We drove up the 101 from downtown and took the Gower St exit which shoots you straight onto Beachwood. Go to the end of Beachwood as far as you can and park in the dirt outside the ranch. Bring some water with you and start up the dirt trail to the right which will wind around above and past the ranch. Just when you've had enough of the horse manure, take the foot trail that cuts back and up to your LEFT. This will wind around and end in a T at a paved road. Go right on the paved road and follow this up as it winds counter-clockwise around Mt. Lee until it dead ends at the radio tower. We saw lots of hummingbirds along the paved road and there is a nice view of the Hollywood Reservoir from the top. We also saw 2 patrol cars drive the paved route so think twice before scrambling down to the letters from the top. The entire hike took about 2 hours. Not bad for an urban hike when you have a few hours but can't escape the city. Wear light breathable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting dusty. If you are looking to get a close photo of the hollywood sign, save yourself the hassle of a dusty hike around horse manure and just snap a photo from Beachwood Drive! The hike itself doesn't provide many good photo opps of the sign.
Pros: Short hike, views of the LA sprawl and Burbank, hummingbirds and lizards
Cons: Horse manure dodging, dusty, hot in the afternoon
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