Verdugo Mountains

a hidden gem in los angeles.
it really is.
you can get to the ridge which is about 8 miles long or so but depending on which way you come up the first ½ mile or so will be pretty steep. once you are on the ridge its very comfortable with wide fire roads.
there is a small patch of trees at the top that looks out of place too.
bring water and sunscreen. it has an elevation of about 3000’
If you ride the entire ridge you will climb about 3400’
great for runners and cyclist with a CX or mountain bike. Wear a helmet please.

Dangggg the Verdugo Mountain 10K (6.2 miles) trail run was def one of the hardest and toughest I’ve ever completed. It was well worth the hour drive from Orange County where I’m used to running the ever-​so-​popular «Peters Canyon» in the city of Orange. There’s a notorious hill nick named «Big Red Biatch» at Peters Canyon… Imagine running up that for 3 miles — that’s what Verdugo Mountains felt like! Literally put Peters to shame! Lol :) Well I guess I’ve got to be grateful for all the training I did at Peter’s because I placed in the top ten (8^th place) in my age group amongst females. There were close to 1000 total participants. The event was sponsored by Sketchers Performance and Massage Envy Glendale who provided a pancake breakfast at the conclusion of the race. Top winners in age categories were awarded medals and a pair of sketchers. The event also raffled some great prizes such as CrossFit memberships, Garmin fitness trackers and more sketchers! I’ll definitely sign up for future races.

«There’s only one hill!’ said the announcer before the Verdugo Mountains 10k this morning, waiting for knowing chuckles from returning runners. Only one hill… yep. The steepest hill ever and straight up 1,735 feet!
Even though I’ve lived in the area for almost 20 years, I had never actually hiked the fire road out of Brand Park. The Verdugo Mountains 10k gave me the opportunity at last.
I’d had this 10k on my radar for several years but, quite frankly, was quaking in my running shoes at the prospect of actually doing it. I’d heard it described as extremely grueling; to be honest, if anything, this aspect of the race has been under-​hyped. I’d been «training» and thought I might be kind of ready. Well… I finished it but not in any kind of decent time for me and found this the hardest race ever.
It’s a given that running straight uphill is difficult. But a bigger problem was coming downhill. I’d assumed it would be possible to make up some time; but the road was SO steep and rocky that this was not to be. If anything I ran more slowly downhill than up so as not to slip and fall and to avoid killing my knees. Thankfully it wasn’t just me; my friend and goddaughter agreed that this was the toughest run EVER.
The
organization did an excellent job with this race. Staff was placed strategically to ensure safety on the trail, with plentiful water stops. Everything went very smoothly, even the pancake breakfast at the end. (Five stars for the pancakes!)
The Verdugo Mountains themselves offer lovely views and wonderful cool breezes floating down the canyons. This being spring, wildflowers bloomed everywhere.
If you are into high intensity workouts and challenging runs, this is the road for you. Who needs to pay money to a gym? Just drive to Brand Park, take the road past the Doctor’s House, breathe deeply, and start running. Enjoy!

Beaudry Motorway Loop to Tongva Peak. I have done this hike many times and this will always hold a special place in my heart. This was the first major hike I did that wasn’t Eaton Canyon. This is where I also meet a gentlemen that gave me the book Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels. I payed it forward at Fish Canyon Falls and gave it to someone else. Hopefully they passed it on…
Check out my video
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Fire road/​pavement
Hike Type: Loop
Animals: Dog Friendly
Activities: Hiking, Running & Mountain Biking

As this is the first place the wife and I ever went hiking, and have gone all subsequent times, it’s hard to rate or judge. We just thought we were weak because it takes a lot out of us. However, looking at the other reviews, it is apparently a good workout for everyone.
There are two main hiking paths. One is the one that is presented at the base near the statue. This is the most common one taken. You can either start on the left path, or the right path. I encourage people to go up the left path and down the right path. It will be easier on your joints.
The second hike uses the same two trails but continues at the first trails summit. It is easily recognizable because the path gets very wide, and you can see the radio tower at the top. I have not made it to the radio tower, I’m working my way to it. I’ve made it very close though. As others have mentioned, it is a killer climb. Where my wife made it to, about 6 telephone poles from the top, she recorded 95 flights of stairs on her fitbit. It’s no joke. It’s also around 10k or so steps.
We always go in the hottest part of the day for conditioning. Also, for the spectacular views. Bring water, lots and lots of water. I also wear ankle braces for the trip back down, which helps a lot.
I plan on making it to the top next time, and who knows from there.
If you are confused about where this is, the library should be easy to find, it’s at the top of grandview. After parking there is a road that leads back behind the library on its left side. You can go up the hill on either the left or right of this road as I mentioned. The paths become easily recognizable pretty quickly.
There are LOTS of other, smaller, side paths if you are feeling adventurous.
If you are a new hiker, don’t be worried. The wife and I couldn’t make it to the main trails summit when we first started. We would get too winded and have to go back down. Now here we are about a month and a half later aiming for the second summit, the radio tower.

