The Hollywood Sign Is A Spooky Hike In Southern California

If you live in or have visited Los Angeles, you’ve probably either seen or been on the endlessly famous hike to the Hollywood sign. It’s always a treat to get to see the world-famous iconic landmark and the trails that take you there are lovely. You’d never know it from the hike itself, but there is an awful story that happened here in the 1930s. If you’re looking for a spooky hike in Southern California, this is the one.

The story involves the suicide of a film actress in the 1930s, so it’s horrible and even fits what you might imagine happened in such an entertainment-focused place.

David Butenhof/AllTrails

The beautiful actress Peg Entwistle had roles on Broadway and decided to try her hand at film acting when “talkies” came out in the 30s. She was living with her uncle and not finding the same success in Los Angeles she’d had in New York.

The Hollywood Sign/Facebook

After a period of time full of auditioning and not getting roles, she became terribly depressed and climbed to the top of the 50-foot “H” in the sign and jumped to her death in 1932. She was only 24 years old.

Letty Orea/AllTrails

One of the worst parts of this tragic story is that a letter arrived the following day from the Beverly Hills Playhouse offering her the lead role in a play. Unbelievably, the character she would have played was a woman who eventually kills herself.

Anastasiia Nikishina/AllTrails

While Peg’s story is a terribly sad reminder of the heartbreaking toll rejection can take, the hike is still a beautiful place and we hope that her spirit is watching over all the aspiring artists and actors in the town who visit this monument.

Megan C/AllTrails

The Hollyridge Trail will showcase the natural beauty in the area, despite the sign having a sordid history.

Mabel Jimenez/AllTrails

While the Hollywood Sign has always been a symbol of the entertainment dreams of many, it also has a dark side. Have you ever felt the presence of a spirit on this hike? Please let us know in the comments section.