Trail Information

Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Hike Location Overview









Email this page to a friend



Reporter


Google

Printer Friendly

Weather

MapQuest

TopoZone

TerraServer

Help

Mt. Hollywood


Highlights:

Great views of Los Angeles, the San Gabriels, Mt. Lee, and a charming walk
Near:Los Angeles, CA
Scenery:
Distance:3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:650 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This is a nice walk in "the park." Griffith is the largest urban wilderness area in the US. It is a good size chunk of land, and the view from Mt. Hollywood is spectacular on a clear day. It is best to make it to the top early in the morning on a day after it has rained. The blue sky is glorious on such days, and even the city can appear beautiful.

This is a great hike for children, it is short, you reach a peak with 360' visibility. You can see the entire stretch of the San Gabriels, which are even more beautiful when covered with snow. You get to see the famous Hollywood sign on Mt. Lee, the pacific, the two valleys, and a great overhead view of the observatory.

This is a great So Cal stroll just to enjoy, regardless of how many other people are around.

Fewer people take the road, most come from the Observatory.

Trailhead: From the 101 in Los Angeles, take the Vermont exit and head North until you reach the end of the road in Griffith Park. Pass under the tunnels, then park.

There are a couple of different places to pick up this trail. You can start from the Observatory and end up there, or you can take the back way up and follow the access road (paved) for a mile until you reach an offshoot of the trail, and then follow it and its offshoots until you get back down off the trail.

There are quite a few choices, but to make it to the top, just keep going up, it is obvious. (Lat:34.1281 Lon:-118.30093)

Trail Guides for Mt. Hollywood:
Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California
by Allen Riedel  (Mountaineers books)

California Hiking
by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses,
Ranger Contact: LA Department of Parks and Recreation (213) 485-5501 or (323) 913 4688
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted  123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by girljo on 4/16/2008
Nice after-work hike just before sunset. There is a water trough for horses & dogs and a water fountain at Dante's View. Picnic table at the top for a snack with excellent views. Watch for rattlesnakes on the trail.

Reviewed by Frank on 3/20/2008
I just recently moved to Los Angeles and its nice to have such a nice trail so close to home. The trail is very well maintained. I went on a windy day and visibility was great. I was able to see all the way to the ocean. I can't wait to hike this at night and see the city lights. Here are some pictures I took while on the trail: http://tinyurl.com/24kpuu

Reviewed by T.K on 3/16/2008
This is by far one of the nicest hikes I've been on. I've hiked Runyon, Temescal, and most frequently Fryman Canyon. However, Mt. Hollywood embodies everything I want in a hike; great views, gradual and easy incline but still a bit challenging. The trails are little difficult to follow, but it was easy to find. To top it all off, it is right by the Observatory!!!!

Reviewed by GA on 12/30/2007
I walk and run for 1 hour to the communication towers above the Hollywood Sign from the tunnel near the observatory. Bikes are not allowed at the fire road that is why I did not make it to the tower on my first attempt. Turn right at Mulholland highway at the end of the fireroad - this will take you to the communication towers overlooking the Hollywood Sign below, There are "No Hiking" signs posted - you will be arrested if you hike down to the Hollywood Sign. Beatiful: 360 view of Los Angeles, Lake Hollywood, Century City, Downtown LA, Burbank, Glendale, etc. I will try Canyon Road and Beechwood Rd. trails next time I go up the other peak beyond the communication tower.

Reviewed by friendowl on 11/30/2007
hiked it again last night.the city view is incredible. trail is in good condition.lots of trees burned so you get better views

Reviewed by Ernesto on 11/8/2007
Parked at observatory with little diffculty although 10am may be early by 11am lot near capacity. Saw Hollywood sign but at quite a distance, was hoping for a closer picture although some trails seemed to led closer but not sure. Perhaps next time I'll know how to get closer.

Reviewed by Michelle on 8/6/2007
Went ahead with hike without having read Valerie's comment below that the trail is closed! Was told it was closed upon arrival, but we hiked from the coffee shop near the Greek Theatre all the way up to the Observatory. Weather was wonderful at dusk, got to view Jupiter from a land telescope and saw a magnificent sunset. It worked out great!

Reviewed by Da Hui Hikers on 8/1/2007
Hiked this in April. Hiked from the observatory. The hike was on a fireroad... day was pleasant but it can get hot in the summer months as there is no or very limited shade. Plenty of other hikers also on the hike.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes

Add Hikes To Your Website
About Us    Help    Contact Us
Site Map Of Available Hikes
Copyright © 2003 LocalHikes, Inc.