Hike to Mt. Lee, the Hollywood Sign and Bat Caves including Lunch Picnic

ABOUT THE HIKE: Within the Griffith Park wilderness, we hike to the famous Hollywood Sign and Batman Caves. This is an intermediate (not beginner), eight mile hike with approximately 1,200 feet of elevation gain/loss. The total hike/picnic time will be approximately four hours. We take a steep trail to a truck trail up to Mount Lee where we will stop for a rest stop with spectacular 360 degree views of the Los Angeles basin and San Fernando Valley. We then descend to see the Hollywood sign up close, with photo opportunities of the front of the sign. Upon our return to the trailhead parking area, we'll picnic in the park and then take the short half mile trek up to the Bat Caves. This hike is dog friendly

ABOUT THE BATMAN CAVES: AKA as the Bronson Caves, they have become famous as a location for many movies and TV shows, especially westerns and science fiction. The caves are ideal for film makers, being an easily accessible location while appearing to be a lonely wilderness. The TV series Batman was filmed at the Bronson caves, hence the name Bat Caves.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN: The sign was originally erected in 1923 at a cost of $21,000 by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler as an advertising billboard for his upscale Hollywoodland real estate development. The sign quickly became a marquee for Hollywood and has endured for more than eight decades as perhaps the most famous sign in the world. The letters are 50 feet high and 30 feet wide spanning 450 feet across Mount Lee.

ABOUT THE PICNIC: We will be enjoying a post hike lunch picnic in a lovely, shaded picnic area located adjacent to parking, so there will be no need to carry picnic items on the hike. Please bring food to share for the potluck. BYOB (beverage). While this may be an alcohol restricted area, we will exercise adult discretion and Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. As we have a large group coming to this event, please bring a camp/beach chair for your personal seating at the picnic.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Please consider you hiking skill level and do NOT plan doing this hike your way. We will do this hike as a group with rest stops and no hiker left behind. If you are a fast hiker or slow poke, this will not be a hike for you.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From the northbound 101 Hollywood Freeway, take the Gower exit heading north.... turn right on Franklin.... proceed east about 5 blocks to Canyon Drive.... turn left or north on Canyon (at Gelson's Market) approximately two miles.... entering a gate into a large dirt parking lot on the right.... addition parking is available on the street south of the gate entrance.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.