The best hikes in Hollywood are Runyon Canyon for a quick workout with city views, the Mount Hollywood trail above Griffith Observatory for the highest easy summit, the short walk to the Bronson Caves for film history, the paved Hollywood Reservoir loop for a flat stroll, and the Brush Canyon or Cahuenga Peak routes if you want to get close to the Hollywood Sign. All of them are free. Most open at sunrise and close at sunset, have little shade and sit in a high fire-risk zone, so water, sun protection and a check of current closures matter more than special gear.
The main trails at a glance
| Trail | Approximate distance | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon loops | About 2 to 3.5 miles | Easy to moderate, with steep options | Quick city views, dog walking |
| Mount Hollywood from the Observatory | About 3 miles out and back to the summit | Easy to moderate | Wide views, the Sign from the side |
| Bronson Caves | About 0.6 miles round trip | Easy | Families, film locations |
| Brush Canyon to the Sign viewpoint | About 6 miles | Moderate | Getting behind and above the Sign |
| Hollywood Reservoir loop | About 3.5 miles, paved and flat | Easy | A relaxed walk with water views |
| Cahuenga Peak | About 3 miles | Hard, steep and loose | Experienced hikers wanting the ridge |
Distances vary with the exact start point and loop you choose. Treat them as approximate.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is a 160-acre city park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The main entrance is at the north end of Fuller Avenue, a few blocks above Hollywood Boulevard, and a second entrance with a small parking area is off Mulholland Drive at the top. A paved fire road runs up the middle of the canyon, giving an easy loop, while the Star Trail and the steeper Hero's Trail climb the ridges on either side. The highest point, Indian Rock, sits at about 1,320 feet.
Dogs are allowed off leash in a large part of the park, which makes it one of the city's most popular spots for dog owners. Expect crowds on weekend mornings. After the January 2025 fires in the Hollywood Hills, the park closed for a time and reopened in stages, with some trails closed for months afterward. Check the city's park notices for the current status before you go.
Street parking near the Fuller entrance is limited and heavily signed. Read every sign, or walk up from the boulevard.
Mount Hollywood above the Observatory
At about 1,625 feet, Mount Hollywood is one of the best viewpoints in Griffith Park. The usual route starts at the Charlie Turner Trailhead at the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking area and follows a wide dirt road up and around the mountain, passing a bridge over the park road and a shaded garden area known as Dante's View before the final climb. The summit looks west to the Hollywood Sign, south over the city and north to the San Fernando Valley. Plan on about an hour and a half for the round trip with stops.
Combine the hike with a visit inside the Observatory; the Griffith Observatory visitor guide covers parking and the DASH bus that stops near the trailhead.
Bronson Caves
At the top of Canyon Drive, in the Bronson Canyon section of Griffith Park, a short dirt path climbs about a third of a mile to a set of tunnels left by an early 20th-century rock quarry. They have appeared in many westerns and science-fiction films, and one tunnel served as the entrance to the Batcave in the 1960s Batman television series. The walk is short enough for small children. There are no bats to speak of and no services on the trail. Parking at the end of Canyon Drive is free but fills early on weekends.
Brush Canyon and the Sign
From the same Canyon Drive area, the Brush Canyon Trail heads north up a fire road to the Mulholland Trail and on toward the ridge behind the Hollywood Sign. The Hollywood Sign Trust lists the full outing at about 6 miles. It is steady climbing with almost no shade, and the reward is a view down over the back of the letters and across the basin. You cannot reach the letters themselves; they are fenced and monitored. The Hollywood Sign viewpoints guide explains the rules and other ways to see it.
Hollywood Reservoir loop
For a flat, paved walk, the path around the Hollywood Reservoir is hard to beat. It runs about 3.5 miles and crosses Mulholland Dam, completed in 1924 by the city's water department, then called the Bureau of Water Works and Supply. The Sign appears above the water along parts of the route. The path is operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, so its hours change through the year and it can close for maintenance. Dogs are not allowed on the reservoir path, though bikes are.
Fern Dell
Fern Dell is a shaded, spring-fed glen at the southwest corner of Griffith Park, near Los Feliz Boulevard. It lies within Griffith Park, itself a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and is one of the coolest places to walk on a hot day. A trail climbs from the top of the dell to Griffith Observatory, making it a good start for a longer outing.
Safety and rules
- Hours. Griffith Park trails are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Do not plan to hike down in the dark.
- Fire. Smoking and open flames are banned. On red flag days, parts of the park can close entirely.
- Water and heat. Carry at least a liter per person for short hikes and more in summer. The exposed fire roads get very hot by midday.
- Wildlife. Rattlesnakes and coyotes live in these hills. Stay on the trail, watch where you put your hands, and keep dogs close where leashes are required.
- Trespassing. Some popular social-media routes cross private land or closed areas. Stick to official trails and trailheads.
- Neighbors. Most trailheads sit at the end of residential streets. Park legally, keep noise down and do not block driveways.
Getting to the trailheads
The Runyon Canyon entrance at Fuller Avenue is a short walk from the Hollywood/Highland Metro station. For Griffith Park trailheads, the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset station stops at the Observatory and along Mount Hollywood Drive. Canyon Drive has no direct transit, so most people drive or take a rideshare. Our guide to getting around Hollywood without a car covers the bus and rail options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest hike in Hollywood?
The walk to the Bronson Caves is the shortest, at about 0.6 miles round trip. The paved Hollywood Reservoir loop is longer but flat, making it the easiest longer walk.
Can I hike to the Hollywood Sign?
You can hike to viewpoints behind and above the Sign, for example via the Brush Canyon Trail or the Mount Hollywood area, but you cannot reach the letters. They are fenced and monitored, and trespassing is illegal.
Are dogs allowed on Hollywood trails?
Runyon Canyon allows dogs off leash in much of the park. Griffith Park trails generally require leashes, and dogs are not permitted on the Hollywood Reservoir path.
Is Runyon Canyon open?
Runyon Canyon reopened in stages after the January 2025 fires, with some trails closed for a long time afterward. Check the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for the current status before you go.
When is the best time of day to hike in Hollywood?
Early morning is best for cooler air, easier parking and softer light. Late afternoon works in winter, but leave enough time to be off the trail by sunset.