Flex Time | Dancin’ on the Edge of the Hollywood Sign
It was a cloudy, misty + humid day in LA. From what I’ve been told, those don’t happen often, but Ashley, Stephanie + I ended up with four of them on or four day girls’ trip to that star spangled city. As we planned our trip for the two months leading up to it and compiled all of our ideas on a Google spreadsheet (my idea of course), one event/activity that was of highest priority was climbing to the top of the Hollywood Sign. We initially thought we’d hike it on a Friday morning at sunrise (also my idea) + somehow we’d get back down, back to our hotel, I’d shower + meet my college mentor for lunch by noon. Thankfully our Lyft driver who picked us up from the airport was kind enough to tell us that we would not want to try to visit Santa Monica on a Saturday so I forced myself to be flexible (Ash + Steph’s idea) + we rearranged our schedule.
The weather was no different between the two days, just gray all around. After the cutest breakfast at The Ivy (indoors but with complimentary champagne), we returned to our hotel + donned our hiking outfits. I of course donned black workout leggings from Target, my “Dude I need sushi” muscle tank from Corinne Olympios’ line, a North Face + my trusty Nike free runs. After a few quick pre-hike selfies + water bottle acquisition from the 7eleven across from our hotel, we hopped into or Lyft for our ride up to Lake Hollywood Park. As we neared the dropoff point, I spotted the Hollywood Sign atop Mt. Lee between the trees + squealed excitedly, much to Ash + Steph’s disdain. Finally, all of my Hollywood dreams were about to come true…
After many pictures in Lake Hollywood Park, we started our trek behind Mulholland Drive to the next Hollywood Sign viewpoint. Think end of “A Cinderella Story.” When we arrived there were, naturally, many pictures + boomerangs in front of the sign + looking out at the LA skyline through the smog. It’s got nothin’ on my Chicago, but still very impressive. We were soon on the (paved) trail making our ascent up Mt. Lee when I discovered a “Beware Rattlesnakes” sign. (#prayforchellie) I was ready to turn around + dash every dream I’ve had of seeing LA from the top, but nevertheless, we persisted.
This hike was much easier than Mt. Evans in Colorado that I would hike a month + a half later so I’m glad this is what I started with. The trail was paved + the only way you could fall is if you’re a klutz + trip on flat surfaces like I do. But there were no falls for me, thank goodness! I was amazed + impressed that I made it the three + a half miles to the top. I walk that all the time but with the change in elevation, I know that before I started losing weight, working out + taking my life back, I know I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this at the beginning of my journey. We only paused once on our trek to retie our shoes. When we reached the top, I definitely shed a few tears of pride. This was the first real mountain I’d ever climbed, less this big mound in Montana. This was a feat I was proud of + deservedly so.
The best thing about hiking is that it doesn’t even have to be up things. You just have to get out + see something new! Happy trails!
xo.
