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    Mt. Hollywood Trail

    4.4 (92 reviews)

    Mt. Hollywood Trail Photos

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    Jo S.

    I've started this hike from Fern Dell. It's a tad easier to find parking and there are restrooms around, not the cleanest ones ever, but they serve their purpose. Near the restrooms you'll see the sign for various trails. So, make up your mind and happy trails! I wanted to go to the Berlin Forrest first but changed my mind and went to the Griffith Observatory instead. I love hikes with a purpose and going up to one of the coolest LA's landmarks seemed like a cool goal! And it's fun to see the building while you hike up to it. The hike is simple, good cardio, nothing crazy, not too long, wide trails. Bring some water and sun lotion. Otherwise is fun and pleasant! I checked out the Observatory again when I reached my goal and my destination! How fun! I know the building is close now, but it's still a cool purpose for your goal. And you can explore the grounds. You also get to see great views of the city and of the Hollywood sign! You feel a tad like a tourist in your own city and lucky to live here and do this kinda of hikes! Looking forward to go back, try more hikes, more trails. There are always more goals for me!

    Alex K.

    It just keeps getting better and better. Have been hiking quite a lot with all the free time on my hand. It's a different trail every time and this one does not disappoint. There's a few different ways to get to it but the main one is right off of the Griffith Observatory. When the lot is open, your able to park there and just start the hike. We parked at the bottom of the park near the Greek theater and headed up the path road to the observatory. From there, you just head upward to the beginning of the trail. It's an easy hike with the main trail the whole way there. The view was spectacular. With the rain that we had this morning, the skies clears up and cloudy a lingering offering that million dollars views. From downtown LA to the valley and beyond. It was a sight to see. The trail, wide path. Plenty of people hiking. They did kept their distance from one another as well as wearing mask. Like I've mentioned before, you'll encounter people who does not have any mask on. So just be cautious of the surroundings around you. Once your almost to the top of the hike, there's 2 ways to reach the top. Your could go up the incline of the mountain or stay on the patch which curve around until you reach the top. The incline want bad. Path trail but likely to be busy as most people tend to just go up this way. Once on top, the view is amazing. Just take it all in and enjoy. There's some benches and picnic tables available. Space is pretty massive so you could enjoy yourself. There's the view of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, downton LA skyline, century city, Hollywood and the valley. Take your time and enjoy what the view has to offer. Now that trails are opening up, be aware that it was and does get pretty busy. This was a Monday late afternoon and it was pretty busy. So I could only imagine what the weekend looks like. Beautiful hike and amazing view.

    Route from Greek Theater lot G to the trailhead
    Annie K.

    A great hike for beginners - if the person in question is not afraid of heights and is generally healthy/strong. We parked at the Greek Theater lot, which is free when there are no scheduled shows (address 2700 N Vermont Ave). It's a 20-30-minute climb (depending on fitness level) to the Mt Hollywood trailhead, with a brief portion running through the Mt Hollywood tunnel - note no sidewalk; another option is to take the Dash bus up for 50 cents. We turned left on W Observatory Rd onto the West trail, which leads to Mt Hollywood trailhead after an incline and short walk across a bridge. This looped trail includes a great, albeit hazy, view of the city, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign. At the hairpin loop of the trail, there are benches and a great spot for photos with the sign in the background. I would recommend beginning the hike from the Charlie Turner trailhead near the public restrooms outside Griffith Observatory for an easier route - it won't be a loop, but it'll be easier on the elderly/less able-bodied. My hiking buddy on this day was older, is very afraid of heights, and has little to no experience hiking; finishing off (or starting) at Charlie Turner would have been less stressful for her. The inclines were okay, but going downhill towards the end of the loop was scary because of the steep decline and lack of trees or railings to hold onto. Nonetheless, she made it, however depleted, and I think she was proud she did it.

    A city view from the top
    Tsubasa T.

    It's a nice 3hrs hiking, 1.9 miles (for beginners) to see the Hollywood sign! We parked Brush Canyon Trail free parking lot (Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068). There are two parking lots plus street parking. On the way to go up to the sign, there are a lot of hills and you will want to bring plenty of water. We hiked from 2pm so it was super hot and no wind. I had about 75oz water for the entire hike (3 filled water bottles). Once you reach to the open area where you can take pictures of the Hollywood sign, it's easy to come down the hills. Trail itself is clean and easy to walk. But I recommend to wear hiking shoes. We will definitely go back to the hike but maybe in the morning time to avoid heat.

    So many different trails...come to see sunset, and also any trail is my cup of tea. However make sure you bring plenty of water, a fully charged phone, light sweater and a flash light ... going down in a dark trail pretty adventurous, but that's my middle name

    Kislev A.

