A look at the iconic Hollywood Sign: Pranks, protests and once close to being torn down

The Hollywood Sign is an iconic landmark and popular tourist attraction, but over the years it has also been the subject of pranks and protests.

It was once even close to being torn down.

FOX 11 News was granted exclusive access to the landmark location on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The area is a no trespassing zone, and Gina Silva had to rappel down the rough terrain to get an exclusive look at those nine giant letters.

Copyright 2017 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.