So I’ve told you how to hike to the Hollywood Sign, but that puts you at the top and directly behind the Hollywood Sign. Now, let me share with you the best hike to get views of the Hollywood Sign so you can snap the iconic photo. The Innsdale Trail is less than one mile out and back and fairly flat.
This “hike” is an easy 20-minute stop in Hollywood if you want to see the Hollywood Sign and snap a photo away from the crowds. I use the word “hike” loosely because it’s more like a half-mile walk on a wide dirt path that connects two residential neighborhoods, but it gives you the feel of an urban hike as you are surrounded by nature and views.
Since the trail connects two neighborhoods, either end can be the start or end but this article is for the more common route.
HIKE TO: Hollywood Sign Views
TRAIL: Innsdale Trail
TRAILHEAD: Innsdale Trailhead
MILES: 0.84 mile out and back
TIME: 20 hr
DATE I WENT: 8/12/24
DIFFICULTY: easy
ELEVATION GAIN: 124 ft, mostly flat
ELEVATION: 1,062 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
Innsdale Trail: Hike with the best view of Hollywood Sign
Innsdale Trailhead and Parking
The trailhead is located in a residential neighborhood at the edge of Griffith Park in Hollywood. It starts near Lake Hollywood Park at the end of Canyon Lake Drive. You can find street parking at the corner of Innsdale Drive and Canyon Lake Drive. There is often a Mexican fruit drink stand at the trailhead if you need refreshments on a hot day.
Innsdale Trail
This hike is fully exposed but you may catch some shade off the trees along the edge of the trail depending on the time of day you go.
The trail is only 0.42 miles, one way with a very gradual 124 ft of elevation gain. It’s that firm, gravel-like dirt, and wide like a fire road. The trail goes up just a little, but I’d say this trail is pretty flat and straightforward.
The views of the Hollywood Sign appear quickly to your left. To your right, you will catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Reservoir, and on a clear day, you may even see the city—but LA is known to be smoggy more often than not.
Once you reach the other end of the trail where you meet the sidewalk and houses again, turn back the way you came.
There is a pullout along the residential roads you can jump out at for a photo at very close by, but you won’t be by yourself—especially on a weekend.
*Pro Tip*
If you don’t want to hike for a photo and you don’t want to go to the popular, overcrowded photo spots nearby, just drive to the eastern end of this trail, find a parking spot, and you will be at the end of the hike with the nice viewpoint of the Hollywood Sign.
Download Innsdale Trail GPX
FAQ: View of Hollywood Sign
Where is the best view of the Hollywood Sign?
The best view of the Hollywood Sign is from the Innsdale Trail in Griffith Park, and also the Last House on Mulholland.
Where can I see the Hollywood Sign by car?
There is a popular Hollywood Sign Photo Spot where Canyon Lake Dr becomes Mulholland Hwy, just south of Lake Hollywood Park. Be warned—this spot is packed on the weekends. Read article for my tip on the best place to jump out of the car for a quick pic of the Hollywood Sign.
How can I visit the Hollywood Sign?
While you cannot directly access the Hollywood Sign, you can get close and hike up just behind it, or go for a walk with nice views of it the entire time. Keep reading this article for a hike with the best views of the Hollywood Sign or read this other article with the shortest and best hike to get up and behind the Hollywood Sign.
Is the Hollywood Sign Worth Visiting?
If you are traveling from out of town, the Hollywood Sign is worth visiting at least once. It’s iconic to Los Angeles, California and many of the movies you may have seen.
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