The Wisdom Tree
A solitary, free-standing tree on a bluff plateau on the far western edge of Cahuenga
Peak.
Overlooking Studio City to the west, Hollywood to the south and Burbank to the north.
Trek Details:
DIFFICULTY:
Intermediate / Challenging
DISTANCE:
~ 2 miles (RT)
TIME:
~ 1 hour
ELEVATION GAIN:
~ 900’
(274 m)
Where to Meet Up
Trail head
– Find us
– Look for the group milling around on the corner of Wonder View Dr. and
Lake Hollywood Dr.
This is an out and back hike so we will end up back here after the hike too.
Facilities:
– There are no facilities at the trail head or on the hike.
Dogs:
– Yes! this is a dog-friendly hike
Parking:
– In Google Maps:
Look up 3052 Lake Hollywood Dr. and find street parking on Lake Hollywood Dr.
…or… Type in “Wonder View Trail Head” … But don’t drive up the narrow road to the trail head, there’s no parking up there and it’s difficult to turn back around.
– Also remember to turn your wheels into the curb while parked on Lake Hollywood Dr,
it’s a steep hill.
Read the posted signs about no-parking areas and parking times. They do patrol and give out tickets to violators.
Trail head:
– We will walk up the narrow residential Wonder View Dr. to the actual trail head further up the hill.
Approximate address:
Details
This is a moderately intense hike on a narrow single-track trail which ascends quickly via a steep but well used foot trail. There will be a couple rocky steps that may require the use of your hands for stability. There will be plenty of spots to take pictures of downtown LA, and all the way out to the coast as the sun begins it’s final hour into sunset. Our plan will follow the “tree of Life Trail” up to the plateau at Burbank Peak. Here’s is where we will find the “Wisdom Tree” at 1660’, an enduring LA landmark overlooking Burbank to the north, Universal Studios and the San Fernando Valley to the west, and Hollywood to the south. From here, it’s just a short 1/4 mile ridge hike up to the top of Cahuenga Peak, at 1,821’ From here, we get great westerly views as the sun sets beyond the western reaches of the San Fernando valley. We also get a great 360o panoramic views of downtown LA to the south, Glendale to the east, and Burbank to the north. All from standing behind the Hollywood sign just to the east. The hiking trail continues on to Mt. Lee and other peaks within Griffith Park, but we are already in dimming twilight so we will head back down the way we came up, now with headlamps a blazing!!!
Ascent Route:
– Tree of Life trail (900’ gain, 1 mile, 25-35 minutes)
Descent Route:
– Tree of Life Trail (Return the way we came)
What to Bring
Gear List:
– Headlamp or flashlight.
– Camera
Footwear:
– Trail Runners (PERFECT)
– Road Running shoes (GREAT)
– Hiking Boots (GREAT)
– Light-Mid weight socks
Pocket Calories:
– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt:
-Energy Gels
– Starburst
– Tic Tacs
– Whatever you bring on a race… bring that!
Clothing:
– Sports shirt (moisture wicking) … it will get sweaty.
-Mid-layer or shell in case it’s windy
Trekking Poles:
– Personal choice, Not a requirement, but may help, especially on the downhill.
Glucose Monitoring:
– Glucose meter + strips
– CGM
(Some trusted method to check blood glucose)
Pack List:
– If you choose to bring a pack, keep it small.
Nothing over 15L
Water:
– .75 to 1.5 liters
– Gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs.
Food:
– Bring a snack like a granola bar
– (optional extras) like trail mix or cookies, something with high calories …. but keep it small
– Pack extra emergency glucose, like gels, glucose tabs, or candy.
Winter Layers: (winter only)
– Wind jacket
– Beanie
– Light gloves
– Mid-layer (anything with long sleeves will work, just nothing too bulky)
It might be windy and chilly at the summit. We can add or subtract layers as needed.
Other Pack Essentials:
– Headlamp
– Batteries
– Camera
Optional Items:
– Tripod
At least 1 person in the party should carry:
– First Aid Kit (small)
– Extra Flashlight
– Phone
– Emergency glucose
Other Stuff:
LNT:
We will be traveling in an urban wilderness, so we will practice Minimal Impact Principles.
Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out.
Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for litter.
Leave rocks, trees, wildlife undisturbed.
For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com
