Wildwood Canyon Loop Hike

This is NOT Wildwood in Thousand Oaks! This is a MUCH cooler hike in Burbank, which you can think of as the Burbank Butt Burner. I am timing this hike to go up in daylight and down in the dark, which should make for FABULOUS views!!! We'll start from the trailhead described below by the first parking lot you will encounter, where you will also find restrooms and a water fountain. Take advantage of them. While the distance and elevation fall into our definition of an intermediate hike, the entire elevation gain is packed into less than 2 miles, which actually makes it more of an advanced hike.

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Thus, do not attempt this hike if you are not already very fit and strong. But if you do participate, you will be amply rewarded with views of Griffith Park, downtown LA and Burbank, the Bob Hope Airport, the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, Forest Lawn Cemetery, the Santa Monica Mountains, the Burbank Police shooting range, the San Gabriel Mountains and even the distant Santa Susana Mountains. This pic is toward the Pacific and downtown LA can be seen in the distance. The ascent trail coming up the ridge can also be seen in this picture.

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After resting at the top, we will take a wide, easy fire-road back down about 3 miles, and then maybe a mile along a road back to our cars. The return trip is all down, i.e. no up-and-down, so you can relax, and enjoy the views. We will stick together to make sure everyone gets down safely.

Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1727'
Difficulty: strong intermediate to advanced
Dogs: Please don't bring Fido, it's too damned hard
Restrooms: Yes, at the start of the Wildwood Cyn trail
Water Fountain: Yes, same place
Parking: Free on the street OUTSIDE of the gate
Trail: Single track and fire road, excellent condition
Sunset: 7:45 pm

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, as well as lions and tigers and bears (Oh my!)

Directions: I-5 to exit 146B, Burbank Blvd. Go east on BB until you reach the end at N 3rd Street, where you will turn right. You will quickly see Burbank High School on your left. Turn left onto Harvard, which is the first street past the school. Take Harvard all the way up into the hills and you will eventually see the entrance to Wildwood Canyon. MAKE SURE YOU PARK OUTSIDE THE GATE. There is a parking lot right there.

Our hike difficulty categories:

Beginner: No steep sections. Up to 4 miles in distance and no more than 750' elevation gain.
Intermediate: 4-10 miles, and/or up to 2000' elevation gain.
Advanced: More than 10 miles, and/or more than 2000' elevation gain.

Disclaimer / Release of Liability: You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

The First to the Top gets the Chair

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