Whoop de Doos!

Enjoy the LA skyline late-day from a quiet vantage atop the Whoop de Doos Trail in Brentwood. The 1.2-mile (one-way) journey up the Kenter Fire Road is a moderate incline that rewards with beautiful views of Santa Monica Bay from the moment you set foot on the trail.

Following the gravel road, make a sharp left at the fork where you’ll see Century City’s high-rise buildings shimmer in the afternoon sun. As the gravel morphs into a dirt path, downtown LA’s US Bank building towers in the distance. When the trail diverges, head right. After a few twists and turns you’ll arrive at the scenic viewpoint, where a panorama of the Los Angeles skyline blazes rich oranges and pink undertones, with the Pacific as a shimmery backdrop. Before it gets too dark, return the way you came (and bring a headlamp just in case; also, note the trailhead closure time; generally a sunrise to sunset timeframe but be sure to know what time that gate to the trailhead gets locked). Whoop de Doos!

TIP: There are route options available, including a steep 1-mile (one-way) climb to a hanging bench beneath an oak tree. (This trailhead is visible from the main fire road trail.) Use a map for navigation.

To reach the trailhead, exit the 405 Fwy. at Sunset Blvd. and head west. Make a right onto Kenter Ave. and go 2.2 miles until you reach a large chain-link gate where the trailhead begins. Street parking available. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you go late day, just in case it starts getting dark. The gate to the trailhead gets locked for closure (generally it's a sunrise to sunset but be sure to check what time the gate will be locked or give yourself plenty of time to get back before it's dark). Make sure you are finished before that time. Dog-friendly!