Mt Hollywood Trail Hiking Guide
Mt Hollywood Trail is one of Los Angeles's most rewarding urban hikes, climbing through Griffith Park's chaparral-covered hillsides to a summit with sweeping views of the LA basin, the Hollywood sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. At 3 miles round-trip with roughly 600 feet of elevation gain, the trail strikes a balance that works for casual hikers and regular fitness-seekers alike. The trailhead sits minutes from the Griffith Observatory, making it easy to combine a summit push with a visit to one of LA's most iconic landmarks.
Trail Overview and Route
The most popular approach to Mt Hollywood starts near the Griffith Observatory parking area and follows the well-signed Mt Hollywood Trail north and then east toward the 1,625-foot summit. The path is a mix of fire road and single-track, with clear junctions marked throughout Griffith Park. Most hikers complete the route as an out-and-back or incorporate it into a loop using connecting trails like the Hogback Trail or East Observatory Trail. The terrain is open and exposed for much of the climb, so expect full sun except during early morning hours. Total elevation gain is approximately 600 feet spread across the route, making the grade manageable but consistently noticeable.
Views and Highlights at the Summit.
The summit of Mt Hollywood delivers a 360-degree panorama that few trails in LA can match at this distance and effort level. To the south and west, the entire LA basin spreads out toward the coast, with downtown skyscrapers visible on most days. The Hollywood sign sits directly in your sightline to the northwest, making this one of the best vantage points in the city for photographing it against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. On exceptionally clear days following rain or Santa Ana wind events, Catalina Island appears on the horizon. The Griffith Observatory dome is visible below on the descent, providing a natural landmark to navigate by.
Best Times to Hike
Winter and spring are the premier seasons for Mt Hollywood. Winter rains clear the air and coat the hills in green, and the cooler temperatures make the exposed climb comfortable. Spring brings wildflowers along the trail margins and the clearest long-distance views of the season. Fall is also excellent once the heat breaks, typically from October onward. Summer hiking is possible but the exposed south-facing slopes heat up quickly, and afternoon smog frequently reduces visibility. Early morning starts in any season offer cooler conditions, better light for photography, and significantly less foot traffic on this popular urban trail.
Dogs, Families, and Accessibility.
Mt Hollywood Trail is dog-friendly, and leashed dogs are a common sight on the route. Bring enough water for your pet since there are no water sources along the trail itself, though water is available at the Griffith Observatory before and after the hike. The wide fire-road sections make the trail manageable for older children and families with some hiking experience. The single-track portions involve minor rocky footing but nothing technical. Restrooms are available at the Griffith Observatory and at several trailhead areas within Griffith Park. The trail does not meet ADA standards due to uneven terrain and grade, but the lower sections near the observatory are more accessible.
Parking and Trailhead Access
Parking near the Griffith Observatory is free but fills quickly on weekends and holidays, often by 9 a.m. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation operates a DASH shuttle from the Los Feliz area to the observatory, which removes the parking challenge entirely and is recommended on busy days. Vermont Canyon Road and Western Canyon Road both provide access to Griffith Park trailheads if you prefer to start from a lower elevation and add distance. Street parking on the residential streets below the park is an option on weekdays. Griffith Park itself is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the trails close at sunset.
Safety and Trail Etiquette
Despite being an urban trail, Mt Hollywood's exposed ridgeline can feel isolated, and cell coverage has occasional dead spots near the summit. Hiking with at least one other person is always advisable. Yield to uphill hikers and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times — wildlife including coyotes, mule deer, and rattlesnakes are present in Griffith Park year-round. Stay on marked trails to protect the chaparral vegetation, which recovers slowly from foot damage. During high fire-danger periods, Griffith Park may close portions of the trail network; check the LA City Recreation and Parks website or app notifications before heading out.
Hiking tips for Mt Hollywood Trail
- Start before 8 a.m. on weekends to secure parking at the Griffith Observatory and avoid crowds on the trail.
- Carry at least one liter of water per person — the route is fully exposed with no water sources between the observatory and summit.
- Check air quality before going; the summit views are dramatically better after rain or on low-AQI mornings.
- Wear sun protection year-round since the south-facing slopes receive direct sun throughout most of the hike.
- Download an offline map of Griffith Park before you go — the trail network has multiple junctions and cell signal can drop near the summit.
Nearby trails to explore
- Griffith Park East Observatory Trail.
- Runyon Canyon Park Trail
- Cahuenga Peak Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
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