Last week I went to the Hollywood Sign
Not only that, I went to see it up close where there is no obstruction whatsoever.
how did I get there? Not easy.
Head north on Beachwood Canyon Drive from Franklin Avenue a little bit more than one mile until you reach Ledgewood Drive. You'll pass by a small market on the way up. Hook a left on Ledgewood Drive, and then keep snaking up the side of the hill. As you're driving up Ledgewood, be on the look out for a sharp right turn (basically a U-turn) onto Rockcliff Drive. Proceed all the way to the end of Rockcliff before turning left onto Deronda Drive. The public entrance to Griffith Park that's closest to the Hollywood Sign sits at the end of Deronda. Here's a Google Maps link that you can plug right in to your cell-phone.
The only signs you need to pay attention to are the ones governing parking. Street parking is plentiful throughout the area, but make sure your car is not blocking access to any driveways or roads. You will be towed or get a ticket. On Deronda, you may park on the western side of the street. Though district parking permits exist, they're only effective on weekends and holidays. If it isn't Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, you are free to park on the western edge of the street for as long as you like (72 hours, technically).
Once you've parked, making sure you're not on the side of the street where parking isn't allowed, head up to the top of Deronda, pass under the white arch and start your hike up. Be sure to go to the bathroom and stock up on water before you head up, as there is no development in this part of Griffith Park. I personally recommend walking up the paved road (Mt. Lee Drive) all the way to the top of Mt. Lee. Aside from a 360 degree view of Los Angeles and The Valley, you'll get the unique vantage point of looking down on the back of the Hollywood sign. If you're just there for some quick pictures, saunter your way up the dirt path that branches to the left once you're at the foot of Mt. Lee Drive.
There are other ways to get to the Hollywood Sign as well, some that involve more or less hiking. Just keep what you've learned above (the signs!) in mind, and be courteous to the folks who live in the area.
Happy hiking!
