Los Angeles
Price $16
Min age 0
Rating 4.96 / 5 [2205 ratings]
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Travel bucket list idea:
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Credit Shutterstock.com/Nate Hovee
The Hollywood Sign has long been a powerful symbol for the global entertainment industry. At 14m high and 110m long, you can’t miss it.
Installed back in 1923 as part of an advertising campaign for a suburban housing development called ‘Hollywoodland’, the sign initially fell into disrepair until a group of celebrities funded its restoration in 1978, minus the ‘land’.
Getting to the foot of the sign itself is no longer possible, thanks to tight security. The best option is therefore to hike the picturesque but little-known Hollyridge Trail up to the summit of Mount Lee, from where you can look down on the sign, just 100ft below where you stand.
You’re rewarded with exceptional views of Hollywood and the LA basin to the south, and the San Fernando Valley to the north.
If you don’t fancy the hike and prefer to view from afar, head instead for the Griffith Park Observatory (worth a visit in its own right). For more details on other viewpoints, see the official Hollywood Sign website.
To reach the head of the trail, drive to the end of Beechwood Drive in Hollywood. There’s a dirt car park here, just before the Sunset Ranch horse stables, with the trail marked on the right.
From here the trail climbs paved and dirt tracks, climbing 550ft and 1.5 miles to the summit of Mount Lee. Allow 2-3 hours for a round trip.
For a map and directions, and a detailed description of the trail, see the useful blog Dan’s Hiking Pages.
The trail can be hiked all year round, but for the best conditions, go in winter or early spring when the temperatures are moderate and the hillsides are green.
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