Decrepit Hollywood sign

HOLLYWOOD -- It's arguably the most famous sign on the planet, and without question it is the single most visible symbol of the entertainment industry: The Hollywood sign. Next year, the worldwide icon turns 90 -- or at least it will be 90 years since a large sign containing the letters "H, O, L, L, Y, W, O, O, and D" was mounted on the side of the hill overlooking the movie capital of the world.

But it wasn't always so glamorous. The sign had long years of neglect, as seen here, before being rebuilt in 1978.

These days, the sign stands tall above Tinseltown, and members of the public are welcome to hike near it. But for security reasons, they can't get right up next to it. Yesterday, as part of Road Trip 2012, CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman got a chance for a special visit to the sign itself, and an education about its history, and what it needs for the future.