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Wisdom Tree

Los Angeles, California

4.8/5
based on 13 reviews

Details

Distance

0.95 miles

Elevation Gain

528 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Frank Lopez

The hike is a short, paved walk with amazing views over Griffith Park, Los Angeles, Burbank, and the Hollywood sign.

In Griffith Park, park along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk the paved quarter mile up Wonder View Drive to the start of Wonder View Trail. Here, walk through the yellow gate and make the first right after the road turns to dirt. Head up this unmarked single track path heading east up the mountain.

The steep, rocky trail ascends to Cahuenga Peak. A Half of a mile from the end of the road, it reaches a ridge running west from the peak. To the right, the trail continues up Cahuenga Peak. Take the left fork, and the short path will take you out to the Wisdom Tree. Look for an ammo box at its base. People leave letters and wishes inside of it.

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Features

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Wisdom Tree Reviews

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. ❤️

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail

Cahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail

Aileen Getty Ridge Trail

Lake Hollywood Trail

Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]

Bronson Bat Caves