The best place to take a selfie with the Hollywood sign

OK, your selfie will look better than mine, since you'll be in it, and not me.  Also, this was taken without zooming, on my ancient iPhone 5, you can snap a better shot on a new phone, or with a camera.

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 In the 1991, when I first worked and lived in the North Hollywood area, I rode up to this park with a friend form work, to play with his dog.  For years, when friends or family from out of state came to visit, it was my secret spot to take people to get a great photo of them with the Hollywood sign.  A few months ago, a Facebook friend visited, and we hopped in his truck, and I directed him around Hollywood, to show him the major sites, then we headed up to this spot.  He wanted a good photo of the world famous Hollywood sign.  There were 10-15 cars parked on the road, and at least 40 people wandering around taking selfies and photos.  I realized that GPS has changed things like this.  The once obscure spot is now easy to find with GPS.  

Here's how you find it.  The closest address is 3203 Canyon Lake drive (DO NOT disturb these residents).  From Hollywood, head north up Cahuenga, or north on the 101 freeway.  From the 101, get off on Barham and turn right, then follow the GPS directions.  From Cahuenga, turn right on Barham, cross the 101, and follow the GPS directions.  They will wind you up hill through a neighborhood, then down a big hill, where you'll see the Hollywood Reservoir (yeah, there's a big reservoir hidden up there, too).  You'll head left, wind past the reservoir, and back up through another upscale neighborhood.  When you hit Canyon Lake drive, turn right, though this address will be on your left.  Park near the public park, on the road, and find a good photo spot.  There will likely be more people doing the same thing.  

Also, there's a big, wide walk/bike path around Hollywood Reservoir, and it's a great walk (1-1 1/4 miles?).  Park on the big steep hill (there will be many more cars there, it's a popular spot), and make sure you curb your tires.  From the top of the damn, halfway around, there's a great view out over Hollywood and Los Angeles, even if it's smoggy.  If it's not very smoggy, there's an awesome view.  I have seen a rattlesnake on the side of this trail once, so stay on the big path. 

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