Mt. Lukens, standing at 5,074 feet, is the tallest point in the city of Los Angeles. There are a few different routes to reach the peak. For the hike described here, I went on the Crescenta View Trail, a moderate out-and-back hike that covers approximately 9 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 2700 feet.
I chose this peak as Hike #3 in my Couch to Peaks series. It’s a gradual increase in mileage and elevation gain from my last hike to Josephine Peak.
Although Mount Lukens isn’t as famous as some of Southern California’s other peaks, it offers sweeping vistas that stretch from LA’s urban sprawl to mountainous wilderness. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy views of San Fernando Valley, downtown LA and even glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Mount Lukens.
trail information
DISTANCE: 9 Miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~2700′
TRAILHEAD: Deukmejian Wilderness Park (Google Maps Link)
RATING: Moderate
BEST TIME TO GO: Spring & Fall
DOWNLOAD GPX:
watch this hike on Youtube
I made a YouTube video of this hike — watch it here. 👇
trail description
The Crescenta View Trail is a moderate approach to Mount Lukens, offering an out-and-back route covering approximately 9 miles round trip. With an elevation gain of about 2,700 feet, the hike requires a steady climb, making it a solid workout for those progressing towards intermediate hikes.
This trail is suitable for all seasons. Summer can get uncomfortably hot here, but it’s still doable if you start early and pack plenty of water and electrolytes.
Trail Overview
- Trailhead: Deukmejian Wilderness Park, trailhead is located slightly to the left of the restroom (Show on Google Maps)
- Parking: free parking lot
- Trailhead Elevation: 2334′
- Summit Elevation: 5074′
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2700′
Our journey starts at Crescenta Valley, about 20 minutes from downtown Glendale. The trailhead is located at Deukmejian Wilderness Park. The trailhead is easy to access, and parking here is free, which is always a bonus! You’ll also find a well maintained restroom.
The trailhead is located slightly to the left of the restroom.
As we set out from the trailhead, you’ll immediately notice how this trail gradually climbs into the foothills. It’s a mix of single-track and fire roads, which offers a nice variety as we head upward.
As you make your way up the Crescenta View Trail, you’ll pass through chaparral-covered slopes, sparse trees, and expansive ridges that open up to sweeping views.
The first 2 miles are a steady incline. You’ll pass through patches of wildflowers in the spring and get occasional glimpses of wildlife like hawks and maybe even a deer or two. As it’s approaching late summer now, some of the trees have turned a beautiful shade of orange.
The next 2 miles are pretty repetitive. The views don’t change that much so I just focused on putting one foot in front of another. Occasionally I stopped, took a look at the summit and estimated how much longer I had to go. Sometimes I looked behind me, and appreciated how far I’d already climbed.
I went there on a Sunday but I hadn’t crossed paths with another hiker. The parking lot was full however, so I wondered where everyone went. This is not a super popular hike, but I did expect to see at least SOME hikers.
After some more hiking, I reached a rest area with a bunch of rocks in a circle and an American flag. This marks a good spot to take a little break. I drank my energy shot to give me a little boost for the final ascent.
At around mile 4, things start to get more intense. The trail steepens considerably as you make the final push towards the summit. You’ll want to take this part slow—there are switchbacks, rocky terrain, and it’s important to watch your footing because there are steep exposed sections. But trust me, the effort is worth it.
Summit
After a challenging final stretch, you’ll arrive at the Mt. Lukens summit, standing at 5,074 feet. The peak itself is pretty unassuming—there are communication towers and radio antennas, but don’t let that distract you. This is the perfect place to take a break, eat lunch, and reflect on your journey up. One of my favorite parts of hiking is the quiet moments at the summit—after all the effort, you can just be.
Self-acceptance is the foundation for true transformation. You cannot change what you do not accept.
Carl Rogers
As I sat there enjoying my break, I thought about this quote and the mindset behind the idea that “Self-acceptance is the foundation for true transformation. You cannot change what you do not accept.” So often, when we set goals—whether it’s fitness, career, or personal growth—there’s a fine line between being too critical of ourselves and being too complacent. If we’re overly self-critical, we get bogged down by guilt, shame, or fear of failure. On the flip side, if we’re too lenient, we never push ourselves to improve.
It’s taken me many years to learn this lesson, and it may seem like a paradox, but it’s true. Before you can transform into something better, you have to accept who you are right now.
If you want sustainable and lasting change, it can only come from a place of self-acceptance—acknowledging where you are right now without judgment, but also recognizing that there’s room for growth. This balance is the key to making those permanent changes, and that’s the mindset I’m learning to embrace as I go on these weekly hikes.
For me, hiking has become a central piece of my personal transformation. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about grounding myself, finding perspective. Just like with hiking, I’ve realized that I don’t have to tackle the whole mountain at once. I can face each challenge—physical and emotional—step by step. With every hike, I train my body to overcome obstacles, but more importantly, I’m training my mind to embrace self-acceptance.
The Descent
Well, enough talking about self acceptance! It’s time to head back down the way we came. Descending the Crescenta View Trail can be just as challenging as the ascent, especially on the steep and rocky sections. I recommend taking your time, staying mindful of loose rocks, and being gentle on your knees. If you brought trekking poles, this is the perfect time to use them.
The descent is around 4.5 miles back to the trailhead, so make sure to pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the scenery as you go.
Trail Highlights
- Panoramic Views of San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA and surrounding mountains
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Family Friendly: No, unless you have older kids who really enjoy hiking as a form of exercise.
If you enjoy hiking Mt Lukens, let me know in the comments – which trail is your favorite to summit?
P.S. This is Hike #3 of my Couch to Peaks series. I’m in the process of transforming myself from a couch potato to a peak bagger. Check out my journey here.
If you’re following along with this Couch to Peaks journey, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the next hike.
download GPX
Download Mt. Lukens via Crescenta View Trail GPX
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