Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail

Getting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I added a little distance by parking at the Griffith Observatory Parking lot and making my way to the North side of Canyon Drive. The dirt road/trail begins on the East side of the canyon and starts to rise above the trees. Remember if you are planning to catch sunset to be at the trailhead 2 hours before sunset that day. Also note that you will be completely exposed to the sun for the whole hike so bring plenty of water!

Stay on Brush Canyon Trail for 1 1/4 miles Continue on the trail for a little bit longer until you see it merge with the road on your right. Merge on to Mullholland Fire Road and follow it left, you can see the Hollywood sign for 95% of the hike so you will always know if you are going in the right direction. The road is pretty level for the next mile, it goes around a few ridges and points but be sure to keep an eye on your destination! Bear right at a junction with Hollyridge Trail coming up from Beachwood Drive and the horse stables at Sunset Ranch. Hike past another overlook and continue along Mulholland until the trail hits Mount Lee Road, 2,25 miles from the start. Turn right and follow the winding, paved road to the summit, gaining 450 feet in 0.95 miles. As you climb, look back for a view of the Griffith Observatory and Downtown Los Angeles. The road eventually ascends to the north side of the mountain for a view over Burbank, the Verdugo Mountains, and the San Gabriel Mountains. At the top of the mountain the path horseshoes up and to the left, that is where you can get an unbelievable view of the expansive city and the iconic Hollywood Sign! Take a much needed break and take in the sunset, get some water, snap some photos, enjoy that you can escape the city and get a view like this!

You may be hiking back the lot in the dark so bring a flashlight! Try to stay on the same trails you hiked in on but if you think you are lost just look for Griffith Observatory and head that way. P.S. and if you are feeling up to it grab a few photos of the city from the observatory.