Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge and Devil's Backbone 10/15/2017 - Mt. Baldy, CA

10-15-2017

Register Ridge Trail is STEEP!...climbing 2,600' in 1.5 miles. This trail may be one of the steepest trails in S. CA, perhaps. Besides the elevation gain in a short distance, the challenge is also altitude as the trail ascends from 6,700' to 9,300'. Register Ridge trail connects to Devil's Backbone reaching Baldy's summit (10,064') in about a mile. You can also opt to take a side trail from the junction to traverse Mt. Harwood (9,551'), gaining extra 200' elevation. 

The hike from trailhead to summit Baldy via Register Ridge/Devil's Backbone is approximately 3.5 miles and 3,900' gain. If Mt. Harwood included, it's about 3.6 miles and 4,100' gain. From San Antonio Falls trailhead, the route follows San Antonio Falls and Baldy Bowl Trail (aka Ski Hut Trail). Soon after passing the metal register box...hence, it's called "Register" Ridge?...veer right and take the use trail going up the ridge. The steep climb begins right away. The trail is in good condition. Pace yourself and enjoy spectacular views as you go. Hiking poles are useful for this steep trail. Bring enough water as the trail is exposed facing south and pretty bald. 

Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) 10,064' is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains, and the highest point in Los Angeles County. It also stands as the third highest peak in S. CA following San Jacinto (10,834') and San Gorgonio (11,503').

For my trip report to summit via Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut Trail:

http://johnshiking.blogspot.com/2012/12/mt-san-antonio-mt-baldy-ca.html

Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks - Los Angeles, CA

April 17, 2017

This is a great way to view LA city, surrounding environment and far beyond from high above all along the drive.

Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor is one of the most famous thoroughfares in the country. Constructed in 1924, twenty four-mile Mulholland Drive in the City of Los Angeles was envisioned by the famous Water Bureau Chief and City Engineer, William D. Mulholland, as a scenic road that would transport city dwellers to the mountains and beaches. The winding route starts west of the 101 Freeway in Hollywood, and offers panoramic city, mountain and ocean views along with a history of LA city development and conservation/preservation of water, land and nature.

This is a must do drive, sightseeing or hike at least once if you live in LA or are a visitor to discover its scenic beauty of LA and history behind how the city of Angels came about what it is for today. It owes much respect and honor to those forerunners who had a vision for the city of Angels in the past, present and the future.

Video by Lifeisamt

Hike to Verdugo Peak Via Hostetter Fire Road - La Tuna Canyon, CA

April 10, 2017

Verdugo Peak (3,126') is the highest point of Verdugo mountains located in the north of Glendale and Burbank. To summit Verdugo Peak, there are different trails you can choose. One of them starts from the north side (La Tuna Canyon) of the mountains....Hostetter Fire Road. It is a 7.5-mile round trip hike with 1,400' elevation gain to reach the 3,126-foot summit of Verdugo Peak.

Enjoy great vistas from the top....San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, downtown Los Angeles and beyond. In the spring time, the canyon becomes quite green and wildflowers pop up everywhere.

Hostetter Fire Road is a wide and well maintained dirt road which offers a gradual ascent to Verdugo Peak. If you like a challenge and great workout, there's a steep trail leaving Hostetter Fire Road. Mark my word...it is very steep. Hiking poles are useful, particularly if you choose to descend via the steep path. Watch your step!

Video by Lifeisamt

Verdugo Peak Via Vital Link Trail - Wildwood Canyon Park/Burbank, CA

April 8, 2017

Wildwood Canyon Park offers a variety of trails from moderate to strenuous levels and whichever trail you choose, the route is generally steep and a bit challenging. It's a great workout and a challenging hike depending on your level of fitness.

Vital Link trail climbs to the radio tower from the saddle on the way and you can make the hike from the first trailhead at the bottom (beginning) of the park or one of the three other trailheads which steeply ascends from Wildwood Canyon Road, but shorter than hiking from the first trailhead.

