Month: April 2016

Hours: 2 hours to Echo Mountain ( 5.8 miles round trip), 3 hours to Cape of Good Hope( Add 1.8 miles extension)

Difficulty: Moderate

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.

Parking: plenty of space street parking is available, but prepare come early because this is so popular.

It was so cloudy, and little chilly. The picture doesn’t look good. The hike starts from Cobb Estate Gate at the corner of Lake Avenue. The rugged paved road continues to other trail, so be careful to watch out sign for Sam Merrill Trail. From the beginning to end, it continues zigzag and gradual ascent. About 2.7 miles, the trail comes to a T-junction with Echo Mountain Trail, and continue to follow Echo Mountain sign. There were ruins of old buildings. I went back the T-junction and go for Cape of Good Hope to stretch more workout. Follow Echo Mountain trail to the west, and you will pass Sentinel Rock, then arrive Cape of Good Hope. From there return where I came. This is not an easy, but I have seen so many people with their dogs. The trail is very narrow with cliff on other side. Watch your steps all the time.

 

Hours: 2 hours and half ( 5.65 miles round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash. But, it would be challenge for your loved one, because it is very steep.

Parking: plenty of space inside park. (It’s free)

This is the most intensive workout recently. The Vital Link Trail is 1.5 miles one way, but it is very steep ascent from the beginning to end. I rested a couple of time during ascend, and the heart runs so fast all the time. You will rewarded once you reach to the top. Then from Vital Link Peak to Verdugo Peak it is much easier because it is mostly flat and slight ascend. Whenever there is a junction, take right. I read articles that mentions funny signs for smokers. When I head to Verdugo Peak, I actually didn’t notice it, I found the sign when I return.  About a mile and quarter, you will find a paved road that reaches Verdugo Peak. Verdugo Peak itself do not have any specials, except five polls and a small building. The ridge line of Verdugo Mountain is bike friendly, and pet friendly. Next time, I will come with my four leg friends and enjoy walking with them.

My second visit on Dec 24, 2016, 1 hour 20 minutes out and back. A lot of improvement of speed than first visit.

For going up: 47 minutes 38 seconds.

For coming down: 31 minutes 31 seconds.

 

 

 

Hours: 1 hours and half ( 4 miles round trip to Walker Ranch)

Difficulty: Easy

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.

Parking: plenty of space inside park. (It’s free)

This hike was easier and good for beginner who don’t want to climb. There are many trails in the park, so plan ahead which trail to go. I actually didn’t plan it, but it is obvious to me to follow the longer trail. I took Nature Center Trail that goes to Walker Ranch, 4 miles round trip. I came across many people, and the trail is so easy to follow. The sign is clear every 0.1 mile, and most of trail has shade and breeze. This is so dog friendly trail, and I will bring my loved one next time. Just be aware Ticks and Wild animals.