I loved this hike. Here’s why, first and foremost you see everything! Even the world’s largest IKEA! Also, if you real about the real story behind the Hollywood sign, it feels less touristy and more like a historical hike. I love the optional hike to the Wisdom Tree, which of course I absolutely had to do. More on that later.
From the trail and top of the cliff you can see Hollywood, the downtown LA skyline, the ocean, Studio City, Burbank, you see all of LA and beyond at once, which is cool because of how big and spread out the city is. I thought I was going to Ikea but that we’d make a pit stop for a “walk” to the Hollywood sign, as told by my roommate. Not so much a walk, it turned into a full fledged hike that I was not prepared for! But I am so glad we did it!
Before making the ascent up, I realized I was at the exact lookout point where I went on my first hike in LA with my sister almost exactly a year ago to. the. day. I believe there is no such thing as coincidence and made sure to get a photo posed exactly as the first photo taken, which can be seen in this blog post. I love a good symbolic photo op! We continued up and while this is classified as an easier hike due to paved inclined trails, it’s still a hike. You still have patches of unpaved trails and eroded dirt and there is a moderate consistent incline that makes this hike nothing to scoff about.
The Hollywood sign is protected by dozens of cameras, sensors, fencing and alarm systems so proximity is limited but I was as close as you could get, which is still plenty close to feel satisfied with your goal. At the top was when my roommate mentioned the Wisdom Tree hike that branches off from the Hollywood trail, I saw a couple photos and decided we absolutely had to continue on. The Wisdom Tree got its name from surviving the fire on the hill that destroyed almost all of the Hollywood Hills in 2007. There is a box under the tree people leave notes, quotes and trinkets in. My absolute favorite part of this hike though is a cliffside spot a few feet down facing Griffith Park, identified by the man-made lake. There’s a ledge area you can sit on, carefully! My roommate and I sat here for awhile and I felt so much peace. It’s quiet, it’s a gorgeous view and we watched the birds float and fly. It was one of those moments that bring you back to center and reconnects you with nature, and yourself. I highly recommend this hike is you’re able!
Tips if you go:
-There are so many routes and trails. I recommend parking halfway up because you still get a great hike experience but it’s a little less exhausting. To park halfway navigate to Lake Hollywood Park. This is also a great spot to park where and you can get photos with the sign and easily see it for those unable to hike but want to see the sights.
– There is almost no shade on this trail so bring plenty of water, snacks and proper shoes.
Collectively,
Karmen
*Outfit details: All Tribe Kelley: TK (faux) Suede leggings made from Microsuede, Desert Daze crop top and Cosmic Plaid duster. Hiking shoes discontinued but are Adidas.