This hike is great for training and for the views of the city. It is about 5.5 miles there and back with an elevation gain of 1500 ft.
Parking and Costs: Free! There is plentiful of parking around the area and around the Brand Library. See Nando M’s for the easiest way to get there!
The Hike: I would suggest doing this hike early in the morning or on a cloudy, cool day because there is basically no shade and it is an incline the whole way. I know that there are a lot of 10ks that go on so when I went, there was a lot of people training for the race. This hike is a GREAT conditioning hike if you want to climb other mountains. When you reach the top, you can see the a view of the San Gabriel mountains to one side and the view of LA to the other. There is also a bench at the top where you can sit and instagram photos to your hearts desire.
Tip: It’s actually easier to jog down than it is to walk because of the steepness of the trail.

This hike is not for the weak at heart, well at least coming up the side where the old doctor’s house is. I loved every bit of it. Including when i thought i was taking a short cut and ended up near several baby snakes and fell down the side of the mountain. The entire time i was thinking, I’m almost there, just push through while going down, but then i remembered the sign about recent mountain lion sightings, and hearing rambling in the bushes, had to get my ass out of there quick!
But I really did enjoy this. The views are amazing. SO much different from what I’m use to at Runyon canyon. It was nice smelling nature, without the funk of dog feces.
Caution: the little lizards are like roaches, they are not afraid lol. They were literally watching me struggle up the mountain like i was crazy and would not run when i got close to them… bold little fellas!
LADIES: I do not recommend coming here solo, this place looks like a serial killers haven, and I am a Criminologist, believe me =)
POSTING PICS

I am coming down to Glendale for a business trip (from Washington State) and purposely took and extra half a day so I can hike the Brand Park trails. I grew up ½ mile away and as kids we would wake up before dawn and start out trek up to the ridge. What a wonderful hike and what wonderful memories! Now at 54 and not been back to Glendale in decades, I”m really looking forward to the smells of sage and reliving my childhood memories at the park.

I ran the Verdugo Mountain 10k here this past weekend and I am still sore from it! This is a great hiking path with great views. The path is steep but open and paved. It winds up the mountain and is about a 1,800 ft climb. Be ready for an amazing workout if you run it!
There is tons of parking and a great picnic area to hang out. If you want great Mexican food afterwards that is close, I suggest Mi Corazon in Kenneth Village.

After getting lost by someone’s directions on here, we finally found the trail.
**** Easiest way to get there would be to take Brand Blvd north from the 134, then west (right) on Glenoaks Blvd, then north (right) on Grand View till it dead ends at the Brand Library. Lots of parking.
We went early morning right after a winter storm so it was cool and we still worked up a good sweat. If its hot, make sure you bring LOTS of water.
The radio tower hike has some intense spots that seem almost vertical but its well worth the effort!
Great hike, but wish it had been cleaner air, but that’s LA.

If you take the fire roads they are well kept and wide, have done them plenty of times with my kids. If you start at the nature center and take the first trail off to the left there is a short 1 mile hike up to a breath taking view of the city. It is a really easy hike and child friendly.

Great local hiking! I live just minutes from the trailhead, so this is my most frequent hiking spot. We love it! Great views of Downtown LA and Silverlake… I definitely recommend. Spans from Burbank hills thru to Glendale/​Montrose area

Wow I havent reviewed this yet?!
I went here with a friend of mine awhile ago and it was somewhat scenic quiet hike though it was nowhere as challenging as the hikes I usually do.
The hikes I usually go on are more exciting but sometimes you have to switch it up and let your legs rest up or more importantly your heart, you dont always want to have your heart pound like its coming out of your chest or you will end up with a heart attack.
There is a cemetery that is closed off to the public at the corner of the property, if you go to the Library you find out its the original owners.
This hike is soothing at times when you find yourself enveloped in a light breeze covered in shade and serenaded by the birds overhead.

Definitely a great thigh workout! I wasn’t too sure if this hike was going to be rigorous enough since I am an intensity fanatic, but this was suprisingly effective in its difficulty. The difficulty was in the steep uphills. You definitely want to bring water for this hike. Granted I took a cycling class the day before so my legs were already sore.
About every quarter to half mile is a nice resting spot over looking Burbank, Glendale, and LA depending on your position. AMAZING views! Going downhill should be the easy part, but since the incline is pretty steep, going down takes some effort as well.

easy hike but i can be a long one if you took the wrong trail… damn it!
nice view and there’s no dog poop on the trail!

