Hikes in the Verdugo Mountains

Summit Valley Edmund D. Edelman Park preserves 652 acres at the top of Topanga Canyon that were saved from development. Hikers can explore a couple loops through the main area of the park. For a short 1.65-mile hike with 190 feet of elevation change, try Edelman North Loop, which goes along the valley floor before circling back along a wildflower-covered ridge. ...Read more.

Also known as Calabasas Peak Trail, Calabasas Peak Motorway is a 3.8-mile long dirt fire road that passes below the summit of Calabasas Peak. Hikers on the trail can examine interesting sandstone rock formations on and around Calabasas Peak and enjoy broad views over a scenic part of the Santa Monica Mountains between Topanga and Agoura Hills. One way to reach the summit of Calabasas Peak is to hike from the northeast end of Calabasas Peak Motorway where the fire road meets Old Topanga Canyon Road at the top of the valley west of Topanga. ...Read more.

Viewridge Trail doesn't look like much at first glance – a one-mile long single track connecting two roads. However, there is a loop beyond the end of Viewridge Trail that reaches an overlook on sandstone outcroppings with panoramic views over Topanga and the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains. This addition elevates Viewridge Trail, and the trail it reaches called Summer Hill Ranch Road, into a very worthy hike in Summit Valley Edmund D. ...Read more.

La Tuna Canyon Trail explores a pair of canyon on the northwest side of the Verdugo Mountains between Burbank and Sunland. There are views north toward the San Gabriels and west toward the San Fernando Valley from this dirt trail as it ascends 975 feet over 2.25 miles on a winding route through the 1,100 acres of La Tuna Canyon Park. At the top, there is a bench offering relaxing views and a junction with Verdugo Fire Road, the main trail across the top of the range, which allows you to explore even farther. ...Read more.

Portuguese Bend Reserve is a 399-acre park on Palos Verdes Peninsula with an elaborate network of trails covering beautiful ocean-facing hillsides, canyons, and ridges. With so many trails, several hikes in the park are possible, including the 5.15-mile trek described here, made up of two loops. For something shorter, skip the lower loop for a 3-mile round trip hike with 575 feet of elevation change (the longer double-loop has 975 feet of elevation change). ...Read more.