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The Brush Canyon Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 561 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Brush Canyon Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring a rock quarry tunnel & striking views of the city & the iconic Hollywood sign.
What runners say about The Brush Canyon Trail
“Hiked up Brush Canyon Trail for the Hollywood Sign — secluded, scenic, and surreal standing next to an icon!”
“There is a ranch there that offers horse rides, there is shade in multiple places.”
“Even without a map the trail was very well labeled and easy to follow.”
There’s ample parking and a restroom at the parking lot. The trail is about 4-5 miles to the front and back of the Hollywood sign. It’s a gradual accent to the top with some wildflowers along the way such as pansies. Mostly dirt tracks with lots of horse poo because it’s also a horseback trail.
Love this hike! There’s a free parking lot at the base of the trail, which does get busy during the weekends. The trail itself is dog friendly, but they need to be on a leash. The trail is a steady incline for most of it, with some steeper/short parts.
Your cell service will be in and out. Make sure you download whatever you are going to listen 2 if anything. Service drops as soon as you pass the dirt parking area. Starting off is all uphill straight inclines, kinda disrespectful if you're not prepared. Little to no shade.
The hike to the Hollywood sign has some great scenic views and not overly crowded. Bring plenty of water during warmer days as there is very little shade. Fairly easy 6 mile round trip hike. The base of the sign can be a little crowded with tourists but the views on the trail are really great.
Trail conditions & character
“The Hollywood sign was visible after the morning clouds rolled away, but the view of downtown LA was still too hazy.”
“I was lucky to catch a beautiful sunset, and the entire atmosphere of the hills changed as evening set in.”
“Sometimes there will be fruit or lemonade vendors at parking lot on busy days but not guaranteed.”
“Quite a few people brought their dogs (please clean up after Fido).”
“There are no bathrooms on trail, no water fountains and only one unshaded bench at the top of the initial steep incline.”
“There is a ranch there that offers horse rides, there is shade in multiple places.”
“Very gently slope and wide dirt path.”
“There are no bathrooms on trail, no water fountains and only one unshaded bench at the top of the initial steep incline.”
Plan your run at The Brush Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(213) 202-2700
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
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