The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20090722024744/http://www.hollywoodsign.org:80/signsecurity.html

Why Can't I Hike To The Sign?
Hollywood & Highland
Beachwood Canyon
Franklin Ave. & Gower
Lake Hollywood
Griffith Park Observatory





Question: How can I hike to the Sign?

Answer: You can't.

Why? It's against the law. There is fire danger and your personal safety is at risk.

In the early years of the Sign, it was possible to climb to the Sign, though it was just as dangerous and inadvisable a trip then as it would be now. Even if you had the stamina to ascend the steep, slippery slope without falling, you could still fall victim to a lurking rattlesnake, be scratched by the rough brush, or be menaced by a mountain lion.

Over the years, the Sign nearly disappeared forever due to the combined efforts of vandals, pranksters, and neglect. Footpaths up the slope became jagged, unsightly erosion sites that ate away at the side of Mt. Lee. Nearby residents in the Hollywoodland community had to deal with unwanted foot traffic through their properties, sometimes by dangerously intoxicated groups of people. Joke additions to the Sign or changes to the letters, which might seem harmless enough, created hazardous work for city workers who had to restore the Sign back to normal.

Hollywood Sign Trust Comes To The Rescue
The Hollywood Sign Trust was established in 1978 for the specific purpose of making sure the Sign and its delicate hillside site were preserved to be enjoyed by future generations. This work extends beyond the physical care of the Sign to the maintenance of an airtight, high technology security system.

The security system for the Sign was developed in concert with city officials, police and fire authorities, park rangers, and the Department of Homeland Security, and it includes the following features:

• A tall perimeter fence with razor wire
• 24 hour electronic surveillance by City of Los Angeles authorities
• Infrared lights and cameras that can see equally as well in the day and on a moonless night
• Monitoring microphones and bullhorns
• Web cameras
• Motion sensors
• Regular patrol visits by city police and park ranger helicopters

Rigorous Enforcement, 24x7x365
Walking into the protected Sign area is trespassing and violators will be cited by police. Anyone who makes an attempt to do so will be buzzed by a park helicopter, ordered off the slope through the bullhorns, and find a police cruiser waiting for them at the bottom of the slope.

So please, help us preserve this beloved landmark and enjoy the Sign from below. Besides, with letters 45 feet tall, it is almost like being right there.




"The tight security around the Sign is not only for the protection of the Sign itself and the land on which it sits, but also for the safety of city visitors and the people who live in the surrounding community. The slope is extremely steep and loose and there's an ever-present danger of fire. The plants and animals on this delicate area are very susceptible to damage or harm, so please help us preserve this heritage site by enjoying the view of the Sign from below."
Chris Baumgart, Chairman, Hollywood Sign Trust



"The area surrounding the Hollywood Sign is a restricted area. Hiking to it is illegal and anyone who tries will receive a citation. Because of the steep terrain, walking on the slope creates erosion and damage to the delicate ecological balance of the area. You can enjoy the Sign safely from other highly accessible vantage points, including Griffith Park Observatory and Lake Hollywood."
Albert Torres, Chief Park Ranger, Griffith Park