ADVISORY NOTICE: All hiking trails in the Verdugo Mountains are currently closed due to the La Tuna Canyon Fire that consumed nearly 6,000 acres over Labor Day Weekend. Updated 9/3/17.

VERDUGO SUNSET HIKE
     
     DISTANCE: .5 Miles (one way)
    ELEVATION: 1800' (approximate)
     ELEVATION GAIN: 360'
     TYPE: Out-and-Back
     HIKING TIME: 15 minutes
     RATING:  Moderate, but short
     FEATURES: Vistas of San Fernando and Downtown LA as the 
                            sun sets behind the Santa Monica Mountains 
                            with benches to enjoy the views

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

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This short hike begins in the Wildwood Canyon Park amongst a thick overhanging canopy of Sycamores, Alder and Live Oak.  It climbs quickly out of the canyon and the trees on the slope are replaced by the ubiquitous coastal chaparral of Southern California.  A series of steep switchbacks brings you to a transverse ridge and a lower summit where the San Fernando Valley falls away from you, stretching all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains and the setting sun.  Several benches placed near the summit make a great spot for romantic couples to take in nature's beauty as the Valley lights twinkle below and planes land at nearby Burbank Airport.  It's a quick descent back to the parking area once the sun has disappeared.

Click the full frame icon in the upper right corner for a larger map in a separate window.

Directions to Trailhead

WIldwood Canyon Park
1701 Wildwood Canyon Road
Burbank, CA

When you enter Wildwood Canyon Park, drive about a .25 mile on Wildwood Canyon Road to the second stone arch on your left.  The arch marks the trailhead.  Park on your right.  Port-a-potties and a water fountain are available in the parking area. Full service rest rooms and water are located another .25 mile further on Wildwood Canyon Road at the third stone arch.

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Verdugo Sunset Hike Trail Guide
Click for printable .pdf map and trail guide.

Parking

          As you approach the second stone arch on your left, pull into the 
          parking area located on you right.  Gates to the park are closed after 
          sunset, so don't dally too long at the summit once the sun goes 
          down.  The gates do remain open for a bit to accommodate 
          stragglers returning from Verdugo Peak, but don't push your luck.

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Trailhead

        The trail begins at the stone archway.  Pass through the arch and 
        begin the ascent curving to your left.  Continue for .17 mile to the first 
        Trail Junction.

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Trail Junction 1

       Watch for the hairpin junction on your right. If you miss it and continue
       straight, you will loop around and return to the main road at the first 
       stone archway. In the photo you will be coming up the trail on the right 
       making the turn onto the trail on the left. This is a right hand turn! The 
       photo is looking down the trail.

       After you make the turn you will continue for the next .2 mile to the 
       next trail junction, ascending a very steep set of switchbacks.

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Switchbacks

        Begin ascending a series of steep zigzagging switchbacks.

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Top of the Switchbacks

       As you reach the top of the switchbacks, take a second to catch your 
       breath and take in the early view of downtown Los Angeles.

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Trail Junction 2

         Make a sharp hairpin turn to your left as you pass a large bush on 
         your right and continue uphill. Continue for another .1 mile to the 
         summit.

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Summit, 1001'

        Congratulations! You've made the summit, but for a better view and
        benches to relax on, continue down the trail about 50 or 60 feet. Pull 
        out the wine and cheese and watch Mother Nature do her thing.

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Downtown LA at twilight

LIghtbox feature now active. Click on any trail photo for a larger version.

Trailhead at second stone archway

The trail to Junction 1

Switchbacks

Summit Benches