Hollywood hills with their famous sign are one of the symbols of Los Angeles. Originally, the sign was an advertisement of a local real estate development – Hollywoodland (that’s a timeless marketing!). Now, nine 14 meters (35 foot) tall letters saying “Hollywood” appear frequently in popular culture and are one of touristic attractions of Los Angeles. Majority of tourists watch the sign from the front only. It is possible though to hike behins the Hollywood sign – and that’s what we decided to do 🙂
I thought that a trail to the Hollywood sign will be easy and short, I was sure I’ll not even get tired. Oh how mistaken I was 😉 Trekking to the back of the Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory took us around 1,5h and we had to pass a few hills on our way. It wasn’t a piece of cake in over 30C heat, especially that our friend and guide was choosing many weird shortcuts though the most steep ascents and the worst sand… 😉 But! The views on the way are simply amazing! On one side there is a perfect view over the city, on the other we can see the mountains. Los Angeles isn’t the most beautiful city in the world, let’s put it this way. But its location is fantastic and I think I could move there just for these mountains and views at my doorstep.
On our way to the Hollywood sign
On our way to the Hollywood sign
On our way to the Hollywood sign – a view at Los Angeles and Griffith Observatory
On our way to the Hollywood sign – view at the mountains
On our way to the Hollywood sign – view at the city
Due to the fact that the sign was a frequent target of vandalism (which was sometimes funny – I read that once someone replaced two letters and turned Hollywood into Hollyweed… 😉 ) it’s not possible to get to the very letters and touch them. I hoped to sit in one of the “Os” 😉 but even without this possibility admiring the view over Los Angeles with this sign on the foreground is something unforgettable.
We were going back in the evening (using an easier, asphalt road ;)) and we could admire the Hollywood hills colored by the setting sun. By the way, it seems to me that in the US the orange-red-purple colors of the sunset are much more intense that in Poland. A great view, which I can’t fully show on pictures. But I’m learning! 😉
To sum up, if you are going to Los Angeles, don’t miss this hike to the Hollywood sign because the views from there are breathtaking! I like the city from this perspective much more than from the inside. There is a map near Griffith Observatory which shows you where to go. The trail is not marked after that but it’s hard to miss. Go there! Just take better shoes and more water than we did… 😉
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I have to admit even though I have been up there on several occasions both hiking and running the last day that I was able to go proved to me that even a repeat event could still be special. I was able to meet several special people on the way and at the top and was able to enjoy some spectacular views of the City of Los Angeles. The view was amazing and it helps you remember it’s not just a crowed, dirty polluted city but also has a few redeeming qualities that one may enjoy.
I think it’s sometimes good to become a tourist in your own city, especially with people who are there for the first time. It makes it possible for you to notice some values that you normally don’t pay attention to. 🙂
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