To join, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.

But, did you know that you can hike to the top of Mt. Lee and view Hollywood and the surrounding landscape amidst the sign? Come join fellow photographers and experience the expansive landscape of Los Angles and the San Fernando Valley, culminating at the top of Mt. Lee at the Hollywood Sign.

For a healthy hiker, this is a relaxed, easy trail with beautiful overlooks with interesting habitation. Keep in mind that the incline can be rather steep at certain switchbacks. From meandering / slow photographers to fast paced ones, this event is for everyone.

An Evening Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Fee:
$2.00 – includes 1 bottled water, 1 snack bar and Meetup Group Fees.

Websites and Additional Information:
Official Hollywood Sign Website with History:
http://www.hollywoodsign.org/

Hollywood Sign / Driving Directions (with LOTS of photographs):
http://hollywoodsigntrip.com/hollywood-sign-trail.shtml.

Trail information:
Starting elevation: 809.4 ft. Near the sign: 1695.7 ft; approximately 886.3 ft gain in 1.8 miles.

Directions:
General: Parking for the trail head is at the top of Beachwood Dr. in the Hollywood Hills. At the top of Beachwood, go through the gates at the end of the street. Continue until you see parking on your right hand side.

Detailed Driving Directions from the Sunset Ranch Equestrian Website, located next to the trail head:

From the San Fernando Valley:
Take the 101 South and exit at Gower; turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From the Simi Valley:
Take the 118 East to the 5 South, to the 170 South, to the 101 South. From the 101 South and exit at Gower; turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From Downtown Los Angeles:
Take the 101 North and exit at Gower, then turn right at the first turn off (this will put you on Beachwood, facing Franklin Ave.). Continue north on Beachwood Drive all the way to the top!

From Santa Monica:
Take the 10 East to the 110 North. From the 110 North, merge onto the 101 North. From the 101 North, exit at Gower. On the Gower exit, take the right-hand turnoff for Beachwood (this will put you on Beachwood, facing Franklin Ave.). Continue north on Beachwood Drive all the way to the top!

OR

Take the 10 East, exit at La Brea exit. Head north on La Brea. From heading north on La Brea, turn right onto Sunset Blvd. From Sunset, turn left onto Gower. From Gower, turn right onto Franklin. From Franklin, turn left onto Beachwood Dr., then take Beachwood all the way to the top!

From Glendale:
Take the 134 West to the 5 South. Exit Los Feliz Blvd. West, which will then turn into Western. From Western, turn right onto Franklin Ave (it will be the first light). From Franklin, turn right onto Beachwood Dr, then take Beachwood all the way to the top!