Hikes in the Verdugo Mountains

The Verdugos are a small mountain range (with big views) located on the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley, separated from the larger San Gabriel Mountains by Tujunga Valley. Verdugo Peak is the highest point in the range at 3,126 feet. Trailheads at the base of the Verdugo Mountains in the cities of Burbank and Glenadale (and other points around the mountain range) offer convenient starting points for rewarding and challenging suburban hikes. Trails in the Verdugo Mountains are usually free, open to mountain bikers and leashed dogs.

Highlights of the Verdugo Mountains

  • This 2.6-mile lollipop loop passes the ruins of an abandoned camp in the Verdugo Mountains with views across the San Fernando Valley.
  • This 6.15-mile loop climbs to the summit of Tongva Peak on the east end of the Verdugo Mountains.
  • This 6.1 to 6.6-mile hike ascends an abandoned fire road in the Verdugo Mountains with expansive views that include the skyline of downtown Los Angeles.
  • This out and back hike of 3 miles round trip or more provides a good workout on a steep ridge with satisfying views over Burbank.
  • This 7.5-mile hike starts from the north side of the Verdugo Mountains and ascends La Tuna Canyon to the range's highest summit.

Verdugo Mountains Hiking

This collection of trails in the Verdugo Mountains lists the hikes from west to east. The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profile, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. An interactive map is also included.

Trail
Description
Distance
Location
La Tuna Canyon Park502La Tuna Canyon Trail
This out and back hike ascends a ridge and a pair of canyons in La Tuna Canyon Park on the northwest side of the Verdugo Mountains.
4.5 miles
975 feet
34.23314,
-118.31137
Hostetter Fire Road505Hostetter Fire Road to Verdugo Peak
This out and back hike on the north side of the Verdugo Mountains ascends from La Tuna Canyon to the highest summit in the range.
7.5 miles
1,400 feet
34.23395,
-118.29118
Stough Canyon Old Youth Camp Loop507Old Youth Camp Loop in Stough Canyon
This lollipop loop passes the ruins of an abandoned camp in the Verdugo Mountains with views across the San Fernando Valley.
2.6 miles
700 feet
34.213328,
-118.30705
Vital Link Trail Verdugo Mountains507Vital Link Trail
This out and back hike ascends a steep ridge on the south side of the Verdugo Mountains with satisfying views.
3 - 5 miles
1,275 - 1,800 feet
34.209427,
-118.291724
Skyline Motorway Verdugo Mountains508Skyline Motorway
This out and back hike ascends an abandoned fire road in the Verdugo Mountains with expansive views that include the skyline of downtown Los Angeles.
6.1 - 6.6 miles
1,625 - 1,825 feet
34.1953,
-118.29373
Beaudry Motorway Loop510Beaudry Motorway Loop to Tongva Peak
This loop climbs to the summit of Tongva Peak on the east end of the Verdugo Mountains.
6.15 miles
1,475 feet
34.193363,
-118.241163
Las Flores Motorway to Mount Thom512Las Flores Motorway to Mount Thom
This out and back hike follows a wide dirt road to the summit of Mount Thom, offering panoramic views from the southeast end of the Verdugo Mountains.
5.3 miles
1,260 feet
34.1766,
-118.2385

 

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Tagged with · Agoura Hills · Free Trails · Dog-Friendly Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 2.1 miles · Elevation change: 600 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 11, 2019
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By: Published: Last updated: January 20, 2021