La Tuna Canyon Park
Starting from Sun Valley follows La Tuna Canyon Road and you will soon reach the park of the same name. La Tuna Canyon Park, is situated in the Verdugo Mountain range, or the Verdugo’s, as it is colloquially called, now a popular hiking and mountain biking spot surrounded by urban landscapes.
The Mountains have a history of about 7,000 years. They were inhabited by the Tongva Native American tribe, who lived in the canyon. The mountain range was named by rancher Jose Maria Verdugo, who was granted the neighboring lands by the Spanish government on 1784. The earliest attempt to develop the mountain's interior was on 1912, when a cable incline railroad was proposed along with stations and a visitors' center, but the project fell through. Historically, the Mountains have been the home to wildfires, which occurred naturally every 30-40 years on average. One particularly devastating forest fire that broke out in 1980 took was dubbed "La Tuna Canyon Fire". By mid-20th century, fire roads were constructed, so as to aid fire-fighting efforts. Today, they attract a lot interest of visitors and hikers of the Park.
La Tuna Canyon Park is now a protected area, spanning 1,100 acres. Its facilities include a picnic area, ample parking space and ADA accessibility. The above-mentioned fire roads are its main attraction. It is estimated that the whole Verdugo mountain range has more than 25 miles of fire roads that are kept in good condition and several overgrown ones. These roads are frequented by hikers and mountain bikers.
An important park feature is the 2.2 mile long La Tuna Canyon trail, constructed in 1989. Another popular feature is the great view of the surrounding area, which brings together natural and man-made elements. Visitors are also fond of the Grotto, a canyon trail which leads to a waterfall and a small pool.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the flora and fauna native to the area. Plants are represented mostly by fire resistant species and trees (e.g. sage, lilac, laurels, willows and walnut trees). The animal population consists mainly of coyotes, rattlesnakes and mule deer, but there have been reports of black bears and mountain lions.
If you want to take a break from hectic city life for a picnic or for change of scenery, but don't to stray too far from it or if you are feeling adventurous and wouldn't mind hiking or riding a bike through the mountains, La Tuna Canyon park is a place you will enjoy.
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