From Hollywood’s side of the city, Griffith Park offers public viewpoints for seeing the Hollywood Sign, though visitors cannot access the sign itself. This large city park pairs sign-viewing options with trails and other attractions, so check access and transport before choosing a route.
- Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
- Trail network: More than 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Transit: DASH Observatory connects with the Sunset/Vermont Metro station and stops at a park hiking-trail access point.
Choose a legal Hollywood Sign viewpoint or trail
Choose a public viewing site in Griffith Park and stay on designated trails; the Hollywood Sign itself is off limits. The City of Los Angeles park guide identifies several viewing sites within the park, but no access to the sign, citing safety and security.
Griffith Park covers 4,511 acres and has more than 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. That network offers room to plan a hike around a public viewpoint rather than trying to reach the sign structure. Follow marked routes and keep to designated trails, which the city recommends for visitor safety and habitat protection.
For a sign-focused outing, check the park’s official guidance for current viewing-site access before choosing your route. The park includes a mix of trail and road access, so confirm that the route you select is open and appropriate for your plans.
How do you get from Hollywood City Inn to the trail area?
From Hollywood City Inn, drive about 3 minutes to Vermont/Sunset station, then take the DASH Observatory shuttle toward the Mt. Hollywood hiking trail. You could pair the trail outing with Fern Dell, which has a shady path and more than 50 fern species. Hollywood City is a two-star motel in Hollywood, with motel rooms in Los Angeles.
The city says DASH Observatory operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with shuttles every 15–20 minutes; service runs even when the Observatory building is closed.
It connects at the Sunset/Vermont Metro station and stops at Los Feliz village, The Greek Theatre, the Mt. Hollywood hiking trail and Griffith Observatory. Since schedules and service details can change, check the official site before you go.
For broader transit planning, the getting around Los Angeles guide covers transport from the hotel.
What should you check about access and conditions?
Check the City of Los Angeles park information for access, rules and transport before setting out. Park hours are posted as 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; confirm current hours and any access changes before your visit.
Park rules prohibit open fires, alcohol, smoking, feeding wildlife and bicycles on trails. Dogs must be on leash. Cyclists should use paved park roads rather than trails or fire roads; East Observatory Road is one-way downhill, so cyclists riding uphill must use West Observatory Road.
Higher elevations can have heavy traffic and limited parking, especially on weekends, holidays and during summer. Parking around Griffith Observatory is paid and enforced daily. Fees increase during peak season and holidays.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5 AM–10:30 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Plan around distance, weather and daylight
Use the park’s scale and posted hours to shape a realistic outing, then confirm your chosen trail and conditions before leaving. With 4,511 acres and more than 70 miles of trails, Griffith Park is a large area; a route to one viewpoint may not suit a plan that also includes other attractions.
Keep your hike within the park’s posted hours of 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and allow time to return from the trail before closing. The city advises staying on designated routes, which also helps protect habitat. Traffic and parking pressure can be higher at the park’s elevated areas on weekends, holidays and in summer.
If Griffith Observatory is part of your day, the city recommends trails originating near The Greek Theatre or Fern Dell for people walking to the Observatory. Fern Dell is near the Western Canyon entrance and has a shady trail with more than 50 fern species.
Pair the sign view with other Griffith Park stops
Griffith Park combines sign-viewing sites with attractions including the Greek Theatre, Fern Dell, Griffith Observatory and the Autry Museum of the American West. Choosing one additional stop can help structure your visit without treating the large park as a single short walk.
Griffith Observatory stands 1,134 feet above sea level and was built in 1935. If you plan to include it, consider the DASH Observatory shuttle or one of the hiking routes recommended by the city. The Griffith Observatory visit guide has more route-planning details for that stop.
FAQs
Can you hike to the Hollywood Sign itself?
No. The city says there is no access to the sign itself for safety and security, though it identifies public viewing sites within Griffith Park.
Does Griffith Park have hiking trails?
Yes. The park has more than 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
Does the DASH Observatory shuttle stop near a hiking trail?
Yes. It stops at the Mt. Hollywood hiking trail, as well as Los Feliz village, The Greek Theatre and Griffith Observatory.
Can you bring a dog on Griffith Park trails?
Dogs must be on leash. Bicycles are prohibited on trails.