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    Cahuenga Peak

    4.7 (254 reviews)

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    Daryl D.

    Known as the Wisdom Tree trail. I was a little intimidated at first because of the constant incline, but I've hiked Caballero Canyon many times (which is also constant incline at different difficulty levels) that somewhere during the climb I was reminded of the trails there. I was also reminded of some trails in Hawaii. I'd think this trail is for moderate hikers. If you're on the beginning side bring water. You can take your dog here too as they'll love the trail. Once you're at the top you'll see the wisdom tree and the US flag. Write your wish to the tree in the boxes next to it. Enjoy the views of Burbank one side and LA the other side. It's seriously so beautiful It's a up and down path the same way so you will be running into people both ways. Just be kind and let people pass. Running into rattlesnakes can happen. You park on Lake Hollywood Dr. as there is no parking on Wonder View Dr. This is definitely one of my top three favorite hikes in LA and could be my favorite overall if you include hike and views.

    Jo S.

    I knew about this trail for years but never got around to do it. Since the Hollywood Reservoir was closed recently and we couldn't do our regular walk there, we decided to continue our exercise to Wonder Trail. I saw people going down there for years.You can park at lake Hollywood. It is a beautiful trail that leads you to a nice neighborhood and higher you get, the views are getting better and better. Nice vegetation around, be respectful to the nice people who live around here. You pass by a gate, walk up and you see signs (check my photos) and you can start on the trail. But before, take the views in- on one side, Lake Hollywood and DTLA skyline, one the other side, the Valley with Universal. You can do various hikes, depends on the time you have and the level of exercise you are at. To Cahuenga Peak is not a long distance but it is a tough trail, so be careful. I took breaks. Bring water (although no toilets here) and enjoy the views. I might do it again, but you need to be slow and careful since the trail is steep. You can come back the same way. Though hike, but is worth it for the views.

    Nina W.

    This hike is more on the hard side because of the steepness and rocky terrain. Make sure you park on Lake Hollywood Drive. Parking fills up fast so come early. You'll then walk a bit up Wonderview until you get to the trailhead. There is a gate but it's not locked. Go through the gate. The hike to wisdom tree is short but pretty steep. Lots of climbing rocks. It wasn't bad if you take your time and make sure you watch where you step. There are places to stop to catch your breath and take pictures on a clear day. Wear good shoes. Hiking poles recommended. Once you get up to wisdom tree the views are gorgeous. You can see PV, DTLA from the top. Make sure you take pics, eat a snack and enjoy the view. You'll then make your way to CAHUENGA Peak. It's a short hike and not too hard. After the peak, you can make your way to the back of the Hollywood Sign if you like. It's also a short walk but it is pretty steep. The trail doesn't loop so you'll have to double back to go back down. On the way down, we decided to go around the mountain. Due to rain, the back side of the trail has been eroded so it's really slippery and uneven. We did slide on our butts a couple times. Go slowly and carefully. It's also pretty overgrown so long pants are recommended. We brought our corgi and she had to be carried for quite a while. *cheers to my husband for carrying our corgi down the steep path* So I recommend to hike with 2 people if you're bringing a pet or you may be quickly exhausted from just carrying your dog. It was a good experience tho I don't think I would do it again. 2022 HIKE 3/52

    Emily T.

    One of the best 360 degree views you can get of LA and Burbank. The hike is pretty short in distance but the entire thing is one long incline. It was my first time hiking this trail and I was pretty tired halfway but the views were totally worth it! You can see the Hollywood Sign, DTLA, Lake Hollywood, and Burbank. The views are kind of similar to what you see from hiking at Runyon Canyon but you also see Lake Hollywood here! The trail is relatively steep and narrow. I would say it is not that kid friendly because of how steep and narrow it is but I think a young and athletic dog can make it up just fine. My Pomeranian and Maltese/Poodle/Shih Tzu mix made it up and down no problem but they do a lot of hikes with me regularly. I saw a couple of other dogs as well. Don't forget to bring them and yourself plenty of water! We made it to Cahuenga Peak and the Wisdom Tree (same area) but did not continue to the back of the Hollywood Sign because it was getting dark. We ended up hiking back down in the dark and it would not be do-able if we did not have our flashlights on our phone. It was about 2 miles round trip. If you're a regular hiker or you're in good shape, this is a no-brainer but it is challenging otherwise. Definitely a must see though! Free parking at the bottom on the street!

