Vital Link Trail to Verdugo Peak Hike
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
Hike Time | 3-4 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Hard |
Total Ascent (?) | 1,920 feet (585m) |
Highest Elevation | 3,126 feet (953m) |
Fees & Permits | Free |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Wildwood Canyon Park |
Park Phone | 818-238-5300 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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The Verdugo Mountains, often overshadowed by their bigger neighbors, offer great hiking and trails right in the middle of LA. This hike on the popular Vital Link Trail takes you to the highest point in the range, Verdugo Peak. The Vital Link Trail is a tough one, but you’re rewarded along the way with panoramic views from the ocean to the San Gabriels. And the Burbank trailhead makes it convenient to most of LA.
Where is the Vital Link Trail?
The hike starts at Burbank’s Wildwood Canyon Park. There are several trails in the park, which can get confusing, so make sure you pay attention to the starting directions below. There is plenty of free parking at the hike.
Use this trailhead address to get to the park:
Wildwood Canyon Park, 1701 Wildwood Canyon, Burbank CA 91501




There are a few use-trails in the park that all lead to the Vital Link Trail. These hike directions use the trailhead described here.
The park has port-a-potties and water fountains (that don’t always work). I’d take care of your business and fill up with water before you get here.
Gear for the Hike
The main thing to be aware of is the lack of shade and the heat. If you are doing this hike when it’s hot out, use sun protection and bring plenty of water. I usually bring 2L. The trail is steep and sandy, so good hiking footwear and trekking poles will help on the steeper slope.
Vital Link Trail Maps
The trails to Verdugo Peak are not well marked, but are relatively easy to follow. The Vital Link Trail has lots of cut-offs, and it can be hard to know what is a trail cut-off and which is a trail junction. If you have a GPS, loading the GPX file helps.
If you look at the OSM map, you’ll see lots of trails that (as of me writing this) are not there. They might have been at one point, or are small use trails, but in general there is a lot in the OSM map that’s not hike-able.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile

3D Map

Vital Link Trail to Verdugo Peak Hike Directions
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Video Directions
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Turn by Turn Directions
FYI “Verdugo” means executioner or hangman in Spanish.


















If you go right, there is a dead end at some communications equipment, but there’s also a hidden, shady bench. I marked the waypoint in the GPX file. It’s a nice place to catch your breath before continuing.

Okay, back to the directions to Verdugo Peak.













From here you just turn around and go back the way you came!
This guide last updated on July 1, 2021. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.