The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Burbank

The Verdugo Peak via Skyline Motorway trail offers a unique blend of urban proximity and rugged terrain, making it a standout in the Verdugo Mountains. You'll navigate an old fire road that has largely reverted to a single-track path, with uneven ground and steep sections, including a notable washed-out area. As you climb, the chaparral-lined route reveals increasingly expansive views over downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, and the San Gabriel Mountains, culminating in panoramic 360-degree vistas from higher points.

This moderate hike packs a punch with 2016 feet (614 metres) of elevation gain over 4.0 miles (6.4 km), typically taking around 2 hours and 24 minutes. Given the limited shade, it's best tackled during cooler months. The trailhead can be a bit tricky to find, but once you're on your way, no permits or fees are required, and leashed dogs are welcome.

What sets this trail apart is its evolution from a motor route to a natural hiking path, providing a strenuous workout with constant, breathtaking skyline views. It serves as a key access point into the Verdugo Mountains, offering connections to other routes once you reach the broader Verdugo Fire Road. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.

The Stough Canyon Trail to Verdugo Peak offers a rewarding journey through the Verdugo Mountains, starting with a steep climb from the Stough Canyon Nature Center. As you ascend the dirt and gravel fire road, the landscape transforms, revealing expansive views of the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles skyline, and the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. You'll pass by the ruins of an old youth camp and eventually reach Verdugo Peak, where the panoramic vistas are truly spectacular, making the moderate 4.1-mile (6.7 km) hike with 1559 feet (475 metres) of elevation gain well worth the effort.

Planning your visit to this popular trail means preparing for a workout; the initial section is particularly strenuous. The route is an out-and-back, typically taking around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Always carry ample water, especially during warmer months, and wear appropriate footwear for the varied terrain, which can include sandy and slippery patches. Parking is available at the Stough Canyon Nature Center, which serves as the main access point for this trail.

This trail is part of the larger Verdugo Mountainway Trail System, connecting various communities across the Verdugo Mountains. Beyond the stunning viewpoints, you might spot local wildlife or observe passenger jets taking off from Bob Hope Airport in the distance. The Stough Canyon Nature Center itself is a hub for outdoor activities, offering various programs and acting as a gateway to this moderately challenging yet highly scenic hiking experience.

The Verdugo Peak loop from Wildwood Canyon Park is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike, offering a distinct wilderness feel just minutes from urban areas. You'll start gently before tackling the steep switchbacks of the "Vital Link Trail," which quickly gains elevation and opens up continuous, expanding views of Burbank, the San Fernando Valley, and the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. The single-track eventually transitions to the wider Verdugo Motorway, leading you to Verdugo Peak for stunning 360-degree panoramas.

This moderate 5.4-mile (8.7 km) hiking route involves a substantial 1696 feet (517 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete. The trail is largely exposed with minimal shade, so plan for an early start, especially in warmer weather, and bring ample water. Parking is available at Wildwood Canyon Park, which serves as the trailhead for this demanding ascent.

Beyond the physical challenge, the trail offers unique features like the Willie Mann Memorial Chair along the ridgeline, a perfect spot to rest and soak in the views. The terrain, characterized by chaparral-covered mountains and sections of slippery decomposing granite, provides a rugged experience. This route is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a vigorous workout and impressive scenic rewards close to Los Angeles.