Dam Good Hike

With the current drought it's hard to believe that when it rains it pours in LA, a lesson learned all too well in the Foothills region after a devastating New Year's flood in 1934. To prevent future problems, flood control dams and debris basins were built in all the canyons of the area, including Deukmejian's Dunsmore Canyon. Study up on the engineers' work on this 2.7-mile loop. Follow the canyon's namesake trail on the western flank of the dry riverbed, and on the gentle incline you'll get a solid view of the dams, along with the sage- and yucca-covered mountains. At 1 mile the trail ends at a bench under a cool oak's shade; take in the trickling sounds of a calm year-round stream. Heading back down the canyon, look for the Le Mesnager Loop trail marker on your right and follow this for a quick ascent up the hill. A lookout spur on this ridge offers a hawk's view of the Crescenta Valley below, the Verdugo Mountains in front, and the San Gabriels around and behind you. Witness the massive flood debris catch basin at the bottom of the canyon. Trot through native grasses as the trail swings around to the western side of this ridge; hang a left and connect with Rim of the Valley Trail. A steep descent returns you to the canyon floor; bear right at the first trail junction to return to the start. Flood patrol complete!

Deukmejian Wilderness Park is at 3429 Markridge Rd. in Glendale. Take the 210 Freeway to the Pennsylvania Ave. exit. Follow Pennsylvania north to Foothill; head west on Foothill, then right onto New York Ave. Take New York all the way to the top of the hill until you can't go straight anymore, then left onto Markridge. The park entrance is on your right. Dog friendly! Note: Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet, and be careful of rattlesnakes sometimes seen here.