Mount Lee
Hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign atop Mount Lee for breathtaking views of Los Angeles and a piece of cinematic history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Mount Lee
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign atop Mount Lee for breathtaking views of Los Angeles and a piece of cinematic history.
"A must-do hike for its history, symbolism, and gorgeous views of Los Angeles."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
A gallon per person is recommended for this hike. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes are a must for the trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Hollywood Sign
Mount Lee Summit
Get up close to the legendary Hollywood Sign, a symbol of dreams and entertainment. The view from behind is spectacular!
Panoramic Los Angeles Views
Mount Lee Summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the sprawling Los Angeles basin from the top of Mount Lee.
Historic Hollywoodland Advertisement
Mount Lee
Learn about the sign's origins as a 1923 real estate ad, 'Hollywoodland,' now a global icon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Beat the Weekend Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
A gallon per person is recommended for this hike. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes are a must for the trails.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture stunning views and iconic photo ops. A tripod is great for golden hour.
🚗 Public Transport Option
Bus lines make it convenient to reach the trailhead.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
A gallon per person is recommended for this hike. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes are a must for the trails.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture stunning views and iconic photo ops. A tripod is great for golden hour.
🚗 Public Transport Option
Bus lines make it convenient to reach the trailhead.
🚴 Bike the Trails
Cycling up to the sign is possible, though challenging.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the epic hike to the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee, praising the spectacular views of Los Angeles and the historical significance of the landmark. The well-maintained trails and accessibility via public transport are also highlighted as positives. However, some note that the hike can be challenging due to its length and sun exposure, and weekends can be quite crowded.
"This is a epic Half Day, 6 Mile, Out-And-Back Hike. Please bring 1 full gallon of water per hiker. Restrooms are located at the entrance and plenty of parking and the bus lines make it convenient to use public transportation, (i used the bus.) This is a Medium-Low difficulty hike.
-August 23, 2025"
Nicholas Ramirez
"A must do hike for anyone visiting the area. Mt Lee would certainly make my top 5 hikes for the area, because of its history, symbolism and gorgeous view of Los Angeles. Most recognize the iconic Hollywood sign immediately, but Mt Lee has many alternative sprawling trails that zigzag from one hidden view of Los Angeles to another. Lots of switchbacks. It's a trail to do to say that you did it. And as a bragging rights trail, I recommend taking a good camera and a tripod and going during the week to avoid crowds. It can get crowded on the weekends. When you visit expect lots of selfies and photo taking opportunities."
Sean Francis
"There is more than one way to get there. Doesn't matter if you start at Sunset Stables, Travel Town or the Tree of Life Trail, a hike up Mt. Lee to see the famous Hollywood is time well spend. You'll be rewarded with a great of Los Angeles."
Wandern Leo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular trailhead is at 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068. You can also access trails from Sunset Stables or Travel Town. Public transportation, like bus lines, is also a convenient option.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider public transport.
You cannot drive directly to the Hollywood Sign itself. The final approach involves hiking. The road to the summit is accessible by car to a certain point, but the sign is only reachable on foot.
Many hikers recommend starting at the 3200 Canyon Drive trailhead for a direct route. Other starting points like Sunset Stables or Tree of Life Trail also lead to Mount Lee.
Yes, bus lines can conveniently take you to the area, making it a viable option for those without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to hike Mount Lee or view the Hollywood Sign. Access to the trails and viewpoints is free.
Mount Lee and Griffith Park are generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check official park hours before your visit.
There is no entrance fee to access Mount Lee or the hiking trails leading to the Hollywood Sign.
While you cannot walk up to the letters of the Hollywood Sign, there are several excellent viewpoints and hiking trails that get you very close for photos.
The main restriction is that you cannot access the Hollywood Sign itself. Stick to designated trails and viewpoints.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered medium-low difficulty, with some switchbacks. It's a 7-mile round trip taking about 3 hours.
The hike typically takes around 3 hours for the 7-mile round trip, but this can vary depending on your pace and how long you spend at the viewpoints.
You'll encounter well-maintained trails, switchbacks, and eventually, spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles basin.
Restrooms are available at the entrance of the trailhead.
Yes, it's a popular hike for families, but ensure children are prepared for the distance and sun exposure.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Mount Lee offers the best vantage points for photos of the Hollywood Sign, especially from behind. +1
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for both the sign and the city views. Weekdays offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Yes, tripods are recommended, especially for capturing the best shots during golden hour or in lower light conditions.
You can capture iconic shots of the Hollywood Sign, panoramic cityscapes of Los Angeles, and scenic trail photos.
Consider the angle from behind the sign for a unique perspective. Also, capture the vastness of Los Angeles from the summit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Mount Lee: Trails and Tips
Key hiking tips include bringing ample water – a full gallon per person is highly recommended due to the California heat.
For those looking for a different way to experience Mount Lee, cycling is also an option, though it presents its own set of challenges, particularly with traffic and the steepness of the ascent.
The History and Significance of the Hollywood Sign
Over the decades, the sign has undergone several restorations and has become an internationally recognized symbol of Los Angeles and Hollywood. Its iconic status means it's a must-see for many visitors, drawing crowds eager to capture a piece of cinematic history.
While you can't walk up to the letters themselves, the hiking trails on Mount Lee provide excellent viewpoints that allow visitors to appreciate its scale and historical significance.
Social
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