    This is where you should park. Lake Hollywood Drive.
    Anna S.

    Wow! Wow!! Cahuenga Peak/Wisdom Tree was so beautiful! Here is my story :) I parked my car on Lake Hollywood Drive, then walked up to Wonder View Drive (which is a neighborhood). Honestly when I first saw the big mountain I told my sister: "I hope we make it to the top" but honestly if you are use to hike, Cahuenga Peak is pretty easy :). It's a nice steep & rocky trail. Spring is always my favorite time of the year to hike, the weather was amazing, you see lots of flowers, blue skies & everything is so green & full of life. We made it to the Wisdom Tree & then continued on to Cahuenga Peak, Breathtaking views! You can see downtown, The Valley & the Ocean. My favorite spot was the "American Flag"which I heard was planted by a cool guy who's been raising it there in honor of 9/11 for years. On our way back we walked to the back of the Hollywood Sign for some nice scenic views & more pics. We sat down for a bit and then returned back the exact same way. Please note that this is NOT where you get the shot of yourself in front of the "Hollywood Sign". We found super funny to see all the tourist attempting this hike in everything from flip flops to heels to try to get a pic from the "Hollywood Sign" but sorry! This is not the trail for that! I highly recommend this hike to get away from our everyday schedule & clear your mind. Overall it's great spot to visit for some epic views, nice photos, great cardio workout and also for meeting people from around the world. Beautiful!

    Kathy V.

    Killed two birds with one stone. Came out to LA for a girls trip and one of the itineraries was to hike to the Wisdom tree and the Hollywood sign since I heard they are parallel to each other. While looking from the bottom to the top is very discouraging. Note: hike is rocky and be prepared to get dirty. There is no pavement and it's all up hill. All glutes workout!! Anyways it felt like 1hr to go up but it was short. Took us 25mins with small breaks. But to crossover to the Hollywood sign took longer and you go up and down mountains? I dont want to say hills because it's all rocky. And yes I fell due to loose rocks. But I'll tell you this, all worthy when you reach the top. Bucket listed!!!

    Views
    Kevin W.

    Wisdom Tree! Cahuenga Peak is the mountain train that takes you to the Wisdom Tree (Giving Tree). Parking was free. DO NOT google map directions directly here. You will get taken to multiple wrong locations. Google Map Lake Hollywood and Wonder View Drive and you will go directly to the main street parking area. You walk up a small residential street/paved area before the main incline up to the tree. The hike is roughly 2-3 miles around trip. Took about 1 and half hours with pictures and random pauses. Super duper steep. Like sketchy af narrow incline paths. It was super scary with my two goldens. You basically follow unmarked paths to the tree. It was easy to guide up but there were some parts that were hidden or split weird. The views were awesome in the morning. Decent shots of DTLA. The tree itself was amazing. The rock stacks were interesting. That random chest was a little creepy. Hike was more moderate to intermediate level. I do not recommend going with dogs. Do able but I felt sketched out the whole way up. If you keep taking the path, you will get to the Hollywood Sign. Thank you to the owners of the house with the dog bowls at the bottom!

    Started from the bottom
    Nicole O.

    Straight up incline. 0.4 miles to the Wisdom Tree. Take water. Not much shade. Excellent views of Griffith Observatory, DTLA, etc. Enjoy your workout! Park at Lake Hollywood/Wonderview intersection.

    This is not true. Don't believe everything you read.
    Nadine C.

    Hiking to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles should be made into a movie - if there isn't one already... Like any journey in life, the path is not always easy - and when you arrive at your destination - after surviving certain obstacles, you feel a unique sense of accomplishment that only you understand! This was my second hike to the famous landmark, but I was not as close to the sign (right in back of it!) as I was the first time. We had to take this route because the original one has been closed to respect the privacy of the residents at the start of that trail. Tim C. had done great research in selecting this trail. He gave us instructions to meet at 3052 Lake Hollywood Drive at 9AM so we could all have a fun adventure together. All of us found street parking, met at a visible corner, then proceeded upwards. To my surprise, this path was really challenging. A couple of gals had a hard time and one of them even threw up! The weather was warm and sunny. Even though we drank water to stay hydrated, we felt overwhelmed at times. The ground was steep, slippery, and uneven in some areas. To make up for it, the views, the fresh air, and cooling breezes were rewards! At the top, The Tree of Life (aka The Wisdom Tree) is an awesome sight! At its base, lies a trunk full of writing utensils and notebooks. Feel free to leave a poem, a prayer, a drawing, your thoughts and/or prayers on a page or two... Take a photo with the American flag and the artsy rock piles! Pet one of the cute dogs that other hikers bring as companions! Chat with others and discover their hometowns! Munch on the snacks you brought (thanks to Tim C. for the oranges and pepperoni slices)! Drink more water and/or Gatorade and reapply your sunscreen! Use your baby wipes to freshen up and remember to bring a garbage bag for your trash. Enjoy a seat on a log or climb the tree like Schel did! At one of the houses along the way, there is a station where you can write down any snake sightings... yeah... we didn't see any... thank goodness! Anyway - if you get a chance, do this hike! Maybe we took an hour to get to the top? That's with many breaks and stops for photos. It was a fantastic experience with Sue, Gloria and her son, Matt and his girlfriend, Tim, Schel, Phil, and Sathy! Thanks for the happy memory!

    Trail down
    Rachel Macie H.

    Hike it up all the way to the tip top where you will find the tree that's giving you the much needed shade for a pit stop! So on this given Saturday morning I was joined by an amazing group of Yelpers to go take on this cliffside hike that I'd never done before and well let's just say it was totally awesome and very hot as it's Forever Summer here in SoCali! There's a good amount of parking at the bottom of the trail as that's where we all met up and got ready to hike it up to the top. The trail to the tree top is a kinda narrow one that's snaking it's way across the cliffside making for some kinda rocky conditions for the way up but have no fear as it's not as bad as it sounds more or less just a fun trail with a few obstacles for everyone to dodge on their way up! Along the trail there's a few little areas that have some shade just about enough space for you to hangout there for a few minutes to cool off just a tad from the little breeze that can be felt the whole time up to the top. Once you've had your fill of the zig zag trail and have reached the top you will see that huge flag that can be seen from the bottom and right behind it you will find a ton of cool little rock piles as well as the famous Giving Tree that's providing everyone with some much needed shade that's perfect to rest up a bit or to have a picnic! From the tree it's about another half mile or so along the mountain top to the Hollywood Sign the trail to get there from the tree isn't harder than anything you've already done so fear not and march on as that way you can get to the world famous sign! Please don't be one of those people who leaves their trash along the trail it's just not cool what you bring in you bring it right back out it's just the nice thing to do for Mother Earth I say this because I picked up a few water bottles along the way that I will be recycling later this week since someone couldn't be bothered to do so! Just make sure you bring water and more water because you can never have too much water on a hot day on the hiking trail! Overall this is an awesome hike a bit steep at times but nothing that people of all ages can't do just keep pushing yourself to get to the top as once you do there is a tree that's full of shade and a nice breeze atop the mountain top! Hike On My Friends!

    Sara S.

    First things first. We used this address to find street parking and it was dandy: 3507 Wonder View Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90068 This is one of my favorite hikes in LA! Good payoff for minimal burn. It's definitely steep, but the hike is only 1.5 one way, so it's 1.5 miles of a more intense stairmaster and then 1.5 miles carefully making your way back downhill. It should only take about 1.5 hrs RT with photo time. By the way, if you have hiking shoes that would be nice but I did it in Nikes without regrets. The view of DTLA, griffith observatory, and the Hollywood Reservoir are stunning, even with that LA smog. There's a nice large American flag posted on the edge of the cliff there that makes for a good photo op. There are also rock piles where you can leave messages or your "mark" if you wish. On the other side, there's a nice sprawling view of Burbank and the Valley, and you have the glorious wisdom tree which is the only tree that did not get burned down from the 2007 fire. It's a nice place to just take some time to reflect and soak up the scenery. Another cool thing is that this hike connects to more trails. We explored a bit further and made it to the peak of Cahuenga and backside of the Hollywood side.

