Burbank Peak Trail
Hike a rocky ridge to the Wisdom Tree and an American flag for stunning LA basin and Hollywood Sign views. Dog-friendly!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Burbank Peak Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike a rocky ridge to the Wisdom Tree and an American flag for stunning LA basin and Hollywood Sign views. Dog-friendly!
"Challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views of the LA basin and Hollywood Sign."
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
The trail is steep and can be loose. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring plenty of water!
Little to no shade means you'll need at least 16oz per person. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wisdom Tree
Summit of Burbank Peak
The sole survivor of a 2007 wildfire, this iconic pine tree is a symbol of resilience and a popular spot for wishes.
Hollywood Sign Views
Summit of Burbank Peak
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
American Flag
Summit of Burbank Peak
A symbol of remembrance, the flag at the summit offers a poignant backdrop for photos and reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Steep Ascent
Hydration and Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
The trail is steep and can be loose. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring plenty of water!
Little to no shade means you'll need at least 16oz per person. Stay hydrated!
🅿️ Parking strategy
Park at the top of Lake Hollywood Drive and walk up to Wonderview Drive to start the hike.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Bring a water bowl for your furry friend at the top.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
The trail is steep and can be loose. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring plenty of water!
Little to no shade means you'll need at least 16oz per person. Stay hydrated!
🅿️ Parking strategy
Park at the top of Lake Hollywood Drive and walk up to Wonderview Drive to start the hike.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Bring a water bowl for your furry friend at the top.
🥾 Consider poles & gloves
Hiking poles can help with the steep sections, and gloves can be useful for some scrambling.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Burbank Peak, especially of the Hollywood Sign, and the unique Wisdom Tree. However, many caution that the trail is steep and challenging, requiring proper footwear and ample water due to the lack of shade. Some also note that the trail can be washed out in areas after rain.
"This should be combined with the Wisdom Tree entry. It’s basically the same trail and view.
Steep. You’ll hike the equivalent of almost 50 flights of stairs in a short time frame. Pace yourself if your VO2Max is not great.
Footwear. Wear hiking or other shoe with good grip and support.
Bring at least 16 ounces of water. YMMV.
Little shade. Can be quite sunny.
Poles and gloves recommended.
Some semi-scrambling/scrambling may be required.
Water bowl for dog at top, please bench and lawn chair. YMMV.
Beautiful view. Challenging hike for some/many."
T
"Beautiful hike, but do not underestimate it! Make sure you have proper footwear and water. The hike is definitely steep and not easy. It takes you to the Wisdom Tree, and then you can keep following it to the Hollywood Sign.
The trial head starts at the end of Wonder View Drive, however you can not park here. There is parking available at the top of Lake Hollywood Drive."
Michal Brichacek
"Loved this trail, a few notes:
* The trail is steep leading up to the Burbank peak. This portion may not be suitable for those with knee pain. You can stop here or you can continue onto Cahuenga peak and this is an easy hike.
* I visited the peak the day after rainstorms and while there were some puddles, the trail was not muddy. However another hiker on the trail informed me that the trail is usually smoother and that the water must have washed away some parts."
Varshini Ravi Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is often accessed by parking at the top of Lake Hollywood Drive and walking up to Wonderview Drive to begin the hike. Some sources mention 3391 Wonder View Dr as the general area.
Street parking is available at the end of Wonder View Drive, but it's often recommended to park at the top of Lake Hollywood Drive and walk up to the trailhead.
Public transport options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's best to drive or use a rideshare service to get to the parking areas.
The hike to the Wisdom Tree and Burbank Peak typically takes about 1-2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
While some find it challenging, it's often described as a moderate hike. However, the steepness means it might not be ideal for absolute beginners or those with knee issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or fees required to access and hike the Burbank Peak Trail. It's a public access trail.
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely.
There is no entrance fee for the Burbank Peak Trail. Access is free for all visitors.
It is not recommended to hike Burbank Peak at night due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours.
No reservations are needed for Burbank Peak Trail. It's a public trail that you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to its steep sections. Hikers should be prepared for a strenuous climb.
The hike to the Wisdom Tree and summit is approximately 1.5 miles one way, making it about a 3-mile roundtrip hike.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and surrounding valleys.
There is very little shade on the trail, so it can get quite hot, especially during midday. Sun protection is essential.
Yes, Burbank Peak Trail is dog-friendly! Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash and bring plenty of water for them.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views for photos, especially of the Hollywood Sign. The Wisdom Tree itself is also a popular subject.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography, and sunset provides dramatic skies. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer people in your shots.
Yes, Burbank Peak offers one of the best vantage points for clear, unobstructed photos of the Hollywood Sign. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can help zoom in on the Hollywood Sign.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Burbank Peak. However, always be mindful of other hikers and respect the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring extra water, snacks, and sun protection. The lack of shade can be intense. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear with good grip. The stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and the unique Wisdom Tree can be exciting motivators for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Your main expenses will be transportation to the trailhead and any water or snacks you bring. This hike provides incredible value with its stunning views and challenging terrain without costing a dime.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour before sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the vastness of the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wisdom Tree: A Symbol of Resilience
Many hikers make a point to visit the Wisdom Tree as part of their journey to Burbank Peak. It's a unique spot that adds a layer of narrative to the hike, offering a moment of reflection amidst the challenging terrain. The tree stands as a testament to nature's ability to persevere.
While the tree itself is a draw, its location also provides a good resting point before continuing to the summit or heading back down. Its presence is a reminder of the area's history and the power of nature.
Navigating the Trail and Summit
As you climb, you'll encounter little to no shade, making hydration and sun protection paramount. Bringing at least 16 ounces of water per person is highly advised, along with sunscreen and a hat. Hiking poles can also be beneficial for stability on the steep inclines.
Upon reaching the summit, you're rewarded with expansive, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles basin. The Hollywood Sign is a prominent feature, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. The summit is also home to an American flag, adding a patriotic element to the breathtaking scenery.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
It's important to remember that the trail is steep and can be hot, especially during the summer months. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated and capable of handling the strenuous hike. Bringing a portable water bowl for your dog is a thoughtful gesture, and some hikers even leave one at the summit for others to use.
While dogs are welcome, always keep them on a leash to ensure their safety and respect for other hikers and wildlife. The rewarding views at the top make it a great outing for both you and your furry friend.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit