TRAIL NAME: Burbank Peak (Wisdom Tree) via Cahuenga Peak from Mineral Wells
HIKE DATE: Sunday, January 20, 2019
MEETING TIME: 8:30 am – 8:45am
(We’ll wait at most 15 mins past the meeting time, and will leave the trail head at 8:45 am.)
Please be there on time. Any restroom use should be done prior to meeting time.
Return Approx: 3:00 pm
HIKE LEAD: Jason Bazalar
HIKE LEVEL: Level 6 – (Uphills with quick gain, good distance, Not for beginners, kids, dogs)
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
HIKE RSVP:
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events
HIKE DISTANCE: 7.5 to 8 miles round trip (Approx.)
HIKE DURATION: 4.5 Hours (Approx.)
MEETING LOCATION:
Mineral Wells Parking Area Gate
(Corner of Mineral Wells Rd and Griffith Park Dr, by the south parking lot entrance gate & sign)
DIRECT LINK : https://goo.gl/maps/bMK4R4P43dT2
TRAIL WALKTHROUGH: On this hike, we’ll be going west across the park to reach our destination. The first 1/2 mile will start off flat and move into a steady uphill trek. We’ll then go up some switchbacks (here’s where grip on your shoes best helps) for about a 1/4 mile that will take us up to a fire road.We’ll take an easy walk on the fire road for a little over a 1/4 mile to past our first complete mile. We’ll find a trail that will then take uphill us on a good workout for the next 1/2 mile. We’ll reach another fork in the road and will then get a little adventurous by taking a smaller trail that will cater to a downhill section (again grip will help as you go down) for a 1/8 mile. We’ll reach a main road and then take the connecting fire road for another 1/8 mile or so going uphill. Our goal will be to get to a water tank past the 2 mile point on the north side of Mt. Chapel. Again we’ll be going through some rugged areas that will require your attention for about 1/8 of a mile until we reach the primary trail that will take us to the next point for another 1/8 of a mile. We’ll then be on a blacktop road at mile 2.5, which will be our base point at Mt. Lee. We’ll be walking up this road for about 1/2 a mile that will take us to the Cahuenga Peak trail entrance. You’ll see a plaque on the rock that commemorates the addition of the Cahuenga Peak area to Griffith Park. At this point, we’ll get off the main road and start taking the trail which will be more technical (and fun for some) as we start to ascend up to the the highest point in Griffith Park, Cahuenga Peak (1,821 ft), which will take about 1/4 of a mile from the plaque. On our way to there, we’ll get a glimpse of the backside of the Hollywood Sign (we won’t be visiting it this time around), Hollywood Reservoir, and a hillside grapevine. We’ll then see the Wisdom Tree (aka Magic Tree, Wishing Tree, or Giving Tree) within 1/4 mile downhill. When we get there, we’ll be at the top of Burbank Peak (1,690 ft). We’ll take a lunch break here and enjoy the views. On our way back we’ll reach mile 4 just before we get to Cahuenga Peak for about 1/4 of a mile. We’ll take most of the same trail back for about 1.8 miles, where we will then take a rolling hills trail on the south side of Mt. Chapel. At this point, everything will be downhill. We’ll take a walk down the Vista Del Valle Drive for about 1/2 a mile to the next water tank. From here we’ll take some side trails for another mile to take us back to our starting point. By the end you should completed about 7 miles.
There is a expected heat on Saturday, so please make sure that keeping hydrated is a priority.
WATER REQUIRED. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. Please note, that we have expectations for Level 6 hikers. Read all the details.
REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 2 to 3 liters or four to five 20oz water bottles). Comfortable hiking/sports shoes with good grip. Snack/small lunch for our main stop.
RECOMMENDED: With regards to water, hydration packs are suggested for quicker access to water during uphill activity. Dress in light colors as we’ll be exposed to the sun often. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring additional snacks to eat along the way. Cool fruits are great for your snack/lunch stop. Bring an electrolyte drink or tablets to consume as needed.
DOG-FRIENDLY?: No. Although dogs are allowed in Griffith Park, we are requesting no dogs on this hike.
PARKING: Free
TAKING 5 FWY NORTH FROM L.A.: Take the the Griffith Park exit (this is right after the Los Feliz exit). At the exit, make a right on Cyrstal Springs. Continue until you see the the next available left turn (you’ll see a sign that says Merry Go Round). Go up and you’ll reach what looks like a dead end but if you turn right, you’ll see the big parking lot.
Less Traffic via:
605 North > 60 West or 105 West> 710 North >10 West > 5 North > take the Griffith Park exit (after Los Feliz)
TAKING 5 FWY SOUTH FROM BURBANK: Take the the Los Feliz exit (which is after the Colorado exit). At the exit, stay on your left and make a left on to Los Feliz West. Next, take the first available right into the Park (this will be Crystal Springs Blvd). Continue past the first few stops until you see the the next available left turn (you’ll see a sign that says Merry Go Round). Go up and you’ll reach what looks like a dead end but if you turn right, you’ll see the big parking lot.
Alternate Route (From Burbank using Zoo Dr.):
South on Alameda Blvd > Right on Victory Blvd > Go over 134 fwy > Make a left on on Zoo Dr > Continue past the Zoo, the Autry Museum (you’ll be making a zig zag after this), Golf Course (on left hand side), Pass the first right turn > make a right at the second second stop sign > make a right into Parking Lot #1.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s Details we link at the very top of this page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.