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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 2 of 9 Submit your own review 
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. 
Reviewed by mountainman99 on 11/27/2008 This trail can also be accessed from the Tujunga side of the mountain. Not as steep as Big Tujunga and no major creek crossings either. Check out mapquest and access through Haines Canyon. You can do a loop: After about a mile up veer to the left where the fire road goes steeply to the right. A bit difficcult to follow but worth it! Just follow the obvious fire road at the top, for the way down.
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! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||