2 min
Overview
One of our 16 Ways to See the Hollywood Sign People are always looking for the best places to spot the Hollywood Sign inside Griffith Park — but unfortunately a number of factors have led to the funneling of most visitors to an overlook at the Griffith Observatory. While this overlook is fine for those who just want to step out of their car or bus, take a snapshot, and leave — there are much nicer viewpoints located very close by — so you can get a better view and significantly smaller crowds with just a tiny bit of effort. This loop takes you to FIVE of them. It is possible to park a car near the Observatory, especially if you get there nice and early. When paid parking kicks in — it’s $8/hour during the high summer season and $6/hour afterward — the price can add up quickly. Parking is enforced from noon until 10PM during the weekdays and 10AM to 10PM during the weekends. In addition to the fees, you’re also going to have to fight the other cars trying to snag a parking spot nearby. There is free parking near Fern Dell (take the West Observatory Trail up and enjoy another good Hollywood Sign viewing spot!) or park down near the Greek Theater (free parking when there isn’t a show at the Greek) and hike up the East Observatory Trail (sometimes also called the Boy Scout Trail). To be honest, the most pleasant way to get to this trailhead that doesn’t involve a hike is via mass transit. This route as described begins and ends at DASH shuttle stops. The DASH shuttle runs every 20 minutes, 7 days a week, and costs just 50 cents to ride. You can pick it up from the Metro Red Line at Vermont and Sunset or at several stops inside the Los Feliz neighborhood. As a bonus, when you’re hiking during the summer months, the blast of ultrapowerful air conditioning on those DASH shuttles is REALLY nice when you’re getting off the trail. My treasured historic Union Station TAP card OK. So you’ve made it up to the Observatory and you’re ready to start the hike. First, check out the ‘official’ Hollywood Sign viewpoint just sout
Trail Stats
5.7 km
154 m
490 m
315 m
—
Photos
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.