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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 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/14/2008 Hiked 7/13/08, few dangerous spot on the trail, soil erosion and the trail is less then one foot wide, watch your step, beautiful view, good training for San Gorgonio.
Reviewed by David on 6/29/2008 Great training hike must have done this route at least 10 times. I have also come up via the overgrown Sister Elsie trail from the south side.. This trail is hot and the heat seems to bake the canyon. It is not suggested for the summer unless you're planning to summit before nine. 
Reviewed by Konrad on 5/19/2008 Just did this yesterday, 05/19/2008 for Mt. Rainier training with a 50lb pack. OMG this hike is brutal. I will probably never hike this again due to the fact that we got ticks, and heard from other hikers about rattle snakes near the wash. Most importantly, I will never hike this again around this time of year. It was burning hot by 7:30am, and over 100 degrees by mid day. If you are training with anything over 20-30lbs, plan on bringing at least 200 oz of water in order to do this without getting heat stroke. The trailhead was a lil difficult to find, we over shot it the first try, back tracked a bit, and found it. I would say the trail is 90% exposed to the sun. There's poison oak, and plants that with needle sharp leaves 
Reviewed by A. Rosales on 5/2/2008 This is was my first attempt at hiking i live in the area and would always look at the trail... I would encourage anybody to try it. If you keep a steady pace and carry plenty of water you should not have a problem. In result of the recent fires, a trail was made for the firefighter that is extremely streneous and hard, proud to say i made it..just barely but i would do it all over again.
Reviewed by MC on 3/30/2008 If you keep a nice steady pace you shouldn't be struggling too much. I got to the top and down in 3:13. The creek is passable now and there are some makeshift logs that might help you cross. The trail is well graded but there are some shrubs near the top that'll be a little pesky. The satellite towers are hideous but if you stay at the plateau just north of the peak it should be nice. The trail is a bit difficult to find at first so keep your eyes peeled. Enjoy!
Reviewed by Uncle Rico on 3/2/2008 This hike requires a fair amount of stamina as it is a sustained uphill grind of about 800 ft./mile for 4 miles. The trailhead is not overly difficult to locate (but you may have to park on road and walk down to the picnic area- Adventure Pass required). Big T wash was no more than knee deep where we crossed. On the upper reaches of the trail, some bushwhacking is required due to downed trees and overgrown shrubs (watch for ticks). The summit itself is disappointing but the vistas it offers are grand. Do this as a training hike on a cool day.
Reviewed by Elwood on 2/12/2008 Despite fording an energetic Big 'T' wash five or six times to return via Grizzly Flat Trail, despite crawling over, under and around dislocated brush, despite the ticks, despite the remaining re-frozen snow above 3000 ft, the views from Mt. Lukens were awsome! I love this hike.
Reviewed by p tania on 2/2/2008 attempted on 2..02.08. stream is impossible to cross. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||