Hike to the Wisdom Tree

After nearly a decade of living in Los Angeles, I finally did this hike recently. It's a pretty short hike, but can easily be combined with a hike across the ridge to the Hollywood Sign if you want. There's no shade (of course, it's LA!) and the elevation rapidly increases, but the views at the top are well worth it. Plus the tree is super photogenic. It can get crowded on the weekends and the trail is not very wide, but don't let that stop you from going!

If you are looking for longer version of this hike (that takes you past the Hollywood sign first), start at the Hollywood Sign Parking Area on Beachwood Dr. From here its easy to get to the Hollywood Sign... follow the hundreds of other people on the trail. 0.2 miles before the Hollywood sign you will see a large rock with a plaque on it and a sign for Aileen Getty Ridge Trail, turn right and follow the trail to Burbank Peak. From the peak you can see the Wisdom Tree to the west along the same path.

This trail is a quick but extremely steep one! Once you're at the top, you won't want to hike back down. Enjoy the views, the fellow visitors, and the notes that people have left throughout the recent days. The wisdom tree is something truly special amongst the chaos of LA.

A simple 20 minute hike to the tree and if you wish, further trails on the top of the hills. A truly amazing place where hikers leave notes to mother earth along with a 9/11 memorial.

First, a hearty thanks for this post and the reviews already offered - all info was helpful in planning for this adventure. I took my 13 year old son with me and we had a blast! The hike up to the tree is rocky, steep, narrow, exposed and gains elevation quickly with drop offs...and yet it never feels precarious. It was the perfect trail for less experienced hikers like us and a great way to prepare for more advanced and difficult trails. The tree is fantastic, but the cairn garden is sublime. And it was really nice to watch Old Glory waving in the breeze. This hike is really more than the tree - you have to walk the trail along the ridges over Cahuenga & Burbank Peaks to get to Lee Peak and the Hollywood sign. There is some steep up and over the summit scrambling to get past those first two peaks, but the reward, as noted in other reviews, is the incredible 360 degree view (Valley, Glendale, DTLA, Hollywood, West LA, Ocean, Mountains, and a hint of the South Bay). I live in Burbank near Warner Bros. and have been staring up at the Wisdom Tree for almost 15 years...grew up in the Valley...can finally cross this off the bucket list (though I look forward to doing this again). Started at 8am on a Sunday. The trail and tree were populated, but I wouldn't call it crowded. Happy Hiking!

This hike was awesome! Not too difficult, but still provided a solid incline and some good exercise. Plus the views are incredible. The 360 degree view of the city and the valley shows just how massive LA really is. Highly recommend this hike and if your willing, it's only an extra 30-45 minutes to the Hollywood sign. Although the view from the Wisdom Tree is better. Enjoy!

Started this trail at 0600 and made it to the tree within the hour. (I didn't time it) almost a 360 degree view from the tree and full circle when you head up just another 300 yd. Scoped the hills from that vantage and took it all the way to Hollywood sign, it's simple to find. Didn't dare going all the way to Griffith Observatory but it is possible, I had plans to keep so I turned around and headed back to the truck. I was with a friend and her dog, this hike is steep but friendly for all hikers that have the heart and good knees. •This hike is WAY over populated after 0800 •is dog friendly (no waste baskets so keep bags and don't drop them in bushes 😡) •bring a tiny charm, paper and pen, momentous (not trash) and leave your intentions in the ammo crate under the tree Show some love and yield to the uphill traffic. Keep common courtesy, common. ❤️

Great challenging hike and very narrow path!!...Amazing Views!...Highly Recommended👌

Worth the time. Scenic views all around and plenty of photo opportunities. Very near the Hollywood sign and if you want, you can hike both without going back down.

My friend! Los Angeles really does have some treasures hidden within. This hike is awesome! What a vantage point to see all the hollywood hills and the mountain range on the horizon. Seeing the reservoir makes for some great water in the view as well! Once you reach the top you feel the majestic vibes of z tree. There are notebooks with people's good vibes n intentions in a vintage ammo box by the trunk which is the coolest guestbook of all time. In a city like LA it's nice to see that the hikers are nicer the drivers!! Highly recommend after rain since the greenery really shines.

Any Angeleno needs to/can do this hike! It's a must, great 360 views of the valley too.