The best walks and hikes around Burbank
4.9
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400
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Hiking around Burbank is primarily centered in the Verdugo Mountains, a compact range at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. The terrain features a Southern California chaparral environment, with trails ranging from wide fire roads to steeper single-track paths. Canyons like Wildwood Canyon and Stough Canyon serve as starting points for routes that lead to viewpoints over the valley. This area provides a diverse network of trails for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Burbank
- The most popular hiking route is Palos Yellow and Purple Loop, a 2.9 miles (4.6 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This route features minimal elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Palos Purple, Tan, Yellow Trails Loop, an easy 3.5 miles (5.6 km) path. The trail offers varied terrain through local parkland.
- Local hikers also love the Orange, Yellow, and Brown Loop, a 5.0 miles (8.1 km) trail leading through natural areas, often completed in about 2 hours 6 minutes.
- Hiking around Burbank is defined by chaparral-covered hills and canyon trailheads that provide access to the Verdugo Mountains. The trail network includes a mix of easy and moderate hikes, offering options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Burbank are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Burbank's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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4.64km
01:15
60m
60m
The Palos Yellow and Purple Loop offers a delightful journey through the unique glacial landscape of the Palos Forest Preserves. As you navigate this easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) route, you'll encounter a mix of unpaved paths, crushed limestone, and wide gravel trails, winding through lush forested areas and open meadows. The trail's gentle 197 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain makes it a perfect option for a relaxed outing, providing a pleasant escape into nature that takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete.
To plan your visit, note that the Palos Yellow and Purple Loop is part of the extensive Palos Trail System, with various parking options available within the preserves. While the trail is accessible year-round, consider visiting in autumn for spectacular foliage or in summer when the woodlands are vibrant. Always check for local conditions, especially after rain, as some sections can become muddy, and be aware that some parts of the Yellow Trail are multi-use and shared with mountain bikers and horses.
This trail is a fantastic introduction to the Palos Preserves, a significant natural area near Chicago known for its diverse ecosystems like oak savannas and woodlands, all shaped by ancient glacial activity. The region is also a haven for birdlife and offers scenic vistas from bluffs, providing a rich natural experience uncommon for the Chicago area. It's an excellent choice for those seeking beginner hiking trails in the Palos area or a family-friendly outdoor activity.
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10
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5.58km
01:27
40m
30m
This easy 3.5-mile hiking loop in the Palos Trail System offers diverse woodlands, prairies, and the unique Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve
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1.70km
00:26
0m
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The Lake Katherine Trail in Palos Heights offers a wonderfully easy and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a quick nature fix. This 1.1-mile (1.7 km) route, with a negligible 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, winds through the Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens. You'll enjoy a flat, woodchip-based path that circles the lake, passing botanical gardens, a prairie, and an arboretum. It's a tranquil 25-minute walk where you can spot swans and ducks, and even a man-made waterfall.
This family-friendly trail is ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a leisurely stroll. Parking is available at the Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, making access straightforward. It's a great option for a short outing, and its easy difficulty means you don't need extensive planning or gear, just comfortable shoes.
Beyond the scenic loop, the Lake Katherine Trail connects to the Cal-Sag Channel Trail, offering additional biking opportunities for those wanting to extend their adventure. The area is rich in local flora and provides a peaceful setting for wildlife viewing, including the possibility of spotting a beaver lodge. The Storybook Trail adds a unique, engaging element for children, making it a popular route for families.
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2.87km
00:43
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The Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Loop offers a serene escape into nature, winding through lush wetlands and alongside Stony Creek. You'll experience a generally flat and well-maintained path, with parts paved, making it an easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hike with only 7 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain. Expect to spend about 43 minutes immersed in a landscape of oak and maple trees, wildflowers, and native grasses, perfect for a gentle stroll.
This trail is highly accessible, welcoming families, strollers, and wheelchairs thanks to its minimal elevation change and partially paved sections. Beyond the hike, the refuge provides family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great destination for a full day out. Informational plaques along the route offer educational insights into the local environment.
The Wolfe Wildlife Refuge is a true haven for wildlife and birdwatching, home to over 100 species of birds, including red-winged blackbirds, herons, and great white egrets. Beyond the avian residents, you might spot squirrels, rabbits, and even Monarch butterflies. The refuge also holds historical significance as a protected area, with ongoing rejuvenation projects continually improving the visitor experience.
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9.72km
02:32
60m
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The Arie Crown Yellow Trail Loop offers a delightful escape into the natural beauty of Arie Crown Forest, guiding you through shaded woodlands and past a small, serene Ida Lake. You'll traverse unpaved, gravel paths, experiencing gently rolling hills and the charm of a creek with consistent flowing water. This moderate 6.0-mile (9.7 km) hike, with its modest 198 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to spend about 2 hours and 31 minutes immersed in nature.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally considered easy to intermediate, making it suitable for most fitness levels. It's particularly lovely in the spring when wildflowers like Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Wild Geranium bloom, adding splashes of color to the forest floor. The route is also very dog-friendly, so your leashed furry friends are welcome to join you on this pleasant outing.
