Skyline Motorway Hike

Skyline Motorway climbs 1,600 feet in 2.9 miles to a junction with Verdugo Fire Road, the major trail across the principal peaks at the top of the Verdugo Mountains, for a nice6.1-mile round trip hike, or push things farther up to a summit above Skyline Motorway for a 6.6-mile trek. California buckwheat and other scratchy plants have overtaken the old roadway, so be sure to wear long pants and be prepared to get some burrs stuck in your clothes. If you’re game for a little adventure, Skyline Motorway should not disappoint.

Take the 5 Freeway to Burbank to Exit 146A for Olive Avenue. Make your way to Olive Ave. from the off ramp and head north. After 1.2 miles, when Olive Ave. comes to an end, continue straight onto Country Club Drive. Proceed 0.3 miles and turn right on South Via Montana (before Country Club Drive drops into Sunset Canyon). Go a quarter mile and park at the intersection of East Tujunga Avenue. Skyline Motorway begins from the north side of S. Via Montana, just west of the intersection.