Shortest Trail to the Hollywood Sign, Mt. Lee, Hollywood

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• There are so many trails you can take to the HW sign. 
• I parked in a residential neighborhood so parking was free. Pay attention to signs.
• STAY on the trail since it passes through private neighborhoods.
• NO restroom before, after or along the trail.
• Distance: less than 5 miles out and back.
• Full sun, no shade; wear sun protective gear.

Though I am a California native, I have never hiked to the Hollywood sign. This needed to change. With a little research I found  the shortest route available to get to the infamous Hollywood sign! 

The trail starts from a residential neighborhood. I parked on the street and right in front of me was a white service gate and signs everywhere warning to NOT stray from the trail or face $1000 fines.

Initially you have a clear view of the sign above and behind you. Once you get to the top, your view of the sign will only be from the back of it but the view of the city will be amazing! 

The trail is primarily a dry and dusty dirt road and up hill. 

Eventually you will reach a large green gate. To the LEFT of the gate is an almost hidden, narrow walkway. Go up a few stesp and  on the ground you will see stars. Follow the stars to a fork in the road. The gate is private property and to the right are private homes. Please be respectful.

To continue to the Hollywood sign you will stay to the RIGHT of the fork--toward the Smokey the Bear sign. However, look left for an awesome photo opp with the sign behind you.

Toward the left you will see a small hill that leads you to the photo opp. You can also add mileage to  your hike by heading up toward the water tower if you want.

When you come to this  point in the trail, stay on the road heading forward. Across from these signs will be a small sign to your left. Very easy to miss.

This is the easy to miss sign across from the signs pictured above. You can see my finger pointing to the trail summit you are looking for: Mt. Lee. 

Farther along, you will find another sign just like the previous one when you are almost there...You can follow it to Cahuenga Peak, again if you want to lengthen your hike. To stick to the shortest route to the Hollywood sign, continue left toward Mt. Lee Summit!

Stay to the left and you will come up to a chain link fence behind the Hollywood sign. For the best views, head toward the cell towers. Make a sharp left up a small hill--this offers panoramic views of  the sign and the city.

You have arrived!!!