Great hike, amazing view, about 2-3 miles round trip (depending on what way you choose) You can also combine it with a trip to the Mt. Lee and Hollywood sign (but you get the better view of the sign if you hike up Mt. Lee from the eastern side)
Make sure to wear proper footwear, and bring enough water, it can get very hot.
Park at the corner of Lake Hollywood Dr. and Wonder View Dr. and follow Wonder View Dr. up the hill. After about a quarter mile you'll reach the trailhead.
Here you got two choices:
On the right side the trail takes you up the southern side of Mt. Burbank directly to the tree. Rather steep trail, but easy enough to navigate and the view of Lake Hollywood is very rewarding.
Or if you feel more daring then follow the old service road along the power line to you left, past the gate. This way is about twice as long, but you'll get a great view of the Warner Bros. backlot, the Disney Studios, Forrest Lawn cemetery and the San Fernando Valley. Just follow the power line on what's left of the road till you reach the second last pylon. On your right you'll see the trail going up Mt. Burbank's northern side.
Both ways will get you to the peak. You can also combine them for a great loop (I personally prefer to go up on the northern and down on the southern side)
Rest under the tree and leave a note in one of the books you can find in the boxes. If you feel up for it, the Hollywood sign is less than 30min. away, right at the big radio antenna you can see east of you.
Just follow the ridge over Mt. Cahuenga, the highest peak in Griffith Park. Well worth it.
Stay safe, enjoy your hike and remember:
Take only photos, leave...
Read moreBeautiful hike but definitely steeper than most nearby. For a short while, but I'd recommend hiking boots for a better grip as the rail is rocky and dusty. Also, for those with allergies or asthma, wear a bandana over your nose and mouth as you will probably be stuffy in your sinuses for days if not!!!! That's really the only downside to this trail, but be on the lookout for rattlesnakes or other sunbathing creatures who love this very sort of environment. At the bottom of the hill, closer to parking, there was a coyote on the prowl through the long grasses across from the road. The view and scenery was so green thanks to the rain, but just pay attention to parking signs to avoid ticketing. Additionally, if bringing a dog, 1- clean up after it, but 2- don't bring your little miniature /toy/purse sized dog unless you plan to carry it the entire way. This hike is for dogs (and frankly, people) who are in shape and able to safely handle the vigorous exercise as much as the intense heat. Pack lots of water for the pooch. My dog also found the trail dusty, so while she loved it, I don't know that I will take her again as her sinuses were also blocked for days (lots of snorting ensued) and she actually hacked up a bit of phlegm or something. Sorry for the graphic, but overall the view was definitely something one should do once, if not multiple times in a lifetime. Fantastic, natural workout! Minus...
Read moreSmall but mighty!
This is a beautiful hike, great way to get an amazing view of the cities that make Los Ángeles beautiful. Even though the hike is not that long, mile wise, you will take a while due to the condition of the trail.
Most of the trail, I would say around 80%, has a steep angle. You’re going very high in a short amount of time. Not only are you hiking a steep incline but the trail is filled with rocks and uneven steps so if you have back, leg, or ankle issues I would rethink this hike. (Ill post some pictures to show the terrain)
Los Ángeles is a beautiful city but it also has wildlife, be cautious. You are in an area where there’s coyotes, rattlesnakes, other types of snakes and other critters. Keep your distance and they will leave you alone.
If you reach The Wisdom Tree and you have more energy I suggest you keep going and make your way to the Hollywood Sign.
This hike is very popular so on weekends it will get packed. There’s plenty of parking at the bottom. I suggest hiking during the week or early in the morning on weekends. Parking opens up at 6am. There’s a gate blocking the road at the end of the street but don’t worry, just go around it.
That’s it, it’s a beautiful short hike that will leave you breathless because of the view and the...
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