Hollywood Reservoir, Water reservoir in Hollywood Hills, California.
Hollywood Reservoir is an artificial body of water in the Hollywood Hills of California, sitting at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. The area is bordered by a concrete dam and offers a looped path with views of the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding slopes.
The Mulholland Dam was built in 1924 to provide drinking water for Los Angeles and help manage shortages. After a dam failure elsewhere in 1928, authorities lowered the water level here to improve safety and prevent similar risks.
The paved loop around the water draws locals who jog or cycle in the early morning or at sunset, making it a regular part of daily routines. Dog walkers and families with strollers share the path, creating a steady rhythm of movement and quiet social exchange.
Access begins from Lake Hollywood Drive, where parking is possible along the northern stretch of the road. The trail is paved and open to walkers, runners and cyclists, with early mornings or late afternoons tending to be less crowded.
The water has appeared in numerous films and television shows as a filming location, often for scenes requiring calm or tension. Despite its closeness to residential neighborhoods, the water itself remains closed to the public, with only the perimeter path open for walking.
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