Laura HOLLYWOOD’S CROWN JEWEL: YOUR PATH TO ICONIC VIEWS!
| City | Hollywood |
| Type | Hiking |
| Parking | Free |
| Audience | All Ages |
| Visit | 8 am – 10:30 am |
| Cost | Free |
| Bathroom | No |
| Website | www.hikespeak.com |
Our Visit
We embarked on a family adventure from Orange County to hike the iconic Hollywood Sign as part of my daughter’s California landmark research project. Our day began early; we woke up at 6 am to prepare and left our home by 7 am. The drive was mostly smooth and uneventful, and we arrived at our destination by 8:15 am. Parking was easy; we found a spot on a paved hill in a neighborhood right near the entrance to the hike.
As we started our hike, we noticed that there weren’t many people around. The early morning temperature was cool and refreshing, perfect for a hike. We had our foster dog, Chewie, a small 16lb Shih Tzu, with us. We took our time, savoring the experience, and completed the hike in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The views along the way were breathtaking, with a mix of shade and sun throughout the hike. The incline was manageable, suitable for all fitness levels. Our kids, aged 10 and 12, handled it well, and even Chewie managed, although I carried him a few times.
What We Discovered
Our journey to the top of Mount Lee was filled with discoveries and delightful moments. Here are the highlights:
- Scenic Views:
- Stunning view of the backside of the Hollywood Sign at the top of Mount Lee.
- Fantastic spots for taking pictures of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign.
- Hike Experience:
- Significant increase in the number of hikers arriving around 10:30 am.
- Temperature rose, making us grateful for our early start.
- We dressed in layers, starting with leggings, short-sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts, which we removed as the hike progressed.
- Brought water, snacks, and a water bowl for Chewie, packed in our backpack.
- Conveniently placed trash cans along the trail for disposing of dog waste bags and snack wrappers.
- Wildlife and Safety:
- Spotted a lone coyote, serving as a reminder to keep our dog on a leash.
- Felt safe throughout the hike, and the other hikers we encountered were friendly and courteous.
Additional Information
The hike to the Hollywood Sign was carefully chosen to suit our family and small dog. Here are some additional details:
- Trail Information:
- We used Hikespeak to find the trail, which provided detailed information about the route we chose.
- The hike was a total of 4.5 miles, making it a relatively short but rewarding experience.
- Specifically chose this hike because it was suitable for our small dog and had the least incline, making it manageable for our family.
- Popularity and Features:
- The Hollywood Sign hike is a popular choice for both tourists and locals alike.
- The trail offers a unique perspective of the iconic landmark and provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area.
- The mixture of paved and dirt paths, as well as the scenic views, make it a memorable adventure for hikers of all levels.
Final Thoughts
Our hike to the Hollywood Sign was a fantastic experience that exceeded our expectations. It was not only a great way to complete my daughter’s research project but also an enjoyable family outing. The early start allowed us to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures, making the hike more pleasant.
The stunning views, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top, and the quality time spent together made this hike a cherished memory for our family. Chewie, our little Shih Tzu, proved to be a trooper, handling the hike with enthusiasm. The friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and well-maintained trail added to the overall positive experience.
If you’re looking for a memorable hike that offers beautiful scenery and a chance to see the Hollywood Sign up close, I highly recommend this trail. It’s a manageable hike for families, even those with small dogs, and provides a unique perspective of one of California’s most famous landmarks.
Have you hiked to the Hollywood Sign from Innsdale Drive?
If so, please comment below letting us know the highlights from your experience?
