Hiking to the Hollywood Sign

Some layovers are for sleeping, others for exploring. Then there are the ones for losing one’s mind completely adventure.

This layover was of the latter.

LA is a layover I get every now and then. Compared to other cities I layover in, it’s the one I have really yet to explore or have a routine in. For this trip, we had an arrival into LA at 1000 and a departure the following day after 1100, so it was the perfect chance for me to take some time to venture out around the city. I wasn’t sure what to do exactly so I looked to my fellow flight attendants via Facebook for suggestions. While combing through the page, a recent post came up from another flight attendant asking if the hike to the Hollywood sign was doable on a layover.

Doing what to where? That’s a thing?!

In my mind, I considered “see the Hollywood Sign” as completed on my LA to-do list. When I was on reserve last year, I completely lucked out and got a trip to Burbank. (Lucked out because Burbank is considered a senior trip, but it was Cinco de Mayo and the weather in NY was horrendous, so no one wanted to work. ) In looking for things to do, I saw that there was a vantage point for the Hollywood sign nearby so I took an Uber to Lake Hollywood Park. When I arrived, I couldn’t believe just how good the view of the sign was. (This view is much closer than Griffith Observatory FYI.)

Lake Hollywood Park, May 2017

With the sign all the way up in the mountains, there was no way in my mind that you could get any closer than this…

When quite a few people replied yes, including one of my friends with this helpful guide, I made up my mind. It seemed like a fun way to not just see LA, but like a bit of an adventurous challenge. I packed nothing but workout clothes for the trip to deter me from backing out. I was all in.

On my way to LA, I texted my friend who had done the hike a few times. He gave me fair warning that the beginning of the hike was tough, but that it was absolutely doable and totally worth it. I think he could sense my doubt via text because he was nothing but encouraging. Despite feeling a bit out of my comfort zone, I was excited.

We arrived to the hotel in LA around 11am. It was an early show and a busy flight so I was both starving and tired. I ate lunch, watched a little Netflix and then took a nap. When I woke up, it was around 2 pm. It was go time. Part of me just wanted to stay in bed and do the hike another time. But I promised myself that I would follow through and do it, so I got my backpack together, ordered an Uber and headed to the lobby.

On the way to the trailhead, I thought about hiking. Why people love it so much, what people get out of it, etc. It had been over 15 years since I last went hiking, something I used to do a few times a summer in camp. I wouldn’t say I hated it, but I was always scared of not being able to do it physically. (Thankfully, I was not alone in that department.) While it was sometimes a struggle, I absolutely loved reaching the summit and the views that came with it as well as the feeling of accomplishment when it was all said and done. With this in mind, I became less nervous and concerned with what was ahead and more excited about the trek ahead. Map and guides in hand, the Uber dropped me off and my hike began.

The hike started easily enough, smooth concrete, no incline. “This ain’ so bad!” I thought to myself. I began up the trail expecting to see more people heading up, but instead, saw more people coming down. Was I going to be up there all alone?!?! I started to panic a little, just as a Black family passed me on their way out, panting.

“You can do it!!”

“Did you make it to the top?” I asked.

“We tried, but not today,” the mom replied. “It’s tough!! But you are not a quitter, you will make it. You got this, I believe in you!!”

Why do I mention the race of the family? Because there is something special in the way Black people connect with each other when they travel. I kept the moms encouragement with me throughout the entire hike.

Even though things started smooth, that all changed very quickly. I usually walk/run on the treadmill on a high incline, but that could not prepare me for this trail.  It was steep. My quads were screaming. It was hot. A helicopter circled above. I contemplated taking my shirt off and using it as a signal for help.

“You are not a quitter.”

At that moment, I looked to my left. Waaaaay in the distance I could see a few of the letters of the Hollywood sign.

FML! IT’S ALLLLLLLL THE WAY OVER THERE?

