Private Hike to Hollywood Sign, via Three Peaks
Most people only get a glimpse of L.A.’s famous Hollywood Sign from afar – now you can get an intimate look by hiking to it! Your epic hike to the sign on Mt. Lee is via the three peaks of Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak, and Mt. Lee in Griffith Park. This moderate hike will take you right up to the rear of the sign, with a gorgeous view of Los Angeles beyond. During your private, three-hour hike, you will:
- Meet your guide at the designated place along Lake Hollywood Drive.
- Take off on the Wonder View Trail towards the Hollywood Sign.
- Stop at Burbank Peak and the Wisdom Tree, with a break to rest, taking in remarkable views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Reach Cahuenga Peak, the highest point in Griffith Park (at 1,820 feet).
- Stop at a clearing, and view plaques honouring Aileen Getty and Hugh Hefner.
- Reach the final stop at Mt. Lee Peak and the Hollywood Sign (at 1,708 feet); stay for up to 30 minutes for photo opportunities and fantastic views.
- Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
- Please note: this is a fairly strenuous hike, covering an elevation gain of about 1500 feet in one direction. The entire hike itself is 3 miles. We do not recommend this hike for young children or for families who are not seasoned hikers.
The Hollywood Sign was first built in 1923 to promote a real estate development known as “Hollywoodland” on Mt. Lee’s southern slope. But the development never happened, and the land was purchased by broadcaster Tommy Lee in 1939, renaming the area to “Mt. Lee” after his father. Then, in 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce removed the last of letters and the remaining sign lives on today.
This is a 3-mile roundtrip hike (out and back), and parts of the trail can be rocky, sandy and dusty. It is recommended that you wear close-toed walking shoes with good traction, preferably hiking shoes. Dress in layers, and bring a good windbreaker in case of strong winds at the top. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for good measure. Also, please bring plenty of water (2 litres) as there is no water on the mountain. You are also welcome to bring snacks for energy if you like. And don’t forget your camera!
Please keep in mind when you book this tour: this is a fairly strenuous hike and will be hot (very hot) in the summer season, which can stretch through October. While your guide can adapt somewhat on the day of the tour, there is little shade to be found on this trail.
