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Brush Canyon Trail to Mounts Hollywood and Bell

Los Angeles

Explore the famous sights of the Hollywood Hills and a fun little canyon

Hiking Moderate

Distance
7.6 km
Ascent
387 m
Descent
387 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
199 m
High Point
489 m
Gradient
Brush Canyon Trail to Mounts Hollywood and Bell Map

At the head of Canyon Drive is the trailhead for the Brush Canyon Trail, a classic trip in the Hollywood Hills. The trail is clear and well maintained, and the higher you get on it the better the vistas get. The views over Los Angeles, across to Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean and towards the world-famous Hollywood sign are fabulous, but you'll earn them with a tough (and usually very hot) slog up the canyon.

Description

Once out of the canyon you are spoiled for choice when picking which peaks to climb. We've shown a route over Mount Hollywood (which has a useful telescope on top, see photo above) and then Taco Peak and Mount Bell, but tagging on Mount Chapel is easy enough, as is detouring to the famous Griffith Observatory. It's also easy enough (logistically but not physically!) to detour onto Mount Lee and the Hollywood sign itself.

So whether you simply hike Brush Canyon Trail or tag on a handful of peaks, this is a great introduction to hiking in the Hollywood Hills.

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Dog friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area