I needed a minute. I was going to do this hike, but I needed to do a few things first. To catch my breath, stretch and mentally prepare. I found a tree with some good shade, prayed to God there were no rattlesnakes near it and took a break. I stretched, drank some water and said a legit prayer beyond there being no snakes. After a minute to focus on my breathing, I set back out on the trail.

It did not get easier but I was determined. I distracted myself by making sure to take in my surroundings. The beauty of the mountains and the flora that surrounded the trail. It may have been hot, but it was so quiet and serene. I felt so at peace that I focused less on the pain and more on what I was doing and how cool it was.

According to the guide I was following, about a mile in there is a bench that signals the halfway point and the end of the worst of the hike. It’s the first real relief point of the hike, one that I looked out for with great anticipation. When I turned a bend and saw the bench in the distance, I almost sprinted toward it. (Obviously I couldn’t because my legs would not allow it.) It felt like an eternity getting to the bench but when I finally made it, I took a much needed break. I took a minute to catch my breath, drank some water and took in not just how far I had made it, but the beauty of the Los Angeles skyline in the distance.

After about 15 minutes, I gathered my things and continued on the trail.  There wasn’t much incline left (maybe 1/4 of a mile) but with the worst of it over, I was well on my way to the Hollywood Sign. Seeking a change of pace, I popped in my Airpods to listen to some music as I went on my way.

Griffith Observatory and the LA skyline in the distance.

The guide I was following gives you directions to the back of the Hollywood sign which is obviously higher up and offers a wider view of LA. But when I saw that going to the front of the sign was an option, I changed my course since I really wanted to be able to see the sign and read the letters from in front. Either way, I was close. I continued to wind my way around the mountain until there it was, up close and personal. It was kind of surreal.

When I was on my way to the trailhead, I texted another friend that I was on my way to do the hike. “Go back and go to In-N-Out” she replied. (She is my people.) When I texted her a picture of the sign a few hours later, she asked if the hike was worth it.

Absolutely.

I spent a few minutes up by the sign taking pictures and taking it all in before making my way back to the trailhead.

On the way down, I thought again about hiking and applied the questions I had before (why people love it so much and what they get out if it) directly to my experience. Physically, it was a way to not just wake up my body but to show myself that despite the criticism and scrutiny it faces, it is hella capable and deserving of love and care. The screams from my quads and calves were now a whimper, but I promised them a hot shower and nice gentle stretches to relax later. #SelfCare

Mentally I felt a sense of renewal. I didn’t let self-doubt or negative self-talk deter me from what I wanted to achieve and I didn’t let the fear of failure stop me. It was also the first time in a long time where I didn’t criticize my body or put it down. I let myself relax, a byproduct of the tranquility of the trail. It was a great reminder in what it means to be in the moment and to take time for peace, no matter how hectic life may get. More than anything, I was reminded of just how important it is to get over mental roadblocks to achieve success.

It’s safe to say that I absolutely enjoyed the hike. One unfortunate thing did happen just as I neared the trailhead: I saw a rattlesnake. It crossed a few feet ahead of me and scared the absolute bejesus out of me. I was back to the trailhead in no time…

Wether it’s for a feeling of inner peace, a great workout or just a place to see incredible views of Los Angeles, I highly recommend this hike. It’s challenging but it’s also doable by anyone and completely worth it. I said I wouldn’t, but I actually think I would do this hike again in the future.

A FEW TIPS FOR HIKING TO THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN

◇I referenced it throughout the post, but this was the trail/guide I followed from The Hiking Guy. It has turn-by-turn directions (with pictures) so you ensure you stay on track and don’t get lost.

◇Anything you would workout out in is perfect for the hike. Depending on the time of day/year, dress in layers.

◇Hiking shoes aren’t necessary. A good supportive sneaker will do just fine. Just be warned, they will be covered in dust when it is all said and done.

◇BRING LOTS OF WATER!!!! MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED!!

◇Don’t forget to take a moment to take it all in.