According to my Nike+, I hiked 4.40 miles, both ways. Roughly, it took me about 45 minutes to hike up one way but because I also wanted to get as close as possible to the sign, I back tracked and took the second trail, taking about another 15 minutes or so. This second trail led me to the back of the Hollywood sign, (as you can see in the picture above) and had much more beautiful views and sights to see on the way up. Not to mention, on one of the fences on the way up, lots of other previous hikers left their Twitter and Instagram profile names asking you to follow them ;)
I utilized technology, for one to initially find directions to get to the Hollywood sign and to also look for the actual hiking directions/tips. I searched "Hollywood Hike" on Google, and it took me to a website (hollywoodsigntrip.com) which lays out very conscise directions, and also includes photographs for the actual hike showing which turns to take. Come to realize though, once you get to start of the hike, its pretty self explanatory from there. I also researched and will share some benefits of hiking:
- Improved cardio-respiratory fitness (heart, lung, blood vessels).
- Hiking exercises almost every almost every part of your body: legs, knees, ankles, arms, hips and butt, abdominals, shoulders and neck.
- Depending how intense the hike is and the individual, hiking could burn up to 370 calories an hr.
- Inexpensive and easy to start.
- Hiking can increase your motivation in exercise by making it more interesting and seem more like entertainment because it can be more social than the average workout.
- A hike puts pressure on your bones and encourages healthy bone structure.
- Hiking can make you feel closer to nature and natural rhythms, which can increase your happiness and help you fill more fulfilled.
As this would be my third new hiking trail of the year, I have found hiking to be extremely fun, enjoyable, challenging and relaxing all at once. I look forward to finding new hiking trails and exploring much more. Next hike I want to tackle is the "Potato Chip Hike" here in San Diego, Ca.
Until next time… Happy Hiking! :)