32 JULY 2017 City Employees Club of • Alive!

Angel Gomez, the Club’s Mobile Man 32 Angel’s Be Alive!

Burbank Peak Trail 3507 Wonder View Dr., (This address will take you up to the Yellow Bar, leading into the trail.)

Difficulty: Moderate; steep in Time: 1-2 hours (depending on some areas your speed) Distance: approx . 3 2. miles Parking: Street parking is avail- Elevation gain: Steady able (go early and you will get a increased incline spot) on Lake Hollywood Drive .

Caption, caption. caption, caption. Burbank Peak Trail/

Hello, everyone! to the Hollywood Sign at the top of Mount This month, we stay here in L.A. When Lee. If we combine the Burbank Peak Trail, I was in high school many years ago, I Aileen Getty Ridge Trail, and continue to the hiked and actually touched the letters of Hollywood Sign, that is about three miles the Hollywood Sign. I remember it was the round trip with 875 feet of elevation change. letter D. I’m not sure if it was legal, but no Burbank Peak Trail and Aileen Getty one was up there telling you to stop. Sorry Ridge Trail Peak are rugged single tracks Stone plaque. if I was not supposed to do that, if any Park that provide a good workout and more soli- Rangers are reading this. tude than other routes to the Hollywood The sign in the clouds. Well, today there are official trails to the Sign. I started around 7:30 a.m., and there sign, but you cannot touch it. So that’s out; was lots of parking and only a few people do not attempt! But there are many (permit- actually hiking at the time; this would be the ted) ways to hike up close to the Hollywood best time to begin this hike. The weather sign for a great view. Here are a few trails: was very overcast in the morning, but that Brush Canyon (6.4 miles); Burbank Peak was actually a plus because, if not for the (3 miles); and Innsdale Drive (4.6 miles). clouds, there is no shade on most of the Each trail up to the Hollywood Sign offers trail. I would recommend this trail to every- beautiful views and has a different level of one willing to go up and enjoy a challenge. incline. The route I took for this month was Once you get to the Burbank Peak, you have the shortest (Burbank Peak Trail, a.k.a. the to continue to the Hollywood Sign. Once the Wonder View Trail), but once I did more radio towers atop become visible research I found out it is considered the straight ahead, you’re getting close. Once Backpack, fruit and camera. most challenging. I would agree, because you get to the sign you can look out from the from the time you begin you are going up mountainside down a canyon toward Lake and up and up. If you are a regular hiker you Hollywood Reservoir. If it’s still overcast you will love this trail because you can be at the may not see very well, but most days it will sign in less than an hour. If you are just look- clear and you will get a nice view. ing to get out and get lots of sun and make If you start this trail early, you will get a day of outdoor exercise, you may want to great views and small crowds. If you get Here’s the trail’s big incline. pick one of the other trails. The other trails there after 8:30 a.m., there will be lots of are longer and easier, too. people, and remember this is a single track trail, so there will be lines of people; you Let’s begin! will have to wait your turn. The Hike: I chose the Burbank Peak This is a must-see landmark location. Trail, a.k.a. the Wonder View Trail. This trail If not this trail, try one of the others men- climbs to the , the highest tioned. One final note: There has been a summit in , with amazing views change in the street access to get a good of Los Angeles, Burbank, and of course the view of the Hollywood Sign. Pay attention landmark goal for the hike, the Hollywood to the new restrictions. Sign. The trail climbs Cahuenga Peak from Don’t forget your sunscreen and snacks the west, passing a mini-summit viewpoint and, most importantly, bring water. on the ridge of Cahuenga Peak known Be safe and “Be Alive!” The sign that as Burbank Peak, home of the Wisdom leads to more Tree. Once you get to that point you can fun places continue on to the Aileen Getty Ridge Trail ahead. that goes from Burbank Peak up over the top of Cahuenga Peak and along a ridge