Shadow Lands

Hike Shadow Hills in Burbank and Enjoy Beers at Lincoln Beer Company

Hiker walking along a long trail at Shadow Hills near Burbank

What lies in the shadows? Dare to find out in the Shadow Hills. Nestled near the neighborhoods of Burbank and Sun Valley, the Shadow Hills are home to an unassuming trail system with hidden highlights rewarding the few visitors with panoramic views and a hill. Follow a loop that covers 4.5 miles and 1,100 feet of elevation gain.

Hiker on a trail at Shadow Hills with views of the Verdugo Mountains

Hiker on a rock taking pictures of the sun shadows at Shadow Hills near Burbank

Hiker on the trail at Shadow Hills overlooking the Verdugo Mountains

Park at the intersection of Ledge Avenue and Horse Haven Street and look for a narrow path scaling a small scrub-dotted hill. The beginning of the trail is a little overgrown, and it’s a devil of a workout over the first half-mile, but you’re immediately greeted by stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Most prominent are the Verdugo Mountains and the looming peaks of the Angeles National Forest to the east, and you can also catch the Santa Susanas and even the Santa Monicas to the west on a clear day. 

Hiker pointing to something with his long shadow reflected on the hiking trail at Shadow Hills in Burbank

Hiking along the ridge is especially grand as the surrounding vistas are constant. Wonder why more people aren’t visiting? Well, it’s a trail that sits in the shadows of better-established nearby hiking neighbors. Ignore the first two trail junctions (these deposit you at neighborhoods at either side of the green space) and at about 1.5 miles you will pass a meadow and head left on a narrow trail that descends quickly to Shadow Way. This connects with Sunland Boulevard, and once you reach Rotto Avenue, find a trail that ascends back into “the shadows.” The trail here connects with the first junction (that you initially bypassed), this time rewarding you with views of the San Fernando Valley as you face west; look more south to the Hollywood Hills as well. After you return to your car on Ledge Avenue, continue a short detour to the nearby Theodore Payne Foundation to learn about native gardening and add a short cool-down walk.

BONUS BREW: Burbank’s Lincoln Beer Company is a welcoming space with good vibes and better beers, like their Candy Pale Ale, Hollywood Way IPA, and Trejo’s Cerveza (brewed for the actor badass himself), but they also make their own gummy bears (12 flavors), a perfect Halloween treat to pair with your beer (yes, it really is good, no trick here!). Who knows what hikes lurk in the heart of Sunland? The shadow knows.

To get to the West Shadow Hills trailhead, take the La Tuna Canyon exit off the I-210 and head west. After 4.2 miles, turn right onto Ledge Ave. The trailhead and street parking will be on your right in just over a block. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  4. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View