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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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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!!!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
This was such an amazing hike! It's uphill the entire time until the top of the hill, but the patience was worth it! At the top there's a flag and you can see a panoramic view of Los Angeles. It was such a pretty view, you can see skyscrapers, homes, and a lake/dam. After an intense uphill hike, you'll be treated with a cooling breeze at the top. I recommend going when it's not so hot. The wisdom tree is also at the top of the hill. The whole hike was around 2 hours. I would do it again for the view. read more
10 months ago
This is one of my favorite trails -- absolutely beautiful with amazing views. I recommend going on a weekday, either early in the morning or around sunset. Avoid the middle of the day unless you're looking for a super hot, intense workout, because there's very little shade. Parts of the trail are rocky and can get a bit slippery, so good shoes with tread are a must. Bring water, wear a hat, and you're good to go. Totally worth it for the scenery! read more
Go to the top of L.A. here. It pretty much is the top. Cahuenga Peak is the highest point in the area. Has pretty rough trails to get to it. The views are the best and you can see a long ways. A few interesting facts about it. It's 1,821 feet high, the highest in this mountain range. This is close to the Hollywood Sign, and a good stop along the way there. A few ways to get here. It's probably best going through the Lake Hollywood neighborhood. Then you get on the Wonder View Trail. It's important to know Griffith Park closes at night. They lock the gates and you can't get through. Cool place to make a climb. It's really high. The best thing about reaching the top is seeing the sweet views. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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 read more
2 years ago
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! read more
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! read more
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!!! read more
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! read more
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! read more
9 years ago
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! read more
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. read more
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! read more
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. read more
The view from this hike is soooooo beautiful. Came here ~7pm in August, parked around 3052 Lake Hollywood Drive, and walked up Wonder View to the trail entrance (yellow gate). If you walk down the hill on Lake Hollywood Drive, there's a port-a-potty! The hike is uphill until the top, but if you hike/exercise regularly, it should be easy and fast! Because we came around sunset, we got to see day/sunset/night view of LA... and it was soooooooo beautiful. I didn't take enough pictures. After signing a book by the wisdom tree and enjoying the wide view, we continued towards the Hollywood sign. That trail is less paved so it does get pretty narrow/rocky at times. Once you get to the Hugh Hefner overlook, you can see "Ho" and maybe a little bit of "lly." Definitely coming back here!! read more
Don't really branch out to hike other mountains beside San Gabriel Valley mountains. But, for you.... Wisdom/Magic tree, I shall! :) Background: Only standing tree that did not get burned down from 1997 forest fire that terrorized more than 817 acres in and around Griffith Park, including Dante's View and Captain's Roost. You're truly amazing! Footwear: Shoes with traction is a must. If you don't, it'll be a long day of slipping and sliding. Just be cautious of where you are stepping. Parking: Free parking, but can't park between 9pm-6am on Lake Hollywood Drive. Hike: Wisdom/Magic Tree Trailhead: Park along Lake Hollywood Drive. Actualy area to start the descent to the trailhead is at the intersection of Lake Hollywood Dr and Wonder View Dr.. You'll walk a little ways on pavement until you see a yellow gate. -Tip: Phung D. gives you a great tip that was very useful to me and my other hiker friends that went with me. Run this address on MAPS on your android... 3052 Lake Hollywood Drive, Los Angeles CA. So grateful for her. :) Distance: Roughly about 3 miles (1.5 going up...1.5 going down). Trail Directions to Wisdom/Magic tree from trailhead: 1) Go around, under, or over the yellow gate. Most likely you'll make it easier on yourself by going around it. :-P 2) After you see a telephone tower, keep right to start descending up (you'll see a rock that use to have a plague on it. Now's it's just been graffiti over with a punisher (comic) looking design.. If you go left, there's lookout area to see DTLA to the south and burbank mountains to the north. 3) Pray to anybody! The steep single track incline trail begins! You'll be cursing inside your mind and be huffing and puffing like me... if you're not fit. Tip: Take some breaks and drink some high quality H2O. 4) Trail will eventually split into three paths. Take the left and you'll noticeably see a single tree.... just hanging out and waiting for beautiful hikers to come for guidance and enlightenment. Bring a pen and write on books or notepads that have been left from others. This place is also great for selfies and to checkout the scenic view of the mountains and DTLA. Happy Trails and have a BEAUTIFUL day! read more
11 years ago
This short and sweet 3 mile hike is one that I thoroughly enjoyed and would love doing again. The beginning of the hike is rocky and steep, so just because it's short, don't expect it to be a walk in the park! Since there's not much shade...at all, I was sweaty before I was even half way up! The path to the tree is very obvious and clear so you never end up second guessing yourself...if you do, you're not hiking right. When you reach the tree, there seems to be another path taking you further up. I'm not sure where that leads you, but I've been reading some reviews that say it's an additional trail. Perhaps Hollywood sign?? The tree is truly a sight! The moment we got there, dragonflies were flying all over the place! It overlooks...Hollywood(?) and reminds me bit of Grandmother Willow. You go there, sit on the log, bring out a pen and scribble thoughts into the notebooks that people have brought over the years. It's a way to find yourself and find your soul. Right by the tree is an area where people have stacked rocks. It's fun to try stacking one or 2 piles yourself, but it's also something beautiful just to look at. Street parking only from what I saw, and most people will park on Lake Hollywood Dr. Can't tell you exactly how we got there exactly, but John T. says to map to 3052 Lake Hollywood Drive, LA...and I trust John T. when it comes to hikes! TIPS: 1) Hydrate! This is a very hot and dry hike during the summer tim. Even though it's a short hike, make sure that you bring lots of water. 2) Bring a pen, or a little tag and some string to leave some love or thoughts on the tree 3) Make sure to take pictures because tree and those rocks are quite the photo-op! 4) Wear a hat, and wear lots of sunblock. 5) There isn't a lot of shrubbery, so I didn't have to worry about plants rubbing on my legs. Shorts are fine. 6) Bring light snacks so you can have a little bit of an energy boost when you get to the tree. This hike was short, yet gave me a great workout. It's got a beautiful view and some neat photo-ops! I'd love to see where the other trail leads, so I can't wait for next time! read more
Address: 3052 Lake Hollywood Drive + There was a ton of street parking when I went at 8:15am on a Sunday morning. + 3 mile hike roundtrip + Steep incline. Definitely not a trail for the light hearted + It took us 45 minutes to reach the Wisdom Tree, which is gorgeous against the desert-y surroundings + Bring a pen and add your own notes to the notebook found at the tree + BRING WATER!!!! read more
11 years ago
Short, sweet hike! With it's on Insta account :) You can add to it and make it longer but we chose to come up to the Wisdom Tree and then head back down due to scheduling. A sweet girl told me about this hike earlier in the week and being the hike enthusiast that I am, I felt silly when she mentioned it and I hadn't been here. I made it a point to seek it out and get out onto another trail this week, and a new one at that. My girlfriend and I came up early Saturday morning, parking on Lake Hollywood and ventured up the paved road (at one point, since this was our first visit I thought we were heading up someones private driveway), but we were in the right place. Thank gosh for Modern Hiker or we may have turned back in fear of going the wrong way. Soon reaching the dirt trail and entrance, we were on our way. This was my friends first hike with a quick and steady elevation gain. The trail is also fairly narrow most of the way, which freaked her out a little bit but I put my patience cap on and supported her the entire way. It's really only .80 mile before you hit your turn off to the Tree which I knew is not long at all. I continually showed her on my fitbit just how fast we were making progress and how soon we'd be there. She did amazing! This trail is not well shaded but being very early we lucked out in some areas with the sun. I would suggest, as I always do - to wear a hat and apply sunscreen. I'm also not use to hiking with my Swell bottle or without a backpack as my boyfriend usually lugs this stuff around on our hikes. With this hike, I would suggest wearing a backpack although it's very short but as an easy way to store your goodies while having two free hands for balance due to the rocky terrain. We did fine but it's always safer to have two free hands. Once reaching the tree, we snapped a few photos and hung out for a short while as we browsed through the notes and letters left beneath the branches in the two boxes. I'll be the first to admit, I have teared up on hikes before but only out of fear because I've been on some frightening trails with extremely slippery terrain but I had no idea what a tear jerker these letters and notes would be. I was working off of very little rest from the night before but we pulled out several very inspirational and thought provoking messages. We both cried and No, it's not that time of the month for either of us. I've left short notes in registrars before but something was quite intimidating about writing in the notebook here. As someone who doesn't consider myself very shallow I felt I had nothing of depth to leave behind in that moment, so simply absorbed some of the messages and interpreted them as I wanted towards my life. It was a great little hike but we definitely plan on using this route as a new and different way to the Hollywood sign, the two of us currently use two different routes to hike there and now we have a new, less traveled, less touristy way to go in the future. We headed back down the path, which isn't terrible but I continued to use the mantra "trust the tread" for my girlfriend :) it's a bit slippery but we both had good day hiking shoes on which can definitely be trusted on the slippery slopes of the side of this mountain. All in all this is a nice hike, like I mentioned the path is narrow so we made mention that early in the day is probably best - too many people traveling up or down this trail could be too much to deal with. There are times and hikes I say anyone of any fitness level can handle, with this one I wouldn't say it's the fitness level I'd be cautious of but perhaps more the age. I definitely wouldn't bring real little ones up here, since there isn't much space between you and tipping right off the side. If you're only going to the Tree and your hiking game is strong ;) I'd say 20 minutes up, if you're breaking here or there for a breather, I'd say 30-40 minutes. So, like I said an extremely short hike with a quick and steady gain and then all down hill, unless of course you add in some extra mileage to some other areas up here. Parking in the neighborhood proved safe and I'm looking forward to bringing my boyfriend up here, poor guy was stuck in the office working all day. I guess I could have waved to him at our office from the mountain ;) read more
Warning - NOT as easy as it looks! When I came, I was expecting and easy hike just to break a sweat but damn it was much more than that! Came here with my GF on a weekend morning around 9am. Parking was pretty easy to find - definitely no trouble. You'll see other hikers park as well. To get to the trail, you go up Wonder View Dr until you see the Yellow Gate and that's when the hike starts. The hike is pretty steep so its an excellent leg workout! It definitely burns more than the stair-master. Took us about 30-40min to go up with brakes - it was a pretty hot day in SoCal so we had to take some water breaks. Once you get to the top, shade is minimal under the tree but its pretty cool. Lots of cool rock formations and messages attached to the tree as well. Overall, it was worth the hike and the sore legs. I would definitely come back. read more
Great hike for any level of experience. There are a few spots where it gets a little tricky so wear good shoes with grip and bring plenty of water! Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed. Might be a difficult hike for little kids or elderly. Also wear lots of sunscreen because there's lots of direct sunlight. Once you hit the top it is all worth it with all the photo spots. Took about 35 minutes to get to the top. Also if you want to hike to the Hollywood sign, there is a path from there direct to the sign. Safe hiking and good luck read more
Excellent hike. Although short but has high inclination. Views were amazing! How we got there. Address is 3507 wonder view dr. Parked at the top of lake Hollywood dr, crossing wonder view rd. We walked uphill on wonder rd (paved) until we reached the dirt path that leads us to the base of the hill. Parking was awesome! We came at around 1 on a Saturday and it was not bad at all Once you reach the peak, go left if you want to explore the wisdom tree n the flag...go right and hike for another 1/2 miles of up n down hill if you want to the back of the Hollywood sign Going back takes 30 minutes but be careful to wear shoe with tractions because it's a pretty rocky hike. Total hiking time takes about 2.5 hours with pictures time for all 3 views read more
Beautiful! Very steep, but totally worth the climb, plus it will shape your booty into perfection. I hiked here today just coming off of having a nasty bug this past week. My ear was still clogged and I was low energy, but I made it all the way up to the top (slowly but surely). The wisdom tree is magical and worth the hype. Everyone, and I mean everyone, I met along this trail was happy, cool, and incredibly friendly. Dogs were on leashes and/or very well behaved. The weather was perfect (don't do this on a hot day, just don't), and the views spectacular. Note: you MUST have shoes with good traction, as coming down can be a tad treacherous if you slip. If you arrive at the trail and you think it is too steep/high/scary, don't fear. I'm petrified of heights and I got down very easily. It's not as steep or dangerous as it appears from the bottom. You can park on Lake Hollywood Drive. Then, it's ALL uphill to the tree, but then all down hill back. Great way to get your fitness on in under two hours all while seeing the beauty of LA from up high. It was a clear day today, so we got a glorious peek at the ocean in the distance. Wonderful hike! read more
I did this trail for the first time on Saturday. It was cloudy and misty which made it good weather to hike in but not good conditions to enjoy the views. I could imagine coming back on a different day and witnessing the great views that I am sure this trail has to offer and changing my review to 5 stars. Parking- free; we parked on Lake Hollywood Dr. near Wonder View Dr. Trail- we walked up Wonder View Dr. to access the trail that is called Tree of Life; the trail was pretty steep, rocky, and narrow from the beginning and it is about .75 to the Wisdom Tree; we stayed there for about 10 mins to rest, take pictures and take a look at the stacks of rocks and the writings people have left behind; didn't get to enjoy the views since visibility was low; we continued east on the trail and visited the back of the Hollywood sign and since it was so foggy you couldn't even see all the letters...this part of the trail was also about .75 miles but not as difficult RT was about 3 miles read more
PARKING Park anywhere on Wonder View Drive. There is no parking available if you keep going up since it is all residential. It's about a five minute walk up to the power line tower, and the trail starts on the right. WHAT TO EXPECT Not a loop, so you will go up and down the same trail. It is an incline all the way up and quite rocky too - its not a smooth dirt trail but that's what makes it fun! There are some rocks you have to climb over but its not terribly difficult. You will be out of breath, but its a short trail and it'll be over before you know it. I would still advise to be careful with your footing since it is a narrow path if you run into people going the opposite direction. Not much shade on the way up. Really nice view on a clear day - you can see the buildings in DTLA as well as Lake Hollywood. At the top, you reach the Wisdom Tree and a box filled with people's writings. There is another trail that leads all the way to the Hollywood Sign if you wish to hike further. I really enjoyed this trail - can't wait to be back! read more
SPOILER If you've seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint. Honestly not much of a spoiler, it's a simple 20-30 minute hike. What makes you stay longer is enjoying the view. Directions: This review reflects the Wonder View Trail road. Wonder View Trail Head there will be two paths, be sure to make a left. Hiking Difficulty: Easy This hike was pretty fun. You have a slight uphill but not too challenging. Overall: 5 stars. This place is quite magical. You have a pretty neat flag of the world just hangin, an isolated tree, and some balanced rocks. I'm usually a waterfall person I appreciate this hike. TL;DR Tips: * Come early for parking, this place is hyped * Be sure to bring water and snacks, hiking shoes preferred but not required. * If y'all want to go to the back of Hollywood sign, take a right on the Wonder View Trail, its about another 30-40 minute walk. read more
11 years ago
One of my favorite short hikes. If you want a good leg and butt workout, this is a good spot as it's all uphill. Incredible views throughout the hike and at the top. Very peaceful and worth spending some time relaxing underneath the tree. Just know you will have to walk thru a residential street before you get to the trail. You'll see a large guard rail. Just walk pass it for a few mins and you'll see the start of the trail. I mention this as several people turned around at the guard rail or stopped to ask if they were walking up the right street. Wear good shoes with good traction as parts are steep and rocky. No shade so water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat/bb cap is a must. Trails are narrow so if you have a fear of heights or walking by dogs, this probably isn't the trail for you. Wouldn't recommend trail runs either unless you're wondering what it would be like to run down a narrow trail and go off a cliff. read more
8 years ago
