We were in the Los Angeles area for a softball tournament and mini-family vacation. I had put the idea in my wife and daughter's heads to go hike to the top of the peak that hosts the Hollywood sign. They seemed interested. I found a route that was about 5 miles roundtrip with a gain of 900'. During my research I discovered Mt Lee wasn't a "real" peak, as it only rises 40' from its nearest neighbor. However, Mt Lee is a named peak. That higher neighbor of Mt Lee is Cahuenga Peak, with over 1000' of prominence. Since Cahuenga was only 1/4 away, I added it to my itenirary.

After shopping all day Sunday, I told the ladies that we were doing a hike first thing in the morning on Monday so I could get my fun in... they agreed to my plans. The weather when we awoke was gorgeous. After only a 2 mile drive from our hotel we were at the trailhead and ready to go. The weather was cool, probably around 40 degrees, but the skies were a deep blue. We pigged out on snacks left over from the softball tournament at the trailhead and then headed up the Hollywood Ridge trail.

The Hollywood Ridge hike is up an on an old dirt road that eventually meets a paved road (closed to vehicles) and continues to the summit. Other than Lexie having a blister on her foot, the hike up was without drama. The ladies hung out on top while I ran over to Cahuenga. During the 10-15 minutes it took me to get to the summit and back, a police patrol stopped and asked them where I had gone. When they pointed me out, the guy seemed surprised I had made it over that quickly and could find my way cross country. My wife assured him that we were from Idaho and I did this all the time and we would be okay.

After rejoining the ladies, we headed down. The hike out was easy and fun. For the amount of population Los Angeles metro has, there are few who hike this peak. We only saw 15 or so people. I have seen much bigger crowds on Phoenix and Las Vegas peaks. We spent the next 2 days at Disneyland. Great mini-vacation!

Drive to the end of Beachwood Drive. I got there by taking exit 8C (northbound on 101). From the corner of Franklin Road and Beachwood Dr, it is 1.7 miles to the trailhead.

From the trailhead, follow the signs pointing to the Hollywood Ridge trail. After about 400 feet of gain, you will take a left fork (uphill). Then when you come to the paved road, take a right (again uphill).