Reaching 1625 feet Mount Hollywood is Griffith Park’s premiere peak. It is not the mountain crowned by the Hollywood sign. However, the Mount Hollywood Trail delivers great views of Mt. Lee. You can clearly see the bold HOLLYWOOD lettering across its summit from here.
For most of Griffith Park’s history, Mount Hollywood has stood at the center. It was the tallest and most visited peak in the park. In 2010, Mt. Lee and Cahuenga Peak were added. Mount Hollywood then fell to the third highest peak in the park. But the stream of visitors hasn’t changed. This is due to the relatively short hike on the Charlie Turner Trail from the Griffith Observatory.
The Charlie Turner Trail is more a thoroughfare to a destination. It is not a journey to be undertaken. The Hike-LosAngeles trek to Mount Hollywood’s summit is more challenging. It is also a more inspiring hike. The trail begins near the Pony Rides on Crystal Springs Drive. It passes Beacon Hill and Glendale Peak. Then it climbs the spine of Hogback Ridge.
Sweeping vistas open as the canyon walls fall away. This delivers you to the top of the park’s central peak. The climb is steep. In a few instances, it is brutally so. But the views are all encompassing. They stretch from the San Gabriels in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west.
On clear days the entire basin is spread out before you. You can see the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes mounts San Gorgonio, Baldy and San Jacinto can be seen. The view at night can be spectacular, too.
The trailhead for Mount Hollywood is named for Charlie Turner. He was a British-born retired insurance agent. Turner took over as caretaker of Dante’s View in 1978. He cared for it until he was nearly 90. For 15 years, he hiked to the garden virtually every morning to tend the plants.
From Los Feliz Boulevard, take Vermont Avenue into the park. Follow signs to the observatory. Park in the north end of the lot. Find the spot farthest from the observatory near the signed Charlie Turner Trailhead.
A brief ascent leads to Berlin Forest. It goes along the narrow ridgeline dividing Vermont Canyon on the east and Western Canyon on the west. Among the trees planted by L.A.’s German sister city officials, is a whimsical sign. It points northeast to Berlin, 6000 miles away.
The path traverses the top of the Vermont Canyon Road tunnel. About 0.9 mile out, you’ll reach a four-way junction. It is on the brushy shoulder of Mount Hollywood. The left branch loops around the west side. The right goes around the east side.
Ascend the right branch of the Mount Hollywood Trail to Dante’s View. Here you’ll find a water fountain and picnic tables. These suggest a rest stop for hikers. Dedicated volunteers maintain the garden. Continue the short distance to the top of Mount Hollywood. Enjoy the view.
You can return the way you came. Alternatively descend the western loop of the Mt. Hollywood Trail. Pass Captain’s Roost, a rest stop. Then continue to a junction with Charlie Turner Trail.