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 Reporter |
Summary: This is the tallest peak within the LA city limits, and it has spectacular views of the LA basin and surrounding mountains from the summit. This mountain was burned some time ago, so with the exception of the views of the surrounding area, the scenery is rather marginal. The hike to the summit is relentlessly up hill with limited shade along the way. I used this hike to train for an upcoming backpacking trip. In the summer bring lots of water, and during the rainy season crossing the creek near the trail head could be risky. Finding the trail from the parking lot was a bit tricky, so I just hiked straight up Stone Canyon until I could see the trail on an embankment to my left. Trailhead: From Foothill Blvd in Sunland, turn north on Mt. Gleason Avenue and drive 1.5 miles to Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Turn right and proceed 5 miles to Wildwood Picnic Area. Stone Canyon trail begins at the back end of the parking lot. (Lat:34.29419 Lon:-118.24002) Trail Guides for Mount Lukens: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Hike Los Angeles Volume 2 by Dennis Gagnon (Western Tanager Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: US Forest Service, 818-790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bwheatley on 6/22/2009 This hike did have some eroded parts that you want to be careful crossing at first. But once you get up around 4000 ft its pretty much trees and well maintained path. At the top we were in the clouds which was awesome so it was not too terribly hot. But the view going up was beautiful. If it had been clear we were told it would be a beautiful view of the city and ocean. I went through 4 liters of water on the way up and down though and it was only in the 70's i can imagine the person who said bring 6 liters was right on the money. 
Reviewed by Emmie on 6/6/2009 Loved this hike! Amazing views in this secluded valley. The trail opposite the creek is clearly marked with rocks. Didn't find any part of the trail eroded. The only reason why someone might say that the top was disappointing is because the whole way up is so beautiful. Be prepared to encounter a lot of towers at the top. Read in one of my hiking books that I could make it a 12 mile loop by continuing down the fire road and keeping left. Worked pretty well until I got to the bottom and kept following the trail a way I shouldn't have gone. If you do make the loop stay to the left, although I didn't see a clear path going that way. There are beautiful aromatic yellow flowers in bloom right now all along the fire road. Have fun!
Reviewed by TrainingHike on 6/3/2009 Started from Vogle Flats parking lot on Sunday 5/24/09. You have to walk on the road past the "No Trespassing" sign. The road is for public access, so keep walking. Where the road ends, turn Left at the hanging tire. The best place to cross the creek is 150 paces from there. Where we crossed, the first step was on a rusted piece of corregated metal pipe. This took us right to the trail head on the other side. We did not see another person until close to the top. The trail was narrow and overgrown, you have to push a lot of shrubs out of your way. The top is a little disappointing compared to the rest way up. We didn't have any bars on our cell phone and we sat right under the towers. Great training hike!
Reviewed by DV on 5/30/2009 Hiked at the end of May 2009, accessed via Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Enjoyed hiking it several times during the winter, but summer temps, smog, and wildlife (bugs, rattlesnakes) made the experience a bit different. Trails can be very narrow, as well as some areas of sandy soil and loose rock. Usually only see one other person on the trail. Very strenuous trail.
Reviewed by G. Romero on 3/23/2009 Nice hike with a disappointing summit. It can be completed in less than four hours if you are physically fit. Nice training hike to face bigger endeavours
Reviewed by Buckeye6886 on 2/21/2009 The Wildwood gate was locked after 8 AM so I had to park along the road & walk down through the park and to the trailhead. Then you see two trailways. Take the trail to the right next to the river. It was difficult finding a good area to cross the Big T river. I crossed via two large downed trees near the picnic area. Once across, I scrambled around for about 15-20 minutes until finding the trailhead. Did not see any snakes,or other wildlife & thankfully did not get any ticks. I was the only one on the trail the entire way. I encountered 4" to 6" of re-iced snow around the last mile and a half to the summit and this seriously slowed my time to the summit. Great training hike though! Definitely bring more than 1 qt of water & food.
Reviewed by Viewer on 12/29/2008 Hiked Mt. Lukens on 12/28/08. Third time up and definitely much easier to hike at this time of year than my hike last summer. Six inches of snow on the north slopes at top. You won't miss the trail if you immediately turn east after crossing the stream and follow the south side of the stream for a few hundred yards till you see the large swimming hole with the grafitti. Head due south from there and you'll do less rock hopping. Last storm through made for some of the best views of the ocean I have ever had.
Reviewed by Jason on 12/29/2008 Hiked this trail starting at Big Tujunga on 12/28. Great Hike. Definately recommend for the winter because the summer air kills the views and brings the tics. On a good clear day, as was yesterday, we had no problem seeing to the ocean. All of L.A. was very clear. This is one of the best local Hikes I have done so far. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
