little dicey around there, so expect to walk a bit before all of your bars come back.
2. The Hollywood Sign Hike Parking Lot on Google is a great starting point for the trek, but note, at the time we went it wasn’t actually open for parking. It did look like there were street spots nearby, so if you’re driving out there, street parking is probably your best option.
3. From the parking lot, you’ll head up toward Sunset Ranch Hollywood, and turn right up the hill once you’ve reached the sign.
4. Follow signs for Hollyridge Trail and Mount Lee Summit once you’re on the route – these will lead you to the top for those epic behind-the-sign views.
5. Last item of business – you absolutely cannot climb on the sign. Just don’t. There were helicopters flying overhead to monitor the whole time we were up there, so trust me – they’re onto you before you can even scale the fence.

Are you planning a Hollywood Sign hike? Share your upcoming travels – and any questions – below!
UPDATE: As of spring 2017, the Hollyridge Trail is closed. You can read more here.