Mt. Thom Hike

MT. THOM HIKE

DISTANCE: 3.3 Miles
ELEVATION: 2440' (approximate)
ELEVATION GAIN: 1516'
TYPE: Combination Loop/Out-and-Back
HIKING TIME: 2 - 2.5 Hours
RATING: Strenuous
FEATURES: Vistas of San Fernando and Crescenta Valleys,
mid-point rest area with benches to enjoy the
views

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Perhaps one of the toughest hikes in the San Fernando Valley is the one that can be seen from just about anywhere in the Valley. It's distinctive bleached white path climbs in a near perfect straight line to the sky on the border between Burbank and Glendale, taunting any would-be challengers to make the ascent. After years of driving past this gleaming beacon, I took that challenge. After it all, it was so close to home I could just zip up in the afternoon for some quick views of the Valley and be back down in time for dinner. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Oh, I made it; I had no choice as the sun was setting, but even the relatively easy lower half had me huffing and puffing. The upper firebreak section, however, was down right grueling, akin to stair climbing a downtown skyscraper, albeit one with stunning views. As an avid hiker and runner, I was surprised at the extreme soreness in my glutes the following morning. The hike is divided into two sections, a lower and an upper half separated by a plateau with benches for taking in the views. Most of the hikers I encountered were content to make it to the plateau to watch the sun set before heading back down, but even this lower loop was a strong moderate hike. The upper portion is a very strenuous out-and-back to the summit of Mt. Thom. The descent was even trickier as I had to work at keeping my speed down on the slick, sand covered rock. This is not a trail for beginners, and the views aren't any more impressive from the summit than they are from the lower plateau, so if views are what you are after with a good strong hike, the lower loop is probably sufficient. But if you are a fitness nut looking to push your abilities, take the firebreak to the top. The mountain practically dares you.

Directions to Trailhead

Brand Park Library
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201

Exit the 134 at San Fernando Road and head north/northwest for .7 mile. Turn right onto Grandview Ave and proceed for 1.3 miles. When you reach W Mountain Street, the park entrance will be directly in front of you. Drive to the end of the cul de sac. As you make the left around the cul de sac, turn right onto the side driveway and into the parking area.

Trailhead is located in the picnic area behind the library, opposite the fire hydrant. Rest rooms and water are available at the trailhead.

Mt. Thom Trail Guide
Click for printable .pdf map and guide.

Trailhead

Trail begins in the picnic area behind the library directly opposite the
fire hydrant. There are several trails beginning at this point. Pick the
one moving uphill and to the left for approximately .03 mile.

Trail Junction 1

The short segment you were on dead ends with a perpendicular trail.
Turn left and continue heading uphill for just under .2 mile.

Trail Junction 2

From here to the overlook (halfway to the summit) the trail will divide
and come together numerous times. It doesn't matter which you take
as they will all arrive at the same place. Vistas are better from the
lower trail, but if in doubt, stick to the wider, main trail. Proceed around
.4 mile to the next junction near the base of the overlook.

Trail Junction 3

As you reach the base of the overlook, look for the trail to the left. This
is a more gradual incline that will loop you around to the backside of
the overlook. If you prefer, you can take the very steep trail directly to
the overlook by continuing straight and heading for the trees.

Trail Junction 4

At this fork, bear right and continue uphill .1 mile.

On your return, you will again bear right at this junction to return to the
parking area.

Trail Junction 5

Make the sharp hairpin turn to the right and continue uphill .1 mile to
the overlook. On the return trip, make the hairpin turn to the left.

Brand Library Park Overlook

Great views and benches to rest weary feet. After you've taken in the
views, loop back to pick up the long white trail you see heading to
the top of Mt. Thom. This is the Firebreak Trail.

Trail Junction 6

This begins the .7 mile, very steep and very slippery firebreak up to the
Las Flores Motorway just below the summit of Mt. Thom. This
firebreak is mostly exposed rock with a thin layer of sand. Shoes with
good tread are mandatory.

Trail Junction 7

The firebreak dead ends at the Las Flores Motorway. Bear to your left
and continue uphill .2 mile to the Beaudry Motorways. Keep the
telephone pole at the junction in mind for your return trip. It marks the
top of the firebreak. If you miss it you'll continue walking downhill on
the Las Flores Motorway and end up very far from your car.

Trail Junction 8

The Las Flores Motorway intersects with the Beaudry S and Beaudry
N Motorways and the access road to the antenna array on Mt.
Thom. Excellent views of the Crescenta Valley and the San Gabriel
Mountains to the east and the San Fernando Valley to the west from
this intersection.

Make a hairpin turn to the right and continue up the access road .05
mile to reach the summit of Mt. Thom.

Summit, Mt. Thom, 2,440'

Congratulations, you've made it to the summit of Mt. Thom. The
access road ends at a gated area protecting the antenna array atop
Mt. Thom. Do not enter the gated area. Enjoy the views!

If you look north, you will see a flat concrete structure about .1 mile
away. This is a great place to sit and recuperate before beginning
your return trip.

On your return trip from the summit, make the hairpin turn to your left
onto the Las Flores Motorway and continue downhill.

Or, to continue to the concrete structure, proceed north on the Beaudry
N Motorway for about 300 feet and make a hairpin turn to the left and
continue for another 50 feet.

When you're ready to leave, make your way back down the Las Flores
Motorway to the Firebreak and continue down to the Brand Library
Overlook. Returning down the Firebreak can be hazardous as the trail
is steep and the slick rock is covered in fine sand. Use caution on your
descent.

Trail Junction 9

Just before you reach the Brand Library Overlook, make the hairpin
turn to your right.

Trail Junction 10

At the next junction take the hairpin turn to your left and continue
down to the loop trail.

Trail Junction 11

On your ascent, you came up on the trail to your left. For the descent,
turn right and continue downhill for .15 mile keeping an eye out or the
next junction coming in on your left.

Trail Junction 12

Watch for this junction on your left. It drops down pretty quickly and is
easy to miss if your not paying attention. Follow the ridge down for
about .3 mile.

If you miss this junction, the trail you're on will bring you back to the
parking area, but it has a very steep drop at the end and puts you in a
gated maintenance area for the city of Glendale. It's a pain. Make the
turn.

Trail Junction 13

Cross the pavement and continue downhill for about .1 mile. This
wooded area is meandering and crisscrossed with trails. Keep to the
larger path and keep moving downhill. It should bring you out at the
top of the parking area by the forestry monument.

If you get turned around, just keep moving downhill and to your left
and you'll come out near the library.