Verdugo (Spanish): executioner, hangman, torturer, excruciating
Yeah that sums up this hike pretty much!
First of all this is a review of the trail that starts from Brand Park at the top of Mountain and Grandview, not what is called the «Beaudry Loop Hike»
which follows the fire and service road to the top.
The trail starts right behind the «Save Our Trees» statue
with a little unassuming sign that says «Nature Trail». Its a small dirt trail that leads up to a paved service road. Cross the road and continue up the narrow dirt trail. (The service road will be closed to pedestrians) The trail quickly turns into a very steep uphill climb. This is ok if youre expecting it, but be prepared to use «all 4 paws» at times. This trail continues straight up the ridge for a while with no shade. Other than the incline, its not really dangerous unless you try to go back down, which I do NOT recommend.
There is also another trail you can take that starts to the right of the statue past a gate with a sign and finger pointing the «trail». This is a much less steep trail that follows a parallel ridge. You can take this up and back down, or go up from the first trail head and down this way. There is some initial shade but zero after a minute or two up.
Both trails meet a bit more than halfway to the radio tower (not at first seen from the bottom, but youll see it eventually). There is a nice flat area with one park bench that looks straight south over Glendale and towards Downtown LA. Its an impressive view except for all the smog. Again, no shade except for some tall skinny trees. But I got a chance to enjoy my lunch here sitting in the dirt and in the shade near the bench.
At this point the radio tower is looming over but still at a distance. And still over 500ft up in altitude. I decided to go for it. There are a few telephone poles that are evenly spaced along the way up that I used as motivational markers. I felt like I was in one of those Mt. Everest documentaries where they say its so physically draining, each step takes a minute. But I plowed through and eventually made it to the top!
The view of LA and the Valley doesnt get any better. You basically reach the fire road and the Beaudry South Motorway. But you can look over the ridge to the northeast and see La Crescenta valley and San Gabriel Mountains.
Unfortunately, once you made it to the top, the way back down going the same way can be tricky. Its very easy to lose your footing on the loose dirt and sand down the rocks. So be careful. And once you get past the flat park bench area, I really do recommend going down the other ridge so you dont have to climb down any further.
Parking in the park is ok on a weekday. But I figure it gets crowded during the weekend as the athletic fields are probably being used. At least its free and you can park in the neighborhood, it looks pretty rich. The park itself is really nice and well taken care of. I’m not really sure what those buildings are either, but I couldnt care less anyway.

I did the hike up Brand Park again a few months ago via several routes
As someone mentioned it is very steep near the top and I just wanted to add: on the way down, there is a small use trail way to the right (north) side. Follow this and not the open, bare rock and you will have less chance of slipping.

This time last year I think I was hiking up in the SG Mountains. Sadly, we’ve been reduced to the Samo mountains for our hikes, so finding this place was a welcome change.
It’s a nice urban hike that has a lot of mountain bikers on hit, so ask you can guess it’s mostly fire roads that you’ll be hiking on.
The views are just like the others have said. You can see East towards the 210 and SGV mountains and West to Burbank and towards Hollywood.
Not strenuous at all, perfect for a quick hike without having to drive too far.

Do you have a thing for extreme athletic challenges, as though you’re competing for a million bucks on fear factor, even though you’re not really on the show, and will have nothing to reward you for your athletic prowess?
ME TOO!
Case in point: Verdugo Mountains. A friend and I had hiked here several times before, except the last time we did, we actually took the radio tower route by mistake. See what happens when you get carried away in conversation, only to be distracted and face to face with a near death defying situation?
As we climbed closer and closer to the disturbingly vertical ascent up the mountainside, I wondered if we should have packed some rock climbing gear. To add insult to injury, we were passed up by this spry old man, fit as a fiddle, jogging up the mountain with handweights. You could tell he’s an old pro athlete, wearing his neon orange windbreaker so that he’s easily found if he gets lost up there.
Once we got to the top, we felt like the king of the castle. that is, until we realized there was only one route to home base.
«How the F*%# are we supposed to get back down?» You’d practically have to scale down the darn wretched 90 degree angle o’ terror. Damn you, white rocky cliff with little to no traction or safety net bush to break my fall to death if I slip down!
We used the horizontal foot technique, leaning towards the mountainside, looking like we didn’t drink our V8 as we carefully descended, step by step. At some points, we had to work with gravity and run, hoping and praying not to trip and roll all the way down.
Since I’m safe on the couch, writing this review, I think it’s obvious that we made it down in one piece, safe and sound.
I may have been scared shitless during the climb, but I’ll brave it again. Hey, I might even hold hand weights and take on the old man.

When entering the trail inside Brand Park… holy, mama! you’re in for a great work out! James K. and i went up to the radio tower thing and did we feel great! if you can make it up the steep, rocky path, the last hundred yards or so up to the very top seems almost easy… and u do get that «high» from really working the lower body.
the way down, via the same route, can be rough on the joints, so be careful and wear shoes with good traction!
I recommend for those who want a change of pace from Griffith!
xo–
andrea