I've written in the past about hiking up Runyon Canyon. I previously thought it was a great local place to escape some of the city in favor of nature. Well, it's more like escaping the city for a dusty, hot, dog pee drenched hike through the hills. At least you can let your (good) dog off leash and you're more than likely to see a celebrity in their sports bra.
After a few dozen times up Runyon it began to wear thin. I just didn't want to deal with the parking hassle and dog poo. An alternative came from an unusual place; when we moved into our new accommodations I'd wake every morning and see this lonely little tree perched atop the hill directly across the 101 (a "peak" over from the Hollywood sign):
I began to wonder if it would be possible to hike up to this little tree. Well, thanks to Google Maps and it's satellite imagery I found that there's a visible path all the way up.
The hike is more difficult than Runyon (as most of the trail is a drainage ditch) but the air is cleaner and the views are just as good if not better.
If you'd like to hike it map out 3629 Wonder View Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 and park as close to the water tower as possible and then look for the path/drainage ditch.
hey. just got back from that trail off of Wonder View. I googled alternative routes to get to the top of that mountain. came across your page when i searched for wonder view drive and lo and behold you have a google maps photo! i took the path to the left, which brings you all the way around the back of the mountain, not up to it.. but a nice view of studio city nonetheless. I'll have to take the right path next time and check out the lonely tree.
--Love the hidden gems in this city..
Dillon