Verdugo Peak Los Angeles
Conquer Verdugo Peak for breathtaking 360° views of Los Angeles, a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Verdugo Peak Los Angeles
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Verdugo Peak for breathtaking 360° views of Los Angeles, a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning vistas.
"The summit gives your a majestic panoramic view of LA and beyond. Utterly worth it."
💧 Carry Ample Water
One gallon per person is recommended due to lack of shade and heat.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be loose in sections. Good grip is essential.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 7 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Los Angeles Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of LA, from Hollywood Hills to Catalina Island on clear days.
Challenging Ascent
Skyline Motorway / Vital Link Trail
A steep, rewarding climb with significant elevation gain on a narrow, twisting path.
Dog-Friendly Adventure
Various trailheads
A popular spot for hikers and their furry companions to enjoy the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Trail Conditions & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Ample Water
One gallon per person is recommended due to lack of shade and heat.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be loose in sections. Good grip is essential.
☀️ Seek Shade When Possible
There's very little shade, so plan accordingly and take breaks.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
This is a popular trail for dogs, but keep them leashed for safety.
Is this trail run connection possible?
Hello all, I will be in the area in a week and a half and wondering if this connection is possible. All strava heatmap and activity data I've found and other research I've done cannot confirm if this goes through and most people stop on either side of that roughly circled area.…
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Ample Water
One gallon per person is recommended due to lack of shade and heat.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be loose in sections. Good grip is essential.
☀️ Seek Shade When Possible
There's very little shade, so plan accordingly and take breaks.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
This is a popular trail for dogs, but keep them leashed for safety.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of the entire LA basin.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the absolutely stunning panoramic views from Verdugo Peak, calling it a rewarding experience despite the challenging, steep ascent. While the lack of shade and intense heat are noted drawbacks, the breathtaking vistas of the entire LA basin make it a worthwhile endeavor for many. The trail is popular and can get crowded, but the effort is consistently described as 'utterly worth it.'
"Please, fellow hikers, carry 1 full gallon of water, per person when you attempt this hike. There isn't any shade, and i did this hike recently in 85 degree heat. I won't hike in anything over 90 degrees of heat.
Now this is a extended half day hike, and it's very challenging and hard, i came in from the east end, and i used the Vital Link Trail, the Wildwood Canyon Park is where i came in from, multiple restrooms with tissue at the entrance. This is a 6 mile hike, and it's really steep as you hike, climb the mountain.
-August 17, 2025"
Nicholas Ramirez
"Verdugo Peak is the second tallest peak at 3,126 ft in the mountains that surround the San Fernando Valley and is the highest vantage point in the Verdugo Mountains proper. The mountain itself is incredibly close with the trailhead to the summit only minutes from downtown Burbank, but getting to the top is a bit more challenging. Almost the entirety of the 1500 ft ascent is accomplished in the first half of the hike on a narrow, twisting single-track use path, making for a steep, delightfully wicked climb. Once you’ve reached the summit peak you’ll forget about being tired for it gives your a majestic panoramic view of LA and beyond. Overall, hiking this peak was no easy task for it was hard but it has its own reward. Therefore, it was utterly worth it."
Carlo N.
"It is the best location to see the entire southern cal. Pasadena, Long Beach, San Pedro, Hollywood Hills, Topanga and Chatsworth and Catalina. On very rare days you can see Santa Barbara Island but it's got to be clear."
Scott Leland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trailheads are accessible from areas like Brand Park in Glendale or via the Skyline Motorway. Parking can be found at various trail access points.
Public transportation options are limited for direct trail access. Driving is the most common method. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car.
Popular starting points include Brand Park for access to multiple peaks, and trailheads along the Skyline Motorway for a direct ascent.
Yes, parking is generally available at designated trailheads like Brand Park and along access roads, though it can fill up on busy days.
Yes, Verdugo Peak is very close to downtown Burbank, with trailheads accessible from the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Verdugo Peak is free. There are no admission fees to access the trails.
The trails are generally accessible from dawn until dusk. It's best to start your hike well before sunset.
No permit is required for day hiking on Verdugo Peak.
There are no entrance fees for hiking Verdugo Peak.
Hiking at night is not recommended due to the narrow, twisting trails and potential hazards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and the chosen route.
It's considered a challenging hike due to its steepness and elevation gain, especially in the first half.
While possible, it's a strenuous hike. Beginners should be prepared for a significant challenge and bring plenty of water.
Restrooms are available at some trailheads, such as Wildwood Canyon Park, but not along the main ascent.
Expect a narrow, twisting single-track path with a steep ascent, especially in the initial part of the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most spectacular panoramic views. The winding trail itself also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful lighting for landscape shots. Midday can be harsh due to direct sun.
Yes, many people bring their dogs and capture great photos of them with the LA backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant cityscapes.
No specific restrictions are noted for general photography. Always be mindful of other hikers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit