Skyline Loop

The Verdugo Mountains are an island of nature in the midst of a bustling metropolis, and offer a multitude of quiet (though often steep) trails to explore. While climbing to the crest on a clear day, one is offered direct views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Basin, and the Pacific Ocean. The Skyline Loop is a 9.1-mile loop located in these Verdugo Mountains near the city of Burbank. The route starts and ends at Wildwood Canyon Park, and utilizes a brief section of neighborhood streets to connect singletrack trails and dirt road ‘motorways’ in the mountains. These trails are relatively lightly trafficked, and this route is recommended for trail runners and hikers.

Park at Wildwood Canyon Park. The park is open only during daylight hours, so be cognizant of the time. Wildwood Canyon is a great place to end a trip, with peaceful picnic areas amongst grass and trees. To begin the route, head back down Wildwood Canyon Road, and stay left toward Harvard Road. Follow the dirt path on the side of the road, and turn left onto Sunset Canyon Drive through the neighborhood. Turn left onto Country Club Drive, and then after a nice climb, take the right onto Via Montana. A short distance later, the trail begins at the yellow gate off the road and to the left. This is the Skyline Motorway, a mostly singletrack trail that climbs steadily for about 3 miles to the crest of the Verdugo Mountains. This is a section of trail that is infrequently traveled, and that passes through buckwheat, sage, and a welcome variety of plant life. Note that along this climb, there is a piece of trail that utilizes a wooden board to cross over a culvert. It is a bit intimidating, but the board holds well. At the crest of the climb, the trail meets the Verdugo Motorway, a wider dirt road that traverses the length of the mountains. Turn left here, and enjoy the respite from steep travel along the motorway. At around 7.5 miles of the route, meet the Vital Link Trail. A lounge chair (dedicated to Willie Meinn) marks the junction. The Vital Link Trail descends sharply, with steep switchbacks and bare dirt chutes along the way. Multiple side trails to the left descend back to Wildwood Canyon Park. Enjoy a picnic here!