La Tuna Canyon

Overview

If you’re looking for a trail with a bit of that “off the beaten path” feel but still wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on civilization from its vista points, the La Tuna Canyon Trail is a good bet. This meandering 4.3 mile trail provides some decent elevation gain in sections and a surprising variety of scenery — from deep, shaded riparian canyons to thick sage scrub and exposed ridgelines. You’ll have great views of the nearby cities and mountains on clear days, lots of fragrant sages to keep you company along the way, and you’ll also pass the remnants of a few rusted out old cars deep in the canyons! Begin your hike at an odd-looking turn off on the south side of La Tuna Canyon Road. It’s easy to miss the green sign marking the trailhead and its rules from the road, but once you’re out on foot it should be pretty clearly in sight. The La Tuna Canyon Trail doesn’t actually go into La Tuna Canyon itself – that’s been occupied by La Tuna Canyon Road. Instead, it heads south into two different north-south side canyons and will eventually put you out on the broad trail network that (mostly) runs along the ridge lines of the Verdugo Mountains. Right away, the trail drops down from the road and heads into a surprisingly dense canyon lined with large, gnarled oaks and impressive sage scrub. Keep your eye out for large California sagebrush and black sages along the side of the trail (and feel free to lean in for a sniff or two). The trail starts some sharp and moderately steep switchbacks almost immediately. Be on the look out for some trail erosion caused by cutting switchbacks (and possibly exacerbated by winter rainfall) on your way up. You’ll be seeing a lot of the same scenery for the first mile as the route doubles back on itself numerous times. Remember: Don’t cut the switchbacks. I heard you like switchbacks so we put some switchbacks on your switchbacks.

Trail Stats

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