    Very easy. I mean, I walked the trail in heels! That was unplanned coz I didn't know we'll be taking the trail, but it worked out ok. Very panoramic. The Hollywood sign is visible here. At least while the sun is out. City of Los Angeles, in an effort to "save energy," does not light up the sign. Watched the sunset from here. It was awesome!! And watched as the lights in the city turned on one by one. Ok, not one by one, but you get the gist. And when the sun went down, the coyotes came out and started yipping and howling. Oh how awesome that was. I didn't even realize it was a full moon that night. It just simply took my breath away when I rounded a corner in the trail and the light from the bright yellow moon hanging so low over the city hit my face. Nothing like the beautiful view of the artificially lighted City of Angeles to remind us how blessed we are to live in a city like... LOS ANGELES! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VRwz47aa38v5pjraC0gWeA?select=jhYAx63q_GR0495jSKQPoA#jhYAx63q_GR0495jSKQPoA

    Ailla V.

    Nice trail with the kids, some trails are pretty steep. Parked at the bottom where you can find free parking. Anything by observatory is $15 per hour.

    Tony K.

    This is a popular hike near the Observatory. With that said, parking near the Observatory is crowded on the weekend and it's not fun. If you're lucky enough to find parking in that area or willing to fight thru the crowd. You can spot the Charlie Turner Trailhead that will take you to Mount Hollywood. The trail is wide enough with a gradual incline, so kids can run around safely without any major drop offs. More than half way up, you will reach a split in the trail. If you go right, then next few trail splits, go left, then left again. If you go left, then next few trail splits, go right, then right again to Mount Hollywood. This is roughly 3 mile RT. Here is a link to Griffith Park trails. https://www.laparks.org/sites/default/files/griffith/pdf/GriffithParkMap.pdf Best is to print out a map of the park, then you can monitor where your headed. The last thing you want to do is turn on a trail and not know where your going. My recent hike at Griffith Park, I talked to a few hikers who look lost near Mount Bell area, ask where they're headed, then I can give them suggestions on what route to take. But good to plan ahead cause added mileage in the wrong direction is never fun. My two favorite alternate routes away from the crowded Observatory parking area. I would recommend starting your hike at Fern Dell. There is a large parking lot. You will start on the West Trail, hiking up to the Observatory. Then connect onto Mount Hollywood trail. It's about 4-5 mile RT. The second alternate route would be to start at the Greek Theatre, hike on the Riverside Trail, then hop onto the Hogback Trail to Mount Hollywood. But I would avoid this hike if Greek Theatre is having an event. Otherwise, it would be a nightmare of traffic and crowd in that area. This one you can also grab Glendale Peak before heading to Mount Hollywood. This is about 6 mile RT. There is also a loop trail for this if you want to try. The view is awesome, and likely you will pass or be passed by many hikers. So getting lost is rare in these part of the trails. But still recommend having a trail map available when hiking till you're more familiar with the trail system. As always pack accordingly to the weather and have fun.

    0600 Morning view of LA. 10/19/13.
    Susan U.

    Who does not love this hiking trail gem? I was brought by a friend who knows every single way and trail secrets one early morning. I was amazed that there were many people hiking and some were already coming down the hills. We took the entrance going up to the Griffith Observatory and I really did appreciate the architectural view of the building. We continued hiking through the hills and the price? Of course the view of the city at 6AM! Priceless and smogless beauty! No doubt, this is the most loved hiking trail in LA!

    Mt. Hollywood Summit trail. Left strenuous inclines, Right (towards Dante's View) Flat levels.
    Native Q.

    Mt. Hollywood Trail for Labor Day! This Hike can be strenuous depending on which way you complete your hike or hikes (High Incline or Flat Levels)! Since I'm a die hard at hiking, I hiked Mt. Hollywood Summit all the way to the Top! Stay to the left (opposite side of Dante's View) for a higher incline to Mt. Hollywood Summit. If you decide to go further than Mt. Hollywood Summit watch out for the Horses defecation. It might be down the rest of the way (3mile Trail to Mt. Hollywood Dr. & North Trail to Vista Del Valle Dr.).

    Monica M.

    What a beautiful hiking trail. A great hike to view all of Los Angeles area. The view of the mountains and city is amazing! This trail however has several inclines and it's considered moderate, so brace yourself. Overall a great hike to view our gorgeous city and a nice area to relax and snack.

    Evelyn S.

    This is just a beautiful kind of easy hiking trail. You catch a great view of most of Los Angeles. On a clear day you can see DTLA, east Los, Westwood and the San Fernando Valley. It is a popular trail so you come across many hikers and tourists. Even though there is a lot of people on the trail it is wide enough where it doesn't feel crowded. It is steep in certain areas so you do get a pretty good work out but doesn't feel unsafe. It starts at the observatory and there's plenty of parking along the way. You can take some really great pictures along the way of the Hollywood sign, observatory and Downtown Los Angeles . As of this past weekend the Observatory and the road leading to it is closed for repairs. So there isn't any parking close to it you may have to park somewhere else. Also, there is only one water fountain at the beginning and it is just for hoomans not doggies (booooo!). So if you bring your fur babies make sure you pack them water as they will get tired. It is about a little over 2 miles long and doesn't have any shade so it can get pretty hot. There are some rest areas along the trail with benches. At the top you can get an almost 360 view of Los Angeles. There are picnic tables in case you brought some snacks. Me and the fur babies will keep coming back!

