I’ve had this trail on my list for a while since the trailhead is right next to Descanso Gardens. It starts off on the appropriately named Descanso Trail which follows the fence that runs along the edge of the gardens. I parked my car just before sunrise and started heading up. The trail makes a pretty immediate ascent through some oaks and a series of switchbacks. Once you’re up high enough, you can actually look down into Descanso Gardens. There’s some nice views of the San Gabriels and the Verdugo mountains from the trail. The Santa Ana winds were pretty intense this morning and made walking interesting. As I was hiking four coyotes crossed over the trail ahead of me and headed down the hill. They seemed preoccupied with whatever they were tracking and not so much interested in what I was doing. At an intersection called Five Points, I headed east on the Cerro Negro Trail and then finally up to the lookout to check out the Chrysler-Bell Victory air raid siren. It was even more windy up at the summit. I found the summit marker, took some pictures and then headed back down. This is a nice short hike if you just want to stay close to the city. Not much shade at all on this hike, so definitely not one to do when it’s hot outside.
The trail starts off just next to the sign for Descanso Gardens on Descanso Drive.
Following the fence along the edges of Descanso Gardens through some very pretty oaks.
Switchbacks going up.
The sun started to come up shortly after I started hiking.
Another beautiful sunrise.
Heading up along the fire road.
Still going up. :)
The Glendale Police Department has their firing range nearby. I didn't hear any shots going off this morning tough. Maybe too early.
This is the intersection at Five Points. I headed east on the Cerro Negro Trail here.
The Cerro Negro Trail is single track and a nice brak from the fire roads.
This vista is called the "Ultimate Destination". There are some picnic benches here and a drinking fountain.
Views from the Vista looking over at the San Gabriels.
The junction heading up to the lookout.
Found the summit marker.
Stuff by humans.
Chrysler-Bell Victory Siren.
There's a bench up here too.
Wildflowers.
Looking over at JPL.
Heading back down.
DTLA.
Looking down into Descanso Gardens.
Looking back up at the switchbacks.
Heading back to the car through the oaks.
