The Ghost of the Hollywood Sign

Haunted Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Is the world's most famous sign haunted? Find out for yourself on a hike to the iconic Hollywood sign atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park. The sign—a symbol of fame and fortune to many—has some misfortune attached to it too. In 1932 the young starlet Peg Entwistle jumped to her death from the “H” on the sign, which at the time read "Hollywoodland," leaving behind a tragic note, and perhaps more …

Hikers and even Griffith Park rangers have recounted stories of seeing the ghost of the tragic actress gliding or floating along the park's paths, often during foggy periods. See for yourself by hiking to the Hollywood sign; there are a couple of routes, including this cardio-length 7-mile (round-trip) option that starts at Bronson Canyon, or opt for a 3-mile (round-trip) hike on Wonder View Trail.

TIP: Follow your nose—a strong scent of gardenias (said to be Entwistle's favorite perfume) might be an indication that her spirit is near. And be warned, the ghost of young Peg Entwistle is known to vanish when approached!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View