Best Winter Snow Hikes in Burbank
Burbank sits at the edge of the San Fernando Valley, and while snow never falls on Magnolia Boulevard, winter transforms the mountains framing the city into genuine alpine terrain. The San Gabriel Mountains, accessible in under two hours, offer everything from casual snow walks to serious summit pushes. Knowing which trails deliver reliable snow—and when—saves you a wasted drive on a warm spell.
Top 8 snow hikes for winter
The most demanding snow objective near Burbank, gaining roughly 3,900 feet to a summit above 10,000 feet. Microspikes or crampons are standard gear from January onward, and the upper bowl frequently requires an ice axe after heavy storms.
Southern California's highest peak rewards winter hikers with deep snowpack and sweeping views across the Inland Empire. The trail is long—approximately 17 to 18 miles round trip—so an early start from Burbank is essential.
The tram deposits hikers at roughly 8,500 feet where snow is almost guaranteed in winter, cutting thousands of feet of approach. From the tram station, routes range from flat meadow walks to the full summit push at approximately 10,800 feet.
This moderate trail in the Big Bear region climbs through pine and white fir forest that holds snow well after storms. It offers a quieter alternative to the crowded Snow Summit resort terrain and is roughly 6 miles round trip.
Located in the Angeles National Forest about 90 minutes from Burbank, Mt. Islip tops out near 8,250 feet and receives reliable snowfall through late winter. The trail is approximately 7 miles round trip and is far less trafficked than Baldy on winter weekends.
A shorter, accessible snow hike near Wrightwood that suits hikers new to winter conditions, with modest elevation gain and forest cover that keeps trail surfaces snowy even when lower elevations thaw. Expect approximately 4 to 5 miles round trip.
On the infrequent occasions when a cold Pacific storm drops snow below 2,500 feet, the Verdugo ridgeline directly above Burbank gets a light dusting visible from the 5 Freeway. Snow here melts within a day or two, so timing requires watching forecasts closely.
Pine Mountain offers a straightforward ridge walk through Jeffrey pines blanketed in winter snow, sitting just above Wrightwood at approximately 8,300 feet. The trail is approximately 3 to 4 miles round trip and provides wide views of the Mojave Desert below the snowline.
How Far Is Snow from Burbank?
Burbank's elevation hovers around 550 feet, which means the city rarely sees frost let alone snow. However, the San Gabriel Mountains begin rising sharply roughly 25 to 30 miles northeast, and reliable snowpack starts at approximately 6,000 feet. On a normal winter morning, a Burbank resident can leave home, stop for coffee in La Cañada Flintridge, and be crunching through snow on the Mt. Islip approach within 90 minutes. Wrightwood—gateway to Kratka Ridge and Pine Mountain—sits about 75 miles from Burbank and averages well over 100 inches of snowfall in an above-average season. The key variable is storm timing: the San Gabriels can be bare in early December and then fully loaded by Christmas after a strong atmospheric river.
Winter Safety on Snow Trails Near Los Angeles.
Southern California hikers sometimes underestimate winter mountain hazards because the region's reputation skews warm. Post-storm avalanche risk is real on steep slopes above Baldy Bowl and on the north aspects of San Gorgonio. Check the Sierra Avalanche Center and the local National Forest ranger station advisories before any high-elevation outing. Hypothermia is a genuine risk when wet snow meets a thin cotton base layer—wool or synthetic insulation is mandatory. Cell service disappears quickly above the valley floor on Crest Highway approaches, so download offline maps (CalTopo or Gaia GPS) before you leave Burbank. Always share your planned route and expected return time with someone not on the hike, and carry a headlamp even for day hikes given short winter daylight windows.
What to Pack for a Day Snow Hike from Burbank.
Beyond the standard Ten Essentials, winter snow hikes from the Burbank area require a few specific additions. Microspikes or crampons belong in every pack heading above 6,500 feet from December through February—they weigh under two pounds and can prevent a serious fall on refrozen morning snow. Gaiters keep snow from packing into boot tops and causing wet, cold feet on descent. Sunglasses or goggles are essential because snow glare at elevation is intense even on partly cloudy days. Carry at least two liters of water, since many trail water sources freeze in winter and hydration needs in cold air are easy to underestimate. A lightweight insulated puffy jacket packs small and is invaluable during summit breaks when exertion stops and wind chill takes over.
Hiking Snow Trails with a Group: Why It Matters in Winter.
Solo snow hiking near Los Angeles carries elevated risk compared to summer trail use. Route-finding becomes harder when snow covers use trails, self-arrest on steep icy slopes requires someone who can assist if a fall occurs, and a twisted ankle at 8,000 feet in January is a very different emergency than the same injury in July. Hiking with a group of three or more people means someone can stay with an injured hiker while another goes for help—a situation that has saved lives in the San Gabriels. Group dynamics also reduce the likelihood of pushing summit attempts in deteriorating weather, since social accountability tempers individual risk tolerance. Winter group hikes should designate a leader with navigation experience and establish a turnaround time before the trailhead rather than at the summit.
Planning tips
- Check the National Weather Service Mountain Weather forecast for the San Gabriel Mountains zone—not just Burbank city forecasts—at least 48 hours before heading out, as valley sunshine does not indicate clear mountain conditions.
- A Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful annual pass is required for parking at most San Gabriel Mountains trailheads; buying one before you drive saves time and a citation.
- Traction devices such as microspikes are not optional gear above 7,000 feet in January and February—pack them in your bag even if the forecast looks mild, because shaded north-facing slopes stay icy long after air temperatures rise.
- Caltrans can close CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) during and immediately after snowstorms; verify road status at Caltrans QuickMap or call the recorded hotline before departing Burbank.
- Start before dawn when targeting peaks like Mt. Baldy or San Gorgonio—winter daylight is short, afternoon snow conditions soften and become unpredictable, and parking lots at popular trailheads fill completely by 8 a.m. on clear winter weekends.
Hike a TrailMates group event this winter
TrailMates makes it easy to organize winter snow hikes with the right crew from Burbank—use the mate finder to match by experience level and pace, then plan your San Gabriel Mountains outing through a group event with TrailMates' built-in 3-person minimum safety feature. Download TrailMates or download TrailMates from the App Store to find partners before the next storm window closes.