The Hollywood sign letters are 45 feet (13.7 m) tall and 31 to 39 feet wide. When lined up from 'H' to 'D', the total length reaches about 450 feet (137 m), nearly spanning a football field.

Originally made of wood and tin in 1923, it was replaced with a full steel structure in 1978 and continues to proudly adorn the Los Angeles skyline.

"How close can I get?"

The official closest access point is the summit of Mt Lee (elevation 521 m), where you can see the sign from behind. You can approach right up to the security fence along the last stretch of Mt Lee Drive, which is about 15 to 20 m away from the fence and steel structure. CCTV and sensors operate 24/7, so entry inside the fence is strictly prohibited.

Great spots for a 'selfie'

  • Lake Hollywood Park: 0.6 miles straight to the sign. With a lawn and playground, it's convenient for setting up a tripod.

  • Griffith Observatory Viewing Deck: Best for night views, but a telephoto lens is essential.

  • Hollywood & Highland Center 4th Floor Observation Deck: Directly connected to the subway Red Line, great public transport access!

These three spots are also advantageous as they allow 24-hour access without local resident complaints.

Three popular routes to the summit

Brush Canyon Trail  
6.4 miles, elevation gain +320 m, relatively gentle past Bronson Cave, ample parking space.

Innsdale ↔ Mt Lee Drive
4.4 miles, elevation gain +280 m, connects forest trails on the north side of Griffith Park to paved roads, plenty of shade.

Hollyridge Trail
3.5 miles, elevation gain +230 m, the shortest but subject to frequent access changes, check in advance.

Visiting tips & latest news

  1. Golden hour (just after sunrise and one hour before sunset) is the best time to capture clear photos.

  2. In summer, traffic at Griffith Park's entrance can get long after 3 PM, so a combination of public transport and walking is recommended.

  3. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the sign, new paint was completed in fall 2023, making it the brightest white ever! Wikipedia

  4. Drone photography is strictly prohibited—a fine of up to $1,000 will be imposed if caught.

  5. Due to high fire risk, smoking and open flames are absolutely NO, and dogs must be on a leash no longer than 2 m.

If you see the white letters shining on the ridge during your LA trip, take a moment to hike up to the summit of Mt Lee.

The breathtaking view of the city below and the massive 'HOLLYWOOD' letters will leave a much more vivid memory than any photo could capture.