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HIKE 15

Mount Lee

Location: Griffith Park

Highlights: Hollywood sign

Distance: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)

Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 750'/750'

Hiking Time: 1½ hours

Optional Map: USGS 7.5-minute Burbank

Best Times: All year

Agency: GP

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Use: Suitable for mountain biking, dogs allowed, good for kids

Mount Lee is recognizable around the world for the iconic Hollywood sign. This trip draws a steady stream of hikers to see the sign up close. Located at the western end of Griffith Park, Mount Lee also provides a stupendous view of Los Angeles and out to the Pacific Ocean. Don’t mix up this summit with nearby Mount Hollywood, which is not the site of the eponymous sign.

To Reach the Trailhead: From the westbound 101 Freeway, take Exit 8C for Gower St. Before the ramp reaches Gower St., turn right onto Beachwood Dr. Follow Beachwood Dr. 1.9 miles north to its end in the Hollywood Hills just outside Sunset Ranch Stables. Park in the dirt hikers lot; if this parking lot is full, head a quarter mile south to look for streetside parking.

Description: The broad Hollyridge Trail climbs briefly south to a saddle with an excellent view of the Hollywood sign. It makes a hairpin turn and continues north to a junction with Mulholland Highway (here, an unpaved road) in 0.5 mile.

Turn hard left and follow it 0.3 mile, then turn right onto the Mount Lee Service Road (paved but closed to traffic). Continue 0.9 mile to the road’s end immediately above the sign. The sheer slope is fenced off to discourage vandalism.

Hollywood sign over Hollyridge Trail