Wonder View Trailhead — Attraction in Los Angeles

So this recording was taken in 2023, and may vary from all surrounding years due to the excess summer rains we've been having: I've never seen los Angeles this green in early summer before. The trail had amazing vistas, it was pleasantly overcast and low 60s when we went which was perfect for body heat regulation. The trails were very obvious from almost any angle, aside the steepest grades, and the few scramble areas weren't too precarious. Round trip from the trail head to Mt Lee with many breaks to look around took just about 2.5 hrs

I will say through, the weather has made for some pretty interesting overgrowth and a few partial trail collapses taking out some or most of the trail. The overgrowth, despite fairly frequent travel, took over much of the trails in places, especially on the lower Burbank Peak side. Also with the rains, though not severe, there was a few sections on Burbank Peak and I think along one of the saddle backs where the trail had been washed out and was crumbling. One of the crumbling trails is adjacent to a steep grade, and with overgrowth on the other side makes for a very narrow crossing.

That said, in most areas there was enough space for my friend, I, and my small dog, as well as parties passing or overtaking from either direction to accommodate each other, including small round outs or view stops to take a moment and stop without blocking.

People generally happy or polite on the trail. Tourists at the Mt Lee Tower are .. well, it's a beautiful site, who can blame them? View is 360° of the whole city of Los Angeles, and it's conjoined greater metro area, only obscured by water or mountain. If you have The Cornell Lab's Merlin app, there's quite a few friends to be found among the brush if your looking...

A difficult but rewarding hike. Quite steep at times. Recommend you carry a backpack for water and trail mix, as most people will need free hands at times to maneuver the trail.

Weekends are quite busy and it is a narrow and very rocky path.

It was more difficult than I realized but described as moderate by hiking guides. I would say it is a very intense moderate hike bordering quite difficult.

Take water. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Need hiking boots or shoes. Very uneven and rocky. Not for children or bicycles. No shade.

I made it to the Wisdom Tree and the views are spectacular. I made it half way to the Hollywood sign and turned back. Need to be in better shape to make that trek if you're over 50 like me. But I'll get there one day.

Typical Hollywood posers but way less than say, Fryman trail. This is a serious hiking trail. I stopped and took lots of photos, but most people were very intent on the trail.

Parking can be difficult on the weekends. Park on Lake Hollywood Drive and walk up through the neighborhood. Don't drive up Wonderview Drive.

The trail was pretty clear of trash. More so than most trails in LA, but that's probably because of the difficulty of the hike.

This was a spectacular hike for me. I loved it and will definitely return to do the Wisdom tree hike again and someday will be in good enough shape to make it...

Wonder View Trail | 2.9mi | Medium | 1,050ft - Start at the intersection between Lake Hollywood Drive and Wonder View Drive where you can leave your vehicle and walk up a quiet residential street to the Wonder View trailhead. From here it's a 700 foot climb up a rocky foot trail to Burbank Peak and the Wisdom Tree - apparently the only tree on the hill to survive a 2007 wildfire. Check out both the Warner Brothers and Universal Studios below you to the Northwest.

Proceed East along the ridgeline and over Cahuenga Peak to complete your outward journey to the summit of Mount Lee and the Hollywood letters. The trail remains narrow throughout with occasional minor rock scrambling.

This hike will lead you behind the Hollywood sign and to the top of Mount Lee. The sign itself is fenced off and under video surveillance but there are plenty of opportunities for mostly fence-free photography. Also check out the Hugh Hefner Overlook just off the junction with Wonder View Trail. Hefner was a strong supporter for conservation of the Hollywood...