On the Woof of the City

Pooch-friendly Scholl Canyon Trail in Glendale packs a hilly punch in its 2-mile length, perfect for a quick nature fix or fast workout. The trailhead is just a few minutes from the 134 Freeway, meaning easy access for scores of office dwellers. The trail boasts 400 feet of elevation gain—not a lot, but it’s packed into several steep hills (hello, great lower-body workout!) that quickly descend again. Translation: This trail is uphill both directions.

As for scenery, it’s more about views than immediate surroundings. On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean, and even on cloudy days the views of downtown Los Angeles and Burbank are stunning, especially if you time your hike to see the sunset and watch the city morph into a sparkling display of lights. There’s no shade on the trail, so it’s a great choice for an early or late hike. It can even be done as a moonlight hike, because the trail never closes. You’ll come across a couple of unofficial spur trails, but the “official” trail is a wide-open fire road. Just follow it until it ends, and then head back the way you came. Colorful wildflowers and the occasional tree decorate the otherwise mostly dry urban trail, adding just enough nature to let you feel like you escaped from the city. That freeway din? Think of it as a roaring river or waterfall. Additional bonus: Leashed dogs are welcome to use this trail, in case you want a change of scenery for your evening dog walk. A perfect antidote for those midweek blues!

The Scholl Canyon Trail is located in Glendale, just off the 134 Freeway. Exit onto Harvey Dr., turn right on Harvey, followed by a right onto E. Glenoaks Blvd. Turn right onto Sleepy Hollow Dr. and follow it up into the neighborhood for roughly a mile. Eventually, the road will fork. The trailhead is up the road a little to the right, but to park, you’ll need to take the left fork and look for a spot in the neighborhood. Dog-friendly!