Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank sits right on the Verdugo Mountains‘ western edge, offering some genuinely nice hiking without the long drive into the San Gabriels. The main 2-mile trail system winds through the park with moderate elevation and good shade coverage — essential if you’re bringing your dog in the warmer months. The trailhead area off Wildwood Canyon Road has ample parking and several picnic tables scattered throughout, so you could easily spend a few hours here.

The terrain is well-maintained and clearly marked, which means you won’t spend half your hike second-guessing which fork to take. Dogs handle the footing well here, though the trail does have some rocky sections and mild climbs. If you want to extend your visit, the Link Trail connects from Wildwood Canyon to the Verdugo Mountainway — that’s where things get more serious. The Link Trail is moderately strenuous and significantly longer, so it’s really a different commitment than the main park loop. Many people do the shorter trails first to gauge their dog’s energy level before attempting the Link.

Bring plenty of water regardless of which trail you choose. There aren’t water stations on the trails themselves, and shade can be sporadic depending on the season. The park itself has open grass areas that work well for letting your dog stretch out before or after hiking. Since this is in Burbank proper, it’s a surprisingly accessible spot if you’re in the San Fernando Valley and don’t want to head all the way into the mountains. The parking area can get busy on weekends, especially in spring when wildflowers draw more visitors, so an early arrival helps.