There are many ways you can hike to Cahuenga Peak. The shortest route but not kid friendly in my opinion. You can hike Burbank Peak trail or it's also called the Tree Of Life Trail, which is about 1.6 mile RT. To get here you will park on Lake Hollywood Drive. Then, walk up on Wonder View Drive till you see a yellow gate. Go pass the gate and a little further up, you will see the entrance to the trailhead on the right. This trail is steep and uneven. So you need to watch your footing when hiking up and back down this trail. It's a nice little hike that has some great views on top. On the way to Cahuenga Peak, you will reach Burbank Peak first. This is where you'll find the wisdom tree. The view here is beautiful and you have the American Flag with The Wisdom Tree makes this a nice area to relax and take pictures after a steep hike. From here, go back onto Aileen Getty Ridge trail. If you're not sure, there is a posted sign right where you summit to the top. The hike to Cahuenga Peak is a short distance, which is the highest point in Griffith Park with great views all around. You can extend your hike to mount lee, which is back of the Hollywood Sign. The entire trail for these 3 points of interest is about 3 mile RT. This will make a nice decent hike for the day. If you want some challenge. This is what I did this past Sunday. Start from Burbank Peak Trail, in sequence you will summit Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak, Mount Lee, Mount Chapel, Mount Bell, and finally to Taco Peak. Make sure to bring enough water as this is about an 8 mile RT and a lot of the trails after Mount Lee does not have posted signs to these peaks. So you'll want to print out a trail map of the area. It was very useful as I would have gotten lost if I didn't print out a map. This is the map I found useful. https://www.laparks.org/sites/default/files/griffith/pdf/GriffithParkMap.pdf As always pack accordingly to the weather and have fun. read more
8 years ago
This is a short hike but it's mostly incline! I love the view at the top! You can see universal studios. Griffith, downtown, etc,. The big flag was gone (stolen?) when I visited but there was a replacement smaller one. Make sure to bring water when it's hot. There is street parking at the bottom but watch out for the restrictions. read more
Awesome hike. The wisdom tree is perched atop Cahuenga Peak. There are many trails to get to the tree, but the shortest is from Lake Hollywood Dr. (also where you should park). The hike starts on Wonder View Dr. You head east on this residential street which eventually turns into a dirt path. The hike has a very steep rocky incline, so you may have to rest along the way if you're out if shape. Just follow the path which includes one hairpin turn and you'll be at the peak with the tree. You can't miss it. There's also the American flag posted there. read more
Nice little addition to any hike up to the Hollywood sign, and it takes you a little higher in elevation. You can't miss the rock with the plaque that marks the start of the trail, around a curve just below the Hollywood sign. It took me about 10 minutes to get up to the peak, then another 10 minutes out to another spot out with a nice, spread-out shady tree sort of at the tip of the collection of hilltops, the end of the trails before you start going down more seriously. Total, with time to stop and take pictures of the reservoir and pics westward and of the Valley, it adds under an hour, and I thought it was worthwhile. The trail is slightly rougher than the rest of the trial up to the Hollywood sign (it's not a wide dirt fire road), it's a bit narrow (only wide enough for one person, basically), but other than one place that requires a full knee-bend and possibly a push with your hands, it's not strenuous. read more
12 years ago
One of the most strenuous hikes I've been on but totally worth it! The trail is very narrow and a bit steep at times but the views are amazing! Be sure to bring plenty of water & sunblock. We'll be hiking this trail again very soon. read more
It had been awhile since I've been hiking and when Nadine put a crew together I jumped in and dragged my son along with me. Here are some things to remember: *It's steep! *Wear appropriate shoes since it can be slippery due to loose dirt and gravel. *Take water and snacks especially in the summer because it gets HOT, but don't forget to take your trash with you. *Watch out for wildlife, if you see something post it in the book at the beginning of the hike for others! *Look out and see the gorgeous views :-) *Get here early because parking fills up quickly. It was a great hike and I would definitely recommend it for everyone. I would like to go back and give it another try. Enjoy! read more
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More info about Cahuenga Peak
Tree Of Life Trl
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Hollywood Hills
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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…
Review Highlights - Cahuenga Peak
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