Shadow Lands

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

10.27.2021
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. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. 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
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View