Beyond its natural appeal, the Arie Crown Yellow Trail Loop offers a glimpse into history, with sections following old access roads and even passing what was once a 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) trailside shelter. The preserve has seen significant restoration efforts, enhancing its natural beauty and allowing native oaks and wildflowers to thrive. This route is part of a larger network, connecting with other paths like the Black Trail, making it a versatile option for exploring the Arie Crown Trail System.
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Tips from the Community
This is an incredible gravel trail, pretty large and definitely well-maintained! Plus, keep your eyes peeled for some majestic deer! 🤩
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McClaughry Springs Woods is a preserved area along the Mill Creek, with a packed-dirt trail system that goes through the green forest. During winter you can find the preserved area with a soft blanket of snow covering the land. This a great place to birdwatch, as it’s a migratory hotspot to more than 120 species of birds.
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One of the country's oldest and largest conservation districts, this park encompasses nearly 70,000 acres of managed land. With over 40 miles of unpaved trails, it is an ideal destination for hikers, runners, and bikers.
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This area provides a tranquil experience in a lush green environment, connecting with the Palos Trail System. It features picnic areas and expansive open fields, providing excellent spots to take a break.
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Trails from the Palos Trail System wind through rolling hills and deep ravines, offering a scenic journey through lush greenery. Birdwatching is excellent in this area, with a diverse range of 120 bird species.
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Discover gardens, a waterfall, lakeside trails & native trees in the beautiful nature center and botanic gardens. The lake and gardens are free to enter and provide a beautiful location for a family-friendly stroll.
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This 372-acre preserve is home to a unique peat bog ecosystem and has some well maintained trails connecting to the nearby woods and nature preserves.
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McClaughry Springs Woods is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. In the summer, the woods are vibrant green, while in the winter, hikers can find quiet, barren trees with a soft blanket of snow on the bottom. Hikers can enjoy the mostly flat Palos Trail System, which goes through hills and ravines with views of the surrounding landscapes. Viewing birds is also great here, with 120 species recorded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails in Burbank?
Yes, there are over 25 hiking routes to explore around Burbank. Most trails are found within the Verdugo Mountains, offering a mix of wide fire roads and steeper single-track paths through Southern California's classic chaparral landscape.
What are the best easy hikes for beginners in Burbank?
Burbank has many options for easier hikes. The trails starting from the Stough Canyon Nature Center are well-maintained and popular with families and beginners. Many offer great views of the San Fernando Valley without a strenuous climb.
Are there any challenging or strenuous hikes in the area?
For a more strenuous workout, the hike to Verdugo Peak, the highest point in the range, is a rewarding challenge. The Vital Link trail in Wildwood Canyon Park is also known for its steep, gnarly climb up a ridge, offering fantastic views as a payoff.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Burbank?
Yes, many trails in the Burbank area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Wildwood Canyon Park and the trails in the Verdugo Mountains are popular spots for hiking with canine companions. Always bring enough water for both you and your pet, as the trails can be exposed and hot.
Where can I find the best views when hiking around Burbank?
For some of the most impressive panoramic views, head for the higher elevations in the Verdugo Mountains. Trails leading to Verdugo Peak, Mount Thom, or Tongva Peak offer unobstructed vistas of downtown Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the San Gabriel Mountains on a clear day.
Are there any family-friendly hikes in Burbank?
Wildwood Canyon Park is a great choice for families. It has picnic areas and public facilities near the trailhead. The main trail offers a moderate challenge with beautiful scenery, while the surrounding parkland is perfect for a more casual stroll with children.
What is Wildwood Canyon Park like for hiking?
Wildwood Canyon Park is a premier hiking destination at the base of the Verdugo Mountains. It's highly regarded by locals and features trails that wind through oak woodlands and chaparral. The main trail is a popular out-and-back route that provides a good workout and rewarding views over Burbank.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls near Burbank?
The immediate Burbank area, characterized by its dry chaparral environment, does not have prominent waterfalls. For a popular waterfall hike, many locals travel to the nearby Switzer Falls Trail in the Angeles National Forest, which follows a path to a waterfall in a deep gorge.
Where is a good place to start a hike in the Verdugo Mountains?
The Stough Canyon Nature Center is an excellent gateway to the Verdugo Mountains. It serves as a starting point for numerous trails and offers educational exhibits, maps, and organized activities. Another popular access point is the Wildwood Canyon Trailhead.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Burbank?
The hiking trails around Burbank are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding valleys, the accessibility of the trailheads, and the satisfying challenge offered by the steep climbs in the Verdugo Mountains.
How does hiking in Burbank compare to Griffith Park?
While both offer great hiking near the city, they have distinct characters. Burbank's trails in the Verdugo Mountains are often considered more rugged and less crowded, providing a quicker escape into a chaparral environment. Griffith Park is larger and contains more iconic landmarks and a wider variety of developed recreational areas alongside its trail network.
Where can I find information on parking for the trails?
Parking is generally available at the main trailheads. Wildwood Canyon Park has a dedicated parking area near its picnic facilities. The Stough Canyon Nature Center also has parking for visitors using its trails. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends, as these popular spots can fill up.
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