Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign (originally the Hollywoodland Sign) is an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It is situated on Mount Lee, at Griffith Park in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. Spelling out the word Hollywood in 45-foot-tall white capital letters and 350 feet long, it was originally created in 1923 as a temporary advertisement for a local real estate development, but due to increasing recognition the sign was left up, and replaced in 1978 with a more durable all-steel structure.

Among the best-known landmarks in both California and the United States, the sign makes frequent appearances in popular culture, particularly in establishing shots for films and television programs set in or around Hollywood. Signs of similar style, but spelling different words, are frequently seen as parodies. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce holds trademark rights to the Hollywood Sign but only for certain uses.

Because of its widespread recognizability and its visibility from many points across the Los Angeles Basin, the sign has been a frequent target of pranks and vandalism across the decades. It has since undergone restoration, including the installation of a security system to deter mischief. The sign is protected and promoted by nonprofit The Hollywood Sign Trust, while its site and the surrounding land are part of Griffith Park. Authorized hiking trails are open the same hours as Griffith Park, from Sunrise to Sunset, 365 days a year. While enjoying hiking, please stay on authorized trails and beware of the extreme fire danger on the trails, parts of which are still recovering after a devastating wildfire in 2007. Trespassing is illegal. A LAPD officer is stationed near the Sign, which is protected by a fence and security cameras 24/7.

Visitors can hike to the sign from the Bronson Canyon entrance to Griffith Park or from Griffith Observatory. There is also a trailhead near the Lake Hollywood Reservoir outside of Griffith Park, and although not an access point in itself, there is a popular scenic vista point around Lake Hollywood Park near the trailhead. The Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. The Griffith Observatory provides excellent views of the city and the Sign and provides free parking, so people of all physical abilities can still find great views.