Stough Canyon Hiking Guide
Stough Canyon Nature Center trail climbs into the Verdugo Mountains directly from Burbank, offering surprisingly wild chaparral scenery just minutes from the 134 freeway. The out-and-back route rewards hikers with sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, and on clear days the distant San Gabriel Mountains. It is a go-to trail for Burbank and Glendale locals who want genuine elevation gain without a long drive into the backcountry.
Trail Overview and Route Description.
The Stough Canyon trail begins at the Stough Canyon Nature Center parking lot on Walnut Avenue in Burbank. From the trailhead the path climbs steadily through dense chaparral, following the canyon drainage before switchbacking up the eastern ridge of the Verdugo Mountains. The route is well-marked and generally follows a single main corridor, making navigation straightforward even for first-timers. Most hikers turn around at the upper ridge junction, which is where the best panoramic views open up across the valley. The round-trip covers approximately 4 miles with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain, placing it firmly in the moderate category.
Scenery and Natural Highlights
Stough Canyon punches well above its weight for a front-country Burbank trail. The lower canyon section features native sage scrub, toyon, and sumac that fill the air with a sharp herbal scent after winter rains. As you gain elevation, the canyon walls narrow and provide natural shade during morning hours. The upper ridge opens to unobstructed views of Burbank's grid, Griffith Park, and the downtown LA skyline. Wildlife activity is consistent year-round — watch for red-tailed hawks riding thermals, California quail darting through brush, and the occasional mule deer browsing on the slopes at dusk.
Best Time to Hike Stough Canyon.
Spring brings the trail to life with wildflowers including purple nightshade and golden yarrow, and temperatures stay comfortable for steady climbing. Fall delivers crisp air and clear skies ideal for the long-range views from the ridge. Winter is surprisingly pleasant here — the Verdugo foothills rarely see snow, and cool temps make the elevation gain feel manageable. Summer hiking is possible but not recommended past mid-morning; south-facing chaparral slopes absorb intense heat and there is limited shade on the upper switchbacks. If you must hike in July or August, start no later than 7 a.m. and carry extra water.
Trailhead Access and Parking
The trailhead is located at the Stough Canyon Nature Center, reached via Walnut Avenue in the hills above Burbank's Sunset Canyon Recreation Center. The Nature Center has a small free parking lot that fills quickly on weekend mornings, so aim to arrive before 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Street parking is available on Walnut Avenue when the lot is full. The area is accessible from the 134 or 5 freeway via Hollywood Way or Glenoaks Boulevard. There are restrooms at the Nature Center, making it one of the more convenient trailheads in the Verdugos for families and first-time visitors.
Dogs on the Trail
Stough Canyon is dog-friendly and popular with pet owners from the surrounding Burbank neighborhoods. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times on the trail and within the Nature Center grounds. The chaparral terrain is dry and scratchy, so check your dog's paws and coat for foxtails after the hike, especially in summer and fall when dried grass seeds are at their worst. Bring enough water for your dog — there are no reliable water sources on the trail itself. A collapsible bowl and at least one extra liter per dog is a practical minimum on warmer days.
Safety and Group Hiking Considerations.
Stough Canyon's proximity to dense residential neighborhoods makes it feel accessible, but the upper ridge trail is exposed and cell service can be inconsistent in the canyon bottom. Rattlesnakes are active on warm days from spring through early fall, so stay on the marked trail and watch where you step or place your hands near rocks and brush. Hiking with a group dramatically improves both safety and the likelihood someone can go for help if needed. The trail is narrow in sections, so groups should hike single-file and yield to uphill hikers. Sunset comes quickly in the canyon, so plan to reach the ridge and begin your descent well before dusk.
Hiking tips for Stough Canyon
- Start before 8 a.m. on weekends to secure a parking spot at the Nature Center lot and beat the heat on the exposed upper switchbacks.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water per person — the trail has no water sources and the south-facing slopes get hot even in mild weather.
- Check for foxtails on dogs' paws, ears, and underbelly immediately after the hike, particularly from June through October.
- The upper ridge junction is the payoff viewpoint; bring a light layer because wind picks up noticeably once you leave the sheltered canyon.
- Wear trail runners or low-cut hiking shoes rather than sandals — the trail surface is loose decomposed granite in places and footing requires traction.
Nearby trails to explore
- Verdugo Mountains Loop Trail
- Brand Park to Verdugo Peak
- Beaudry Loop Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Planning a group hike at Stough Canyon? TrailMates makes it easy to find hiking partners in the Burbank and Glendale area who match your pace and skill level. Download the TrailMates app or download TrailMates from the App Store and set up your first group meetup on this trail today.