The Basics
Nine white letters, each 45 feet tall, spanning 352 feet across the south face of Mount Lee in Griffith Park. You can't touch it. You can't climb it. It's fenced off, motion-detected, under 24/7 camera surveillance, and the LAPD will absolutely detain you if you try.
But you can see it from half the city, hike above it, and take the photo that proves you were in LA.
The History
1923 Real estate developer Harry Chandler erected "HOLLYWOODLAND" on Mount Lee to advertise a luxury housing development. The sign was 50 feet tall, nearly 450 feet wide, and lit by 4,000 light bulbs. It was supposed to come down after 18 months.
1932 Aspiring actress Peg Entwistle climbed to the top of the letter H and jumped. She was 24. The sign became infamous.
1949 The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce struck a deal with LA Parks to renovate the sign. To save money, they removed "LAND" and dropped the lightbulbs. The sign became "HOLLYWOOD."
1970s The sign fell into serious decay. Termite damage, vandalism, weather. The third O had collapsed entirely. The sign looked like it was dying.
1978 The "Save the Sign" campaign launched. Hugh Hefner hosted a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion. Alice Cooper donated $27,700 to sponsor an O (in honor of Groucho Marx). Gene Autry sponsored an L. Andy Williams took the W. The sign was completely rebuilt with a $900,000 donation, helping reach a $250,000 goal.
2010 The land around the sign was nearly sold to developers. Hugh Hefner again stepped in with a $12.5 million fundraising goal. The 138-acre parcel became permanent Griffith Park land.
2023 The sign celebrated its 100th anniversary, in its best condition ever thanks to the Hollywood Sign Trust's ongoing preservation.
January 2025 During the Palisades Fire, the sign was threatened but survived unscathed. Griffith Park is now fully reopened.
January 2025 Sydney Sweeney's underwear brand Syrn draped lingerie over the sign without a permit. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce called it unauthorized and investigated. The sign remains a magnet for stunts.
The Famous Pranks
The sign has been altered more times than you'd think:
- HOLLYWEED (1976, and again on New Year's 2017) — marijuana legalization celebrations
- GO NAVY (1983) — Midshipmen altered it (with permission) for the Army-Navy game
- CALTECH (1987) — Students pranked it on Hollywood's centennial
- PEROTWOOD (1992) — Ross Perot supporters during the presidential election
- OIL WAR (1991) — Gulf War protest
- HOLYWOOD (1987) — Protest against Oliver North during Iran-Contra
Best Ways to See the Sign (Ranked)
1. Hike Above It (Best Experience)
Multiple trails in Griffith Park take you to the summit of Mt. Lee, directly above and behind the sign. You'll see the sign backwards with the entire LA basin spread out below. The recommended route is the Canyon Drive / Brush Canyon Trail — 6 miles round trip, moderate difficulty.
2. Griffith Observatory Terrace (Best Photo Without Hiking)
The terrace on the right side of the Observatory parking lot has a clear, elevated view of the sign. You can combine it with the free exhibits inside. The DASH shuttle gets you there for 50 cents.
3. Lake Hollywood Park (Best Drive-Up View)
3160 Canyon Lake Drive. A small park with benches and a direct, iconic front-facing view of the sign. You can drive here — no hiking required. Parking fills fast; arrive early. The neighborhood streets are residential and heavily patrolled for parking violations.
4. The "Last House on Mulholland" Viewpoint
Near the intersection of Ledgewood Drive and Mulholland Highway. The closest panoramic view accessible without restrictions. Combine this with a drive along Mulholland for additional viewpoints of the sign and the Hollywood Reservoir.
5. Ovation Hollywood (Formerly Hollywood & Highland)
The 4th level bridge of the shopping complex at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue has dedicated viewing areas. The easiest option — you're already on Hollywood Boulevard, you look up, there it is. Not the best photo angle, but the most convenient.
6. Barnsdall Art Park
11 acres on top of Olive Hill at Hollywood Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Home to Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House. Great view of the sign plus downtown LA. Far fewer tourists than the Observatory.
7. From a Rooftop Bar
Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood and the Highlight Room at Dream Hollywood both have sign views. More expensive, less Instagram-hiker, more cocktails-at-sunset.
Photo Tips
- Golden hour wins. The sign faces south, so it's lit by the sun for most of the day, but the best photos happen in the hour before sunset when the light goes warm and the city haze softens.
- After rain = best visibility. LA's smog and marine layer disappear 1–2 days after a good rain. These are the days for long-range sign shots.
- Griffith Observatory at dawn is the least crowded time for a clean photo with no one in the frame.
- The webcam at hollywoodsign.org shows the live view (currently being restored after the 2025 fires).
Quick Facts
- Height: 45 feet per letter
- Width: 352 feet total
- Location: South slope of Mount Lee, Griffith Park
- Built: 1923 (as HOLLYWOODLAND), rebuilt 1978
- Cost to rebuild (1978): $250,000
- Cost to save the land (2010): $12.5 million
- Maintained by: The Hollywood Sign Trust (nonprofit 501(c)(3))
- Can you visit the sign itself?: No. Fenced, surveilled, restricted.
- Can you hike near it?: Yes, multiple trails get you above and behind it.
- Is it lit at night?: Not anymore. The original bulbs were removed in 1949.
Make It a WashedUp Plan
The Hollywood Sign hike is one of the most popular plans on WashedUp. Sunrise hikes, golden hour photo trips, or combining the sign with the Observatory and a sunset — all work great with a group. Post a plan and find people to go with.
The Hollywood Sign is better with a group. Post a plan on WashedUp and find your crew.
Last verified: February 2025.
FAQ
How close can you get to the Hollywood Sign?
You can get very close by hiking to the top of Mount Lee. The closest viewpoint is directly behind and above the sign.
What is the best place to take a picture of the Hollywood Sign?
The best photo spots include Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood and Highland complex, Lake Hollywood Park, and the top of the Wisdom Tree hike.
Can you hike to the Hollywood Sign?
Yes, several trails lead to the Hollywood Sign, including routes from Griffith Observatory, Beachwood Canyon, and the Brush Canyon Trail. Most hikes are 6 to 10 miles round trip.
Related Guides → Griffith Park, Hollywood Sign & Observatory: The Complete Hike Guide → Griffith Observatory: Hours, Parking & Free Exhibits
