I had the privilege of going on the Hollywood sign hike with JB as the guide. First of all, it’s important to mention that I originally signed up for the express version of the tour where the total hike is about 1.7 miles round trip. Which I guess I would recommend doing that, because they give you the option when you get to the turnaround point if you’d like to continue up to the top of Mount Lee, you can just pay the extra $5, and then the total hike is about 4.4 miles round trip. So, if you are unsure if you will be able to do the 4.4mile hike, then sign up for the 1.7 mile express hike, and then you can make up your mind if you want to do the rest depending on how the first half goes. I ended up paying the extra $5 and doing the entire hike.
Getting to my tour guide, JB, he was awesome. He was funny, very knowledgeable and basically able to answer any questions any of us had in the group, and he’s very personable. He made very person feel very welcome and introduced himself to everyone. There were a few people from other countries visiting and he made sure to greet everyone in their native language (after asking how to say it if he didn’t know for sure), which I thought was a very nice thing for him to do. Honestly, he was great all around and I hope you have him if you take this hiking tour. He also did photo shoots for each guest at the two photo stops, one in front of the Hollywood sign, and one at the top of the mountain (if you’d do the entire hike). And the photos turn out great, he is very good at taking photos.
Lastly, a few tips if you’re going. Make sure you wear sunscreen as there is not much shade. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as you are walking up a mountain to the very top. Bring lots of water to drink. Wear sunglasses if it’s not cloudy. And definitely be well rested before going, as it can be very exhausting.
I highly recommend this as the views are breath taking and you learn a lot of history of Hollywood along the way. I would definitely do this again. Thank you JB!