Hollywood sign trailhead reopens in Beachwood Canyon

BEACHWOOD CANYON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's a happy day for hikers at Beachwood Canyon because the entrance to the trail that leads to a view of the Hollywood sign reopened Monday.

The entrance had been closed since last March because neighbors had complained of traffic congestion.

Janene Willis said she's been waiting nine months for the trail to finally open.

"Perfect day for a hike, yeah we loved it," she said.

But she admits that she moved from the Beachwood Canyon area because it became a little too crazy. Now she's glad the trailhead to the sign is open again.

During the trailhead closure, an electric gate was installed as a way to limit the car traffic going up the path.

Still, some neighbors believe the gate does little to curb traffic.

"What we now have is a gate for people to walk up, but we have no infrastructure. No toilets, no water, and there's still the smoking concerns, the fire concerns, it's a very narrow street," resident Scott Thaler said.

The new gate is also designed to protect the community and park property during closed hours. But neighbors say a 24/7 security guard has been planted at the end of the trail since last spring.

City officials are encouraging hikers that want to see the Hollywood sign to use a path that begins at the Griffith Observatory. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. until sunset.