Great Alternative to Runyon Canyon!
Mount Hollywood, elevation 1,640 feet, looms over the Griffith Observatory and the city. Griffith is the largest urban wilderness area in the US. Mount Hollywood may not have the Hollywood sign (that's Mount Lee), but it does boast the highest peak in Hollywood and delivers the better workout. This relaxing climb leads over a bridge to a merging of trails. Take a sharp left for the steeper trail. The path will pass Captain's Roost, a nice shady area on the left for hikers who need a rest. This is a great hike for children, it is short and you reach a peak with 360' visibility. You can see the entire stretch of the San Gabriels, which are even more beautiful when covered with snow. You get to see the famous Hollywood sign on Mt. Lee, the pacific, the two valleys, and a great overhead view of the observatory.
Best way to go is Franklin to Western to Fern Dell and follow Fern Dell until you reach the Griffith Observatory parking lot. At the mouth of this parking lot is the Charlie Turner Trailhead.