    Shauna N.

    Living in LA for my entire life I never knew that you could see the Hollywood sign over water. I never even knew there was a damn in Hollywood. So finding this park was a treat. I expected it to be a hike but it isn't. A lot of people run around the damn. The flowers around are beautiful right now. But I was a little caught off guard that there is a huge fence blocking the view. I believe it's 2 1/2 miles all the way around. The view does open up in the middle. If you would like an easy paved walking path to see the sign I recommend this trail.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Mt. Hollywood Trail

    Review Highlights - Mt. Hollywood Trail

    This looped trail includes a great, albeit hazy, view of the city, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign.

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    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    4.5
    (1.1k reviews)
    8.6 mi

    Review for the Culver City Stairs - Great hike in LA that offers nice panoramic views of the…read moremountains and city. My friend and I hiked here on a Friday in the middle of the day. The sun was out but we enjoyed the exercise and the view. There is street parking offered at the bottom and once you go up the short dirt road you'll immediately see the stairs. From the bottom it can look quite steep but once you start going up you get used to the feel. The worst part is that the stairs are all uneven and some are pretty high (especially for kids/short adults like me), but overall the hike is pretty quick. For those in excellent physical shape, it probably only takes ~10 mins to get to the top. For those who might need to take more pauses, ~20 mins. As you walk up, there are a couple of areas you can pull over on the side and catch your breath on. Once you're at the top, there are a ton of great views and photo op spots. Heading down was a little confusing because we tried to avoid the stairs at first and use the dirt roads, however the path we picked didn't lead all the way back to the bottom so we just ended up taking the stairs for half of it.

    This is the Baldwin Hills scenic overlook, which is also known as the Culver City stairs. There's…read moretwo ways you can go. You can go all the way up on the stairs, which aren't good for my knee or you can take the kind of like paved road on the sidewalk, which is what I do I can take the stairs down. I prefer not to. If you get there early in the morning, it's not very crowded and it's a beautiful sunrise. I like to get my workouts in first thing in the morning, that way the endorphins are flowing if serotonin levels are high your energies up there and I feel much more productive, but I can't always do it. I shoot for three times a week. I love that. I have a free resource to enjoy nature's beauty and marvel at how quiet the city is when it's sleeping. It's a beautiful hike. Highly suggested. I don't like to go on the weekends. There's too many people that come from other places to go there so it's crowded so, if I do it on the weekend, I'm doing it very early in the morning so I don't Have to deal with so many people... I find that I don't people well anymore and I don't like a lot of people around me! They have also created like an extension to where it goes into another part of a different park. I think it's Kenneth Han not sure but it's really cool and in a city it's nice to have these naturesque getaways.

    Photos
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
    Sunrise
    Sunrise
    Mustard weeds er'where!

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    Mustard weeds er'where!
    Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1
    (62 reviews)
    22.4 mi

    Plenty hiking opportunities, refreshing air, and a nice scenic drive in. Be sure to have a full…read moretank, as there is no gas services. There is a cafe/ convenience store across from the campground where you can also purchase your day use park pass for $5. I experienced a foggy day, which gave a cooling effect to my hiking. Restrooms are vault toilets, so unpleasant smells and a mess are a given. The lake has lots of swampy algae, therefore not appropriate for swimming or water sports. However, they do allow fishing with permit. I am a nature enthusiast and it was saddening to see the lack of humans respect for nature, with graffiti and trash in some areas of the park. Crystal lake definitely could use more funding to preserve its natural beauty. The loveliest part is listening to woodpeckers as they work, watching an eagle fly above with a fish in its talons, and treading quietly not to startle the squirrel who is crossing my path. I suggest picking up a map with hiking trails from the rangers post or convenience store, before planning your day!

    Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear…read more There's still snow there, the road is clear, and along the way, there's a mountain stream and a reservoir where you can stop. Download a map in advance, as there's no signal there. There's a small lake where you can take a walk, and a forest with a cozy family café where you can grab a snack.

    Photos
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Crystal Lake

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    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    4.4
    (293 reviews)
    13.4 mi

    Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

    This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

    Photos
    Lower Switzer Fall
    Lower Switzer Fall
    The grand prize, Switzer falls.
    The grand prize, Switzer falls.
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

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    Secret Stairs

    Secret Stairs

    4.3
    (37 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

    I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

    Photos
    Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.
    Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.
    Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.
    Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.
    Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

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    Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

    Mt. Hollywood Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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