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Wisdom Tree
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,108 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Angeles, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Wisdom Tree's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A steep, short hike leads to this unique, lone-standing tree & sweeping views of Los Angeles.
What runners say about Wisdom Tree
“The hike is mostly an incline and it offers very beautiful views of Los Angeles on the way up and at the end you’ll see behind the Hollywood sign, and the infamous “wisdom tree”.”
“I'd do this hike often if I lived in the area so PEACEFUL, so serene!”
Small but mighty! This is a beautiful hike, great way to get an amazing view of the cities that make Los Ángeles beautiful. Even though the hike is not that long, mile wise, you will take a while due to the condition of the trail. Most of the trail, I would say around 80%, has a steep angle.
The Wisdom Tree is an epic destination to hike to in the Hollywood Hills. It is a short but very steep hike up to the tree but it offers some amazing 360 degree views of the LA and San Fernando Valley.
The fact that the trail from wisdom tree to Hollywood sign is not thronged with tourists all day, every day is a mystery to me. Must be the most magical urban hike in the world. Strenuous but doable for any active person. Amazing views of both San Fernando Valley and LA, and sometimes both. 10/10 recommend.
Great trail that starts from the top of the parking for Lake Hollywood. Continue up wonder view walking and past the gate. The trail up to the tree is a steep incline but short... Under a mile. There are sweeping views of LA and the Valley and a lone "wisdom tree".
Trail conditions & character
“The hike is mostly an incline and it offers very beautiful views of Los Angeles on the way up and at the end you’ll see behind the Hollywood sign, and the infamous “wisdom tree”.”
“The hike is mostly an incline and it offers very beautiful views of Los Angeles on the way up and at the end you’ll see behind the Hollywood sign, and the infamous “wisdom tree”.”
“Pretty hard to find parking as it was very popular today (Memorial Day) but it was worth the wait for an open parking spot.”
“Wear a hat, bring water and wear good shoes with tread as it’s rocky in spots and can get slippery.”
“I'd do this hike often if I lived in the area so PEACEFUL, so serene!”
“I did a 7 mile loop which included going to the Hollywood sign and around Hollywood Lake.”
“the view is breathtaking if you're able to catch your breath from the 8 mile hike that I took to get there”
Plan your run at Wisdom Tree
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance8 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Los Angeles
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Burbank Peak
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A pine tree & an American flag top this rocky ridge with city views & a single-track hiking trail.
Wonder View Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 743 reviews
Steep hiking trail to the famous Wisdom Tree and Hollywood sign with scenic views.
Johnny Carson Park
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Named after the TV legend, this space features a picnic area, playground & small performance stage.
The Brush Canyon Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 561 reviews
Hiking area featuring a rock quarry tunnel & striking views of the city & the iconic Hollywood sign.