    What a view!
    Eric B.

    Growing up in So Cal, I had always wanted to hike to the Hollywood sign but never knew exactly how to get up there. Then I saw everyone's social media pictures at the Wisdom Tree and discovered you could hit up both in one hike. What a bargain! Park along Lake Hollywood Dr. but watch for the no parking signs as they are present in some areas. Walk up the street until you get to the gate and continue walking to a dirt trail that has a plaque of a mushroom (beats me as to why lol). It's a nice steep climb up to the tree from there, but being acclimated to a hot AZ climate and going on hikes each week, it was a breeze for my wife and I (not so much for others as we saw a lot of huffing and puffing). Bring plenty of water esp. if you're not used to hiking at an incline. When you reach the Wisdom Tree there have sometimes been rock piles also known as cairns around the tree. We saw none of these on our visit in June. The view is spectacular of both the San Fernando Valley on one side and LA/Hollywood on the other. Now, onto the Hollywood sign short hike: Start by going back on the same path that got you to the tree. There will be signage guiding you along a trail to the left at a fork (rather than right which will take you back down the mountain). Take that trail and continue to follow it straight to the sign (I'd say approx. 1 mile away). To get back to your car, simply take the same trail back to the fork and turn to left on the one the heads down at a steep angle. Enjoy!

    Made it to the top
    Isabel J.

    I had this place bookmarked for awhile since I had been dying to come see the wisdom tree. We made our way here around 11am and there were plenty of parking spots on the steep hill. As we got closer to the beginning of our hike we realized how high the mountain is and it's pretty steep. At first it was intimidating but I started to see children, elder people and dogs doing the hike so that gave me some confidence and determination. The hike isn't easy but it isn't too long either just make sure to take your time and take breaks if you need them. It's good to wear sneakers with traction or hiking boots since it can be slippery coming down due to the incline. I'm very happy I didn't give up and made it all the way up because the views are breathtaking and I got to see the wisdom tree and American flag :) Don't forget your cameras for great shots. Coming down was easier and you will do it faster and I can't wait to do this hike again.

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    It is so good for me and I like it is so fun and it is my first day doing this and going here

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    4 years ago

    its rough. its trecherous. its dirty. you'll be sweaty. you might need to take a breather.... BUT. IT. IS. SOOOO. WORTH. IT.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Cahuenga Peak Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cahuenga Peak

    Is this hike opened again? Last time I was there the park rangers were kicking people out.

    Trail currently closed due to COVID

    Is it recommended to hike after it rains? Is the trail closed when it rains?

    Every trail on earth is closed after it has rained. But i still do it WITH CAUTION. Mother nature is freshest when wet. But please be careful hurting anything.

    Interested in doing a night hike, what are the parking restrictions on Lake Hollywood Dr?

    No parking after 8....i think

    Is this an OK solo hike? Is it more busy than a standard hike?

    It's not too busy on the weekdays but it's very busy on the weekends. You can do it solo

    Is this a good evening/night hike? How safe it is at night time?

    It gets very dark at night. It's hard to say if it's safe or not. I hiked at night once and didn't experience anything bad but I might just be lucky. There might be mountain lions too. If you're going at night I would suggest going with at least 3… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Cahuenga Peak

    After signing a book by the wisdom tree and enjoying the wide view, we continued towards the Hollywood sign.

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    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    4.5(1.1k reviews)
    8.7 mi

    I have only been once though so far this is one of my favorite hikes. It is doable for almost…read moreanyone in light of the road and path choices though provides a workout due the incline, especially at a rapid pace or jog. The street parking option at the base is free and conveniently near the start of the hike. The views at the top are rewarding. The paths are large enough for a group and provide opportunities for interesting conversation along the way. I came with my alumni association. It was an ideal venue for the event. I saw a center I did not have time to enter near the top. It looked inviting. The various detours leading to the top present opportunities to discover new outlook points if I return, which I'd enjoy doing. I also saw at least one if not more paid parking lots, as options. It is near some enjoyable restaurants for a meal, casual snack or beverage after. The hike provided exhilarating exercise I could do efficiently, as I took in the scenery, worked out, engaged in stimulating conversation, and met fellow alumni, after I had had most of my day to enjoy, then had most my evening free for dinner with other alumni.