This hike started from the third trailhead to catch Vital Link trail to reach the radio tower on the top, and continued to reach Verdugo Peak (3,126') the highest point of Verdugo Mountains. Views along the journey and from the peak are fantastic 360 panoramas in all directions.

Tree of Life (aka Wisdom Tree)....as a side trip on the way to Verdugo Peak, stop by to see a beautiful pine tree near Fire Warden's Grove. The lone pine is known as Tree of Life/Wisdom Tree. (Don't get confused with the other Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak Via Wonder View trail!) It's worth the side trip to see the lone pine for inspiration!

Video by Lifeisamt

Wisdom Tree, Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak and Mt. Lee (Hollywood Sign) via Wonder View Trail

March 31, 2017

Wonder View Trail is a great hike for sweeping views and challenging workout with some interesting history of Hollywood. Hiking distance is relatively short, but the route is partially steep and rocky/uneven.

Trail leads to the three summits....Burbank Peak (1,690 ft), Cahuenga Peak (1,820 ft - high point of Hollywood Hills and 12th highest in the Santa Monica Mountains), and Mt. Lee (the HOLLYWOOD sign!).

Wisdom Tree, a lone pine tree, sits on top of Burbank Peak. It can be a good spot to meditate or dip into philosophical thoughts. Also, it's interesting to see cairns (piles of stones) adding artistic and spiritual dimensions there.

Cahuenga Peak was saved with the effort made by local conservationists when residential development was announced. Among those who contributed to save the peak are Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, the Tiffany & Company Foundation, Hugh Hefner and Aileen Getty together with state and local agencies. Knowing such a background history of the peak educates us to really appreciate the hike and think of nature conservation and preservation so that generations to come can also enjoy and appreciate it.

Wonder View Trailhead: At the end of Wonder View Drive. Park on Lake Hollywood Dr. No privy available.

Hiking distance (approx): Burbank Peak - 1 mile RT; Cahuenga Peak - 2.4 miles RT; Mt Lee is 3.2 miles RT
Elevation gain (approx): 900 ft/Cahuenga Peak.

Video by Lifeisamt

Miss American Green Cross Trail & Seven Trees Trail (Library Trail) - Brand Park/Glendale, CA

March 29, 2017

Ditch the crowd in Griffith Park! Brand Park offers a great hike with fantastic views and it's less crowded. The trail is steep, however, and you can choose moderate or extreme. The reward from the top is a Wow! It's part of Verdugo Crest Loop with great views of LA cities and mountain ranges far and near. The park also has some interesting local history, so it's fun to spend extra time to explore....Brand Library/Art Center, Miss American Green Cross statue, Japanese garden and Doctors House museum. Brand Park is really beautiful and peaceful with flowers and trees.

Miss American Green Cross trail and Seven Trees trail (aka Library Trail) are located behind the library. Miss American Green Cross trail gets extremely steep, so be warned. Most people choose to hike Seven Trees trail in/out, and those who want extreme workout or challenge may hike Miss American Green Cross trail to ascend and Seven Trees trail for descending. Once you reach Seven Trees Plateau (1,520 ft), take in a great view before you...wow! From there, if you wish, the trail continues up to the radio towers at Mt. Thom (2,440 ft) where some of the Verdugo mountain roads also intersect. The trail is super steep and a bit slippery, so respect your ability and a hiking pole would be useful particularly when descending. At the top, the reward is sweeping vistas in all directions.

The statue of Miss American Green Cross is a monument of American Green Cross reforestation history which is historically rooted in Glendale back in 1928. Brand Park is truly a hidden gem....two thumbs up!

Hiking distance: Approx. 2.5 - 3.5 miles RT depending on routes.
Gain: Approx. 715 ft to Seven Trees Plateau; 1,640 ft to Mt. Thom.
Ample parking and restroom available.

Video by Lifeisamt