Los Angeles Hollywood Sign Hike: Front, Behind, and Expert Guide

About this activity

Featured by the New York Times, The Today Show, USA Today, and the LA Times — Bikes and Hikes LA is LA's most trusted Hollywood Sign experience. Hike to the front of the sign for the iconic shot everyone comes to LA for, then keep going behind the letters to the closest legally accessible viewpoint in the city. Two moments. One hike. Your guide captures both.

Choose at checkout: the full 2.5-hour hike (front AND behind) or the 90-minute express to the front — perfect if you're short on time.

--Hike in front of AND behind the Hollywood Sign — closest legal viewpoint on any guided LA tour

--First Aid and CPR certified guide — and your personal photographer for every shot

--Featured by the New York Times, The Today Show, USA Today, and the LA Times

--Booked 26 days in advance on average — reserve your spot before it's gone

--Free parking at the trailhead

--98% of travelers recommend this experience

Upgrade to a private tour exclusively for your group.

Itinerary

1. Hike the Hollywood Sign · pass by

   We take you closer to the Hollywood Sign than any other guided tour in LA — hiking all the way to the front AND behind the sign for views most visitors never see.

2. Hollywood · pass by

   Your guide shares the real stories behind Hollywood — the scandals, the stars, and the history that made this neighborhood the entertainment capital of the world.

3. Hollywood Sign · pass by

   One of the most iconic landmarks on earth. You'll hike to the front for the classic shot, then continue behind the letters to the closest legally accessible viewpoint on any guided LA tour.

4. Hollywood Reservoir · pass by

   Known as Lake Hollywood, this man-made reservoir has been supplying water to Los Angeles since 1924 — and appearing in countless films and TV shows. Stunning views from the trail.

5. Lake Hollywood Park · pass by

   A favorite local secret and one of the best vantage points for the Hollywood Sign. Your guide knows exactly where to stand for the shot.

6. Hollywood Hills · pass by

   The entire hike unfolds through the Hollywood Hills. Celebrity homes, sweeping city vistas, and the kind of views that make you understand why everyone wants to live here.

7. Griffith Park · pass by

   One of the largest urban parks in America — and the wild history behind how it came to be is one of the best stories your guide tells on the way up.

8. Griffith Observatory · pass by

   The world-famous Griffith Observatory comes into full view from the trail — an architectural landmark and iconic filming location framed against the LA skyline.

9. Burbank · pass by

   From above the sign, spot the famous film studios of Burbank — Disney, Warner Bros., and more — spread across the valley below.

10. Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills · pass by

    Sweeping views of historic Hollywood unfold from the trail — your guide puts everything you're seeing into context.

11. Hollywood Walk of Fame · pass by

    From the Hollywood Hills, your guide points out the boulevard below where Hollywood's legends are immortalized — a view most tourists never get.

12. Beverly Hills · pass by

    The mansions of Beverly Hills spread out below as you climb — your guide knows whose house is whose.

13. Santa Monica · pass by

    On a clear day, the Pacific Ocean and sunny Santa Monica come into full view. This is the panorama that makes the climb worth every step. Bring your camera.

14. San Fernando · pass by

    Behind the Hollywood Sign, the San Fernando Valley opens up in every direction — nearly 500 square miles of LA you can see in a single glance. Nothing prepares you for this view.

15. Glendale · pass by

    As you crest behind the sign, Glendale's skyline comes into view — your guide points out the Cartoon Network Building, the Glendale Galleria, and landmarks locals actually know.

16. Sunset Strip · pass by

    Epic elevated views of the Sunset Strip from above — your guide adds the stories that make the view mean something.

17. Capitol Records Building · pass by

    Spot the iconic Capitol Records Building from the trail — one of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the world, and a lot more interesting with the backstory your guide provides.

18. Hollywood Bowl · pass by

    A bird's-eye view of one of the most famous concert venues in history. Your guide has stories about this one too.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: NO parking Fridays Saturdays Sundays + holidays (We recommend Uber/Lyft those days). Free street parking Mon–Thu (non-holiidays). Arrive 15 minutes early. Use full address for navigation. Meet behind the long white gate by the Smokey Bear sign. No restrooms at the trailhead.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• There is NO parking available Fridays–Sundays & holidays. Free street parking nearby Mon–Thurs (non-holidays).
• The 2.5-hour hike covers 4 miles (6.4 km) on an easy-to-moderate trail.
• The 90-minute express covers 1.8 miles (2.9 km) — easy difficulty.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. Layers recommended — temperatures vary with elevation.
• NOTE: Meet your guide OUTSIDE by the long white gate where the trailhead begins; they wear a neon yellow Bikes & Hikes vest. Do not bother the people at the houses in this neighborhood.
• Recommended for ages 6 and up. Children must be able to hike independently. No strollers on the 2.5-hour route. For children under 6, the 90-minute option is strongly recommended.
• No heart conditions or serious medical conditions. Guests should be in good general health.
• Service animals welcome.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Confirmation received at time of booking.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star1,580
• 4 star14
• 3 star9
• 2 star4
• 1 star20

Read the reviews on Viator