A fire-road hike behind the Hollywood Sign; the sign can be viewed from the back and above, but the area immediately around it is fenced and off-limits.
The Brush Canyon Trail is a fire-road hike in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California, that reaches the ridge behind the Hollywood Sign. The Brush Canyon Trailhead sits at the end of Canyon Dr, beyond the Bronson Canyon entrance in the Hollywood Hills, near Los Feliz. Access is by car or rideshare, with limited free street parking on Canyon Dr that fills quickly on weekends; the nearest public transit stops are about 1.5 miles away at Franklin Ave and Bronson Ave. No permit or fee is required. The route follows the Brush Canyon fire road, then the Mount Lee Dr paved service road, covering about 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round trip with roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) of elevation gain, usually in 3 to 4 hours. Difficulty is moderate because of the sustained climb, though the surface is wide and non-technical, a mix of packed dirt and pavement. Shade is sparse and the exposed ridge can be hot and windy. Along the way hikers pass Brush Canyon and its oak and sage scrub, join the Mount Lee Dr road, and reach an overlook above the Hollywood Sign, where the letters can be seen from behind and above. The area immediately around the sign is fenced and off-limits, and the city enforces closure of the access road beyond the overlook. From the ridge there are views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Hollywood Reservoir and, on clear days, the ocean. A common turn-around point is the overlook on Mount Lee Dr. Hikers with less time can shorten the outing by turning around earlier. Water is not available on the route, so hikers carry all they need, and there are no shelters. Trail users share the fire road with cyclists and maintenance vehicles, and rangers patrol the park.
| Distance | About 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round trip to the Mt. Lee Dr overlook |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Car or rideshare; limited street parking on Canyon Dr. Public transit stops about 1.5 miles away at Franklin Ave and Bronson Ave |
| Best season | October-May; start before 9 a.m. in summer |
| Address | Brush Canyon Trailhead, end of Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Griffith Park (Bronson Canyon)
What to bring
- 2 liters of water
- Sun hat
- Sturdy shoes
Location
Brush Canyon Trailhead, end of Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
34.1284, -118.3172 View on map
Highlights
- Views of the Hollywood Sign from behind and above on the Mount Lee Dr overlook
- Panorama of the Los Angeles Basin, Hollywood Reservoir and Pacific on clear days
- Wide fire-road surface that is easy to follow without technical terrain
- Starts near the Bronson Canyon area, close to Bronson Caves
Tips for visiting
- Start before 9 a.m. in summer; the ridge has almost no shade and gets hot.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water since none is available on the route.
- Arrive early on weekends to find street parking on Canyon Dr, or use rideshare.
- Respect the fence near the sign; the area around the letters is closed and patrolled.
- Check for fire-danger closures, which can shut Griffith Park trails on red-flag days.
When to visit
October to May is most comfortable, and early morning avoids summer heat and crowds. Clear days after rain give the best views of the basin.
Accessibility
The route is a long, steep fire road and paved service road and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The surface is wide but the sustained grade makes it difficult for limited-mobility visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Brush Canyon hike to the Hollywood Sign?
The route is about 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round trip with roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) of climbing. Most hikers take 3 to 4 hours.
Can hikers touch the Hollywood Sign?
No. The area immediately around the sign is fenced and off-limits. The trail leads to an overlook where the sign is viewed from the back and above.
Where do hikers park for the Brush Canyon Trailhead?
Parking is on the street at the end of Canyon Dr, and spaces are limited. Weekend spots fill early, so rideshare is a practical alternative.
Is there water on the trail?
No. Hikers need to carry their own water, with about 2 liters recommended in warm weather.