The best walks and hikes around Glendale

Yes, many trails in the Glendale area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. The Beaudry Loop Trail in the Verdugo Mountains is a popular choice for dog owners, offering a good workout for both you and your pet. Always remember to bring enough water for your dog, especially on warm days.

While Glendale's immediate trails are more known for their chaparral landscape, there are waterfall hikes a short drive away.

Switzer Falls Trail is a highly-regarded option in the nearby Angeles National Forest, leading through a canyon to a scenic waterfall. Another nearby choice is Trail Canyon Falls, which offers a more moderate hike ending at a beautiful cascade, though the final approach can be steep.

For a gentle hike that combines nature and culture, the Brand Library Loop is an excellent choice. Starting from the beautiful Brand Park, this relatively easy trail is suitable for most family members and offers lovely views of the surrounding hills. Deukmejian Wilderness Park also has some flatter sections near the entrance that are great for a short walk with kids.

If you're looking for a strenuous workout with rewarding views, the hike to Mount Thom and Tongva Peak in the Verdugo Mountains is a great option. This route involves significant elevation gain, testing your endurance, but pays off with stunning panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles basin from the summits.

For spectacular 360-degree views of the greater Los Angeles area, the Beaudry Loop Trail is a local favorite. For a different perspective, the trail to Glendale Peak (located in nearby Griffith Park) provides breathtaking panoramic views looking back towards Glendale and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Deukmejian Wilderness Park offers a more rugged and remote hiking experience at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The park features an extensive network of trails through chaparral and sage scrub, with popular routes like the Dunsmore Canyon Trail. The higher elevations provide fantastic views over the Crescenta Valley.

Glendale's trails, primarily in the Verdugo Mountains, offer a distinctly different experience from Griffith Park. The Verdugo Mountains are a more isolated and rugged range, often providing a quieter, more chaparral-focused environment. Griffith Park is larger and more developed, with a mix of wild trails and wider fire roads, and includes major attractions like the Griffith Observatory.

Yes, Glendale has several excellent loop trails. The Brand Library Loop is a popular 3-mile circuit that's great for a quick and scenic hike. For a longer and more challenging loop, the Beaudry Loop Trail offers a roughly 6-mile trek with significant elevation and panoramic views.

For any hike in Glendale, it's essential to bring plenty of water, as many trails are exposed with little shade. Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is crucial. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the terrain can be rocky and steep. It's also wise to carry a map or have the route downloaded, along with some snacks.

The Verdugo Mountains have several access points. One of the most popular trailheads for the Beaudry Loop is located at the top of Beaudry Terrace. Another key entrance is from Brand Park, which provides access to the Brand Library Loop and the steeper firebreaks leading up toward Mount Thom.

Absolutely. The fire roads and single-track trails in the Verdugo Mountains are popular for mountain biking. Many of the city's parks, like Brand Park and Deukmejian Wilderness Park, have designated areas perfect for picnicking. Some trails in the Verdugos are also open to equestrian activities.