“Excuses run out as quickly as my breath,” was my first thought as I trudged up the steep terrain in the Verdugo Mountains. I forged ahead debating whether or not this hike was part of my surgeon’s prescription. You see, I had knee surgery this past October for a torn meniscus. And while I’d done plenty of walking the past month, I hadn’t hiked such an incline. “But my physical therapist said I need to work up a sweat. And doc said hills are fine,” my inner voice pleaded. Ok, ok. Just take it slow. Since my surgery, I’m actually quite surprised at my indifference towards not being able to run. This is coming from someone who equated running to religion since the 6th grade.
I’d never hiked this sparsely-populated trail and recently discovered it after visiting the Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale, CA. The Center itself is a hidden gem and mash-up of my 3 favorite things – nature, art and music. The lending library is entirely devoted to art and music, and boasts a lovingly-curated art gallery. There’s even a Japanese teahouse!
The trail itself was tucked behind the Center, aptly marked with a grand statue of the Miss American Green Cross (though later on you’ll see a start sign). It’s a tribute to the long-gone American Reforestation Association, a conservation movement dating back to the early 20th century. The epitaph read, “Help Save our Trees. The Forest is the Mother of the Rivers.” It seemed like my kind of trail. “I’m sure it’ll level out in no time,” I thought.
Nope. Nein. Nyet. My brain needed the challenge though. These mountains were perfect for a quick escape as they were only a 20-minute drive from my urban LA zip code. Despite their proximity to the city and foothill communities, the isolated mountain range may as well have been Kilimanjaro or a 5-star yoga retreat. A place of quiet reflection and transformation but at a far lesser cost. See whenever my thoughts marinate past their prime, I like to travel. The idea of travel has changed for me over the years. It used to mean a string of planes, trains and automobiles; To a destination that topped some important, can’t miss list. That idea was quite limiting given I could only plan such a trip once a year at most. So I started taking more mini-breaks.
I was so enraptured by the change in scenery that I completely forgot to launch my latest playlist. And it was just as well. These mountains sing by way of the wind, sharing long-forgotten secrets. The slivers of rock keep a time-table of all their memories – an almanac marking earthquakes, mudslides and man-made battles. Indigenous tribes called this place home over 7,000 years ago.
You know these mountains breathe a sigh of relief after a soaking rainstorm – sometimes they even cry, much to the dismay of neighboring residents. But this day they were at rest and all I heard was the steady breeze rustling brittle leaves; The occasional bark of a hiker’s dog echoing through the scarred canyons. Or maybe it was the ghost of P-41, the famous mountain lion that rambled this rough terrain.
The canyons were lonely but full of pride. Lululemon didn’t matter here. This wasn’t Runyon Canyon, a glitzier face-lift cousin and Angelino favorite. I felt a sense of nostalgia thinking back to my hikes through the Yorkshire Dales or that nameless sun-baked trail near Joshua Tree. Each turn on the switchbacks, every altitude gain revealed new perspective. It was getting easier in mind, body and spirit. It’s one of those trails where you turn each corner and say, “Oh, I’ll just walk a little farther, see what’s around the next bend.” I probably spent an hour winding my way up the hills before threading my way my back down. Same trail, but then again…not quite. Beautiful, promising vistas at every turn. On a clear day the ocean winked at you.
It’s not like the heavens broke open and I’d solved the mysteries of the Universe but it’s kind of amazing what a little afternoon away can do to re-charge your brain and get it back into a flow. Now I know the idea of a mini-break isn’t revolutionary. But I sometimes forget about the benefits of traveling near to get far. Not to mention there’s no hassle to pack a suitcase and deal with jet-lag. It’s almost as if your neurons blossom to form new connections and ideas. You find a new solution to a problem that’s been nagging you for weeks. It chills out your monkey mind and it’s like vitamins for your soul. Sometimes all it takes is a stroll down a new street or a visit to a new coffee shop. And that’s what this trip did for me.
I didn’t get a chance to hike the entire trail but plan to extend my trip as my knee continues to heal. My pace is fairly quick despite my knee and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the mountains. I also recommend bringing a sandwich and stopping at one of the vistas to let yourself mind, body and spirit unwind. There’s very little shade so be sure to bring the essentials. You’ll have a few trails to choose from but I only had time to take the one behind the statue.
So where do you like to travel to re-charge your batteries? Does it involve an activity like hiking or do you prefer a good ol’ couch session? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
The Brand Library + Trail Parking Lot
Address: 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91201
Free parking is available in the lot. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Library Hours
Monday: Closed // Tuesday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm // Friday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm // Phone: 818.548.2051