Hollywood Ending

Hike to a Lookout Near the Hollywood Sign

01.16.2020
Hike to a lookout near the Hollywood Sign

At times the Hollywood Sign seems to take on a new gleam. Or maybe it just got a fresh paint job.

Either way, it’s a fitting icon to see up close, and there’s a good hike for that. Make the 3-mile round-trip hike up Aileen B. Getty Ridge Trail, which crosses the 1,820-foot summit of Cahuenga Peak.

The best view of the Hollywood Sign actually comes at a lookout named for a major donor: Hugh Hefner. Enjoy cinematic vistas over LA from above the iconic sign before returning the way you came.

BONUS:Take your chances on seeing Hollywood royalty post-hike. The nearby Smokehouse Restaurant is located close to Warner Brothers Studios, making it a common dining spot for industry luminaries. It's currently open for outdoor dining and take-out.

Near the Cahuenga Pass, exit Hwy. 101 at Barham Blvd. and drive north 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Lake Hollywood Dr. and take this winding road for 0.5 mile. Park at the intersection with Wonder View Dr. and begin walking up Wonder View. The pavement ends after a quarter mile. Find the singletrack heading east next to a plaque that honors the Save the Sign Campaign. After reaching the summit of Cahuenga Peak, the trail crosses a saddle to Hugh Hefner Overlook and connects to Mount Lee Dr. behind the Hollywood Sign. Wear pants; there’s calf-scratching brush along the trail. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

  2. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View
  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. Hike Cherry Canyon Park

    Cherry on Top

    How do you reach the Ultimate Destination in LA County? Cherry Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with a vista point called, well, the Ultimate Destination.

    View