Verdugo Mountains
🏆🏆 LA Urban Mountain — Mountain open space within the Los Angeles city limits
Verdugo Mountains is a state park property preserving mountain open space in the Verdugo Mountains — a small but significant range entirely surrounded by urban Los Angeles (Glendale, Burbank, and La Cañada Flintridge). The mountains rise to 3,126 feet and provide hiking, mountain biking, and sweeping views of the LA Basin, San Gabriel Mountains, and Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Glendale/Burbank, CA (Los Angeles) |
| Summit | 3,126 feet |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Views | LA Basin, San Gabriels, Pacific Ocean |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there trails?
Multiple fire roads and trails climb the Verdugo Mountains, offering accessible to strenuous hikes. The summit provides 360-degree views from downtown LA to the San Gabriel Mountains.
About Verdugo Mountains
Verdugo Mountains is an open space preserve in the hills between Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge in the Los Angeles metro area. The mountains rise to 3,126 feet and offer expansive views of the Los Angeles Basin, San Fernando Valley, and the San Gabriel Mountains. A valuable natural island in the urban sea.
Things to Do
Hiking and mountain biking on fire roads and trails, with panoramic city views as reward. The Verdugo Peak trail offers one of the best viewpoints in the LA area. Wildflowers in spring after wet winters. Popular with local hikers and trail runners.
Insider Tips
Urban wilderness: The Verdugo Mountains rise between Glendale, Burbank, and La Cañada — an island of wildland surrounded by 2 million people. Pro tip: The summit trail offers 360° views — from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains to downtown LA. Wildlife: Mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer live in these mountains despite being surrounded by urbanization.
Best Time to Visit
Winter/spring: Cool weather and clear visibility (snow on San Gabriels). Fall: Warm but clear. Summer: Hot — hike early morning only. After rain: Best air quality and furthest views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mountain lions live near LA?
Yes — an estimated 10-15 mountain lions inhabit the mountains surrounding Los Angeles. The famous P-22 lived in Griffith Park for a decade — just miles from Hollywood. California mountain lions are a protected species. Wildlife crossings (like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway) are being built to connect isolated populations.
⛰️ Visit Verdugo Mountains
Urban mountain island — 3,126-foot summit with LA Basin panoramas.
Park Location
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