Hikes in the Verdugo Mountains

Cherry Canyon Park preserves over 130 acres in the San Rafael Hills, a small mountain range east of the Verdugo Mountains and south of the San Gabriel Mountains in the city of La Cañada Flintridge. The park has many trails, including wide fire roads suitable for horses and mountain bikes and single tracks strictly for hikers. For a good overview of the area, consider hiking to an old lookout tower at the high point of the park along with Ultimate Destination Vista Point, which offers a panoramic view east over the San Gabriel Valley and north toward the grand San Gabriel Mountains. ...Read more.

Griffith Park is full of Los Angeles landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Greek Theater. The park includes other less-known prizes like an abandoned zoo and tropical gardens along Ferndell Trail. For those who want to hike up to the Hollywood Sign, there are four obvious routes to choose from: Hiking to the Hollywood Sign from. ...Read more.

With an inspired name and inspiring view, Vital Link Trail presents a rewarding hike in the Verdugo Mountains near Burbank. The trail delivers a good workout too, ascending 1,275 feet in a mile and a half, with opportunities to hike even farther. The steep single track looks out over the east end of the San Fernando Valley toward the Santa Monica Mountains and the skyscraper skyline of downtown Los Angeles. ...Read more.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a dramatic desert wonderland, with striking rock formations that point skyward at a 45-degree angle. This 932-acre Los Angeles County Park delivers a scenic desert backdrop for hikers, and is just a quick drive from LA. This pairing of unique beauty and convenience has made Vasquez Rocks a popular location for the film industry and the park has a long list of credits, including Star Trek, Blazing Saddles, and The Flintstones. ...Read more.

In 1917, Mount Wilson Toll Road was used to bring equipment (including the 100-inch mirror) up to Mount Wilson Observatory where the world's largest telescope was assembled for gazing out across the universe. Today visitors can use the same dirt road to enjoy naked-eye views across the Southland. On clear days the views extend to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, framed by two slices of the Pacific Ocean, and all the way to Catalina Island. ...Read more.