Hiking Path from Stone Canyon to Mt. Lukens Circuit
Hop on an uncanny adven'ture in the Angeles National Forest with this trek! We're joinin' the Stone Canyon Trail, climb'n our way to Mt Lukens, the city's highest point in Los Angeles. After touchin' the peak, we'll loop back down into Big Tujunga Canyon via the Grizzly Flat Trail, zig-zaggin' across Big Tujunga Creek. It's a tougher hike than it seems, primitive at times, but it's pure fun!
Where's the Stone Canyon Trailhead?
Our expedition starts at the Wildwood Picnic Area, not the fanciest spot in the Forest. Though it's packed with swimmers on warm weekends and dumps trash, forget it—we'll soon ditch civilization on this trail. Here's the trailhead address to save in your navigator: Wildwood Picnic Site, 3299 Big Tujunga Canyon Rd, Tujunga, CA 91042
Gear Necessary
This hike is best done when it's cooler or really early mornin'. The lower altitudes get brutally hot in summer. Carry 3L of water, and refill from filtering Big Tujunga Creek after several stream crossings. Hiking boots or trail runners are recommended for river crossings. Use trekking poles for the steep slopes and stream crossings, and wear insect repellant, long pants, and long sleeves to avoid brushin' your skin against overgrown plants.
My Current Gear Picks
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - The backpack I can't live without. Light, durable, and keeps my back dry.
- Norda 001 - Feels like a comfy pillow and monster truck for your feet.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - My go-to SOS coverage in the backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Features updated trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Check out all the gear I use and why on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Stone Canyon Trail Maps
The trail can be overgrown in spots, but you'll always find the trail, and it's in decent shape for the most part.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Trail Maps and Elevation Profile
If the creek's flooded with water over your knees, it's not the day for this hike. The stream can be unsafe to cross. While this doesn't happen often, it sometimes does. If that's the case, try a nearby hike to Condor Peak or Josephine Peak instead.
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Who was Lukens? Get the inside scoop on him and the summit in my other guide.
If you want the 8-mile version of this hike, simply return the way you came up. Otherwise continue on the loop.
Even though you may spot a black bear in Angeles National Forest, you'll never encounter a grizzly. The last known California Grizzly seen roamin' in Southern California was killed near this area in 1916, and it was one of the last sightings before the species was declared extinct in 1924. The Grizzly Flat Trail, built by early fire crews, is where the last grizzlies were active.
- The Stone Canyon Trailhead is located at the Wildwood Picnic Site, specifically at 3299 Big Tujunga Canyon Rd, Tujunga, CA 91042.
- Hiking boots or trail runners are recommended for river crossings on the trail.
- Trekking poles are useful for the steep slopes and stream crossings on the trail.
- It's advisable to carry 3L of water and refill from filtering Big Tujunga Creek after several stream crossings.
- Insect repellant, long pants, and long sleeves should be worn to avoid contact with overgrown plants.
- The Grizzly Flat Trail, built by early fire crews, is named after the last grizzlies that were active in the area before the species was declared extinct in 1924.