    Review for the Culver City Stairs - Great hike in LA that offers nice panoramic views of the…read moremountains and city. My friend and I hiked here on a Friday in the middle of the day. The sun was out but we enjoyed the exercise and the view. There is street parking offered at the bottom and once you go up the short dirt road you'll immediately see the stairs. From the bottom it can look quite steep but once you start going up you get used to the feel. The worst part is that the stairs are all uneven and some are pretty high (especially for kids/short adults like me), but overall the hike is pretty quick. For those in excellent physical shape, it probably only takes ~10 mins to get to the top. For those who might need to take more pauses, ~20 mins. As you walk up, there are a couple of areas you can pull over on the side and catch your breath on. Once you're at the top, there are a ton of great views and photo op spots. Heading down was a little confusing because we tried to avoid the stairs at first and use the dirt roads, however the path we picked didn't lead all the way back to the bottom so we just ended up taking the stairs for half of it.

    Photos
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook - Sunrise

    Sunrise

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook - Mustard weeds er'where!

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    Mustard weeds er'where!

    Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1(61 reviews)
    24.1 mi

    Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear…read more There's still snow there, the road is clear, and along the way, there's a mountain stream and a reservoir where you can stop. Download a map in advance, as there's no signal there. There's a small lake where you can take a walk, and a forest with a cozy family café where you can grab a snack.

    Plenty hiking opportunities, refreshing air, and a nice scenic drive in. Be sure to have a full…read moretank, as there is no gas services. There is a cafe/ convenience store across from the campground where you can also purchase your day use park pass for $5. I experienced a foggy day, which gave a cooling effect to my hiking. Restrooms are vault toilets, so unpleasant smells and a mess are a given. The lake has lots of swampy algae, therefore not appropriate for swimming or water sports. However, they do allow fishing with permit. I am a nature enthusiast and it was saddening to see the lack of humans respect for nature, with graffiti and trash in some areas of the park. Crystal lake definitely could use more funding to preserve its natural beauty. The loveliest part is listening to woodpeckers as they work, watching an eagle fly above with a fish in its talons, and treading quietly not to startle the squirrel who is crossing my path. I suggest picking up a map with hiking trails from the rangers post or convenience store, before planning your day!

    Photos
    Crystal Lake - My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    Crystal Lake - Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Crystal Lake

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    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    4.4(293 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

    This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

    Photos
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - Lower Switzer Fall

    Lower Switzer Fall

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - The grand prize, Switzer falls.

    The grand prize, Switzer falls.

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

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    Elysian Park

    Elysian Park

    4.1(236 reviews)
    6.6 miElysian Park

    Gorgeous spot to have a nice dirt path hike through to catch a sunset and some cool views of the…read moreDTLA landscape. The air up there is nice and it's not too windy or anything. Depending on the amount of people up there, it can be calm and surreal enough to make for a good picnic to watch the sky and enjoy the sights. My friend and I didn't walk too far down the dirt path as we parked near the Elysian Park sign. We only walked straight to the large concrete displays with grafitti on them. We both enjoyed our experience here so much and took note of the type of shoes we need to wear next time! Would definitely want to explore back here again!

    Elysian Park is one of my favorite hikes/runs right outside of downtown LA, right by Dodger…read moreStadium. Pro tip: Do the hike counterclockwise. When Dodger Stadium is behind you and you face the mountain, start counterclockwise--trust me, you'll thank me. On the way back, you'll enjoy a gorgeous downtown view. At the top, there's a painted seating area where you can rest and soak it all in. A couple of things that could be better: It's a dirt/sand path, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dusty--unless you want to spend each day cleaning them. It's usually around 6,000 steps for me--though that varies--and roughly 400 calories burned (but don't quote me on that!). Overall, it's about a 45-minute hike/jog with ups and downs--just enough to get your heart going, and then you can treat yourself to a city-state after. Pretty good overall--highly recommend it!

    Photos
    Elysian Park - My dad and SherpaRon

    My dad and SherpaRon

    Elysian Park
    Elysian Park

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    Cahuenga Peak - hiking - Updated May 2026

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