01
Best overall pick
Stough Canyon Nature Center & Trail
Burbank Foothills Above De Bell Golf Course • Well-Marked Canyon And Ridge Out-And-Back • Go-To In-Town Hike
A friendly but steady climb from a nature center to broad ridge views, ideal for getting a feel for Burbank’s home mountains.
Starting at the nature center, the trail switchbacks quickly into the Verdugo foothills, gaining views over Burbank and the San Fernando Valley without feeling too remote. It’s well signed, popular with locals, and offers options to extend onto side trails if you want more mileage. Go early for cooler temps and easier parking, especially on weekends.
02
Best quick climb
Wildwood Canyon Park
Above Residential Northeast Burbank • Short, Steep Fire Road And Singletrack • Best Fast Workout
A punchy ascent straight up from the neighborhood into big views, perfect when you only have an hour but still want your legs to feel it.
Wildwood Canyon wastes no time, climbing sharply from the trailhead up exposed hillsides with benches placed at key overlooks. The routes are relatively short but steep, making this a favorite spot for sunrise and after‑work conditioning hikes. There’s little shade, so pack water and plan this one for cooler parts of the day.
03
Challenging summit day
Verdugo Peak via Vital Link Trail
Verdugo Mountains Ridgeline Above Burbank • Steep Summit Trail With Long Valley Views • Best For Strong Hikers
A demanding climb to the Verdugo crest that rewards every switchback with widening views across the Valley and toward the San Gabriels.
The Vital Link Trail connects Burbank’s canyon parks to the main Verdugo ridgeline, with grades that feel more like a mountain hike than an in‑town stroll. Expect a mix of narrow singletrack and steep sections that will challenge your cardio, especially on hot days. On clear mornings, the summit area delivers sweeping views from downtown LA to the high San Gabriel peaks.
04
Scenic canyon loop
La Tuna Canyon Trail
La Tuna Canyon, Between Burbank And Sun Valley • Rolling Canyon And Ridge Loop • Best For Spring Scenery
A moderate loop with open hillsides, seasonal wildflowers, and classic chaparral views just a short drive from central Burbank.
La Tuna Canyon offers a more expansive feel than the in‑town trailheads, with broad slopes and long views that unfold as you gain the ridge. The loop has enough up‑and‑down to feel like a proper hike, but without the relentless steepness of the bigger summit routes. It shines in cooler months and spring, when wildflowers dot the hills and the air is clear.
05
Most varied experience
Griffith Park Old Zoo & Bee Rock Loop
Griffith Park, Just South Of Burbank • Urban-Adjacent Loop With Historic Ruins And Overlooks • Best For Mixed Groups
A fun loop combining mellow paths, short climbs, and quirky Old Zoo ruins, with Bee Rock delivering a big payoff view toward Burbank.
Accessed from the Griffith Park side closest to Burbank, this route feels more like an adventure park ramble than a pure workout hike. You’ll weave past old animal enclosures, climb to Bee Rock for a balcony‑style overlook, and still have options to shorten or extend the loop. It’s a great choice for visitors or mixed‑ability groups who want scenery and variety without committing to a big climb.