Hiking Deukmejian Wilderness Park

One of my favorite newsletters comes from Weekend Sherpa. Once a week I receive in my inbox a list of recommend hikes in Southern California. I love hiking and often am intrigued by the routes they recommend. Every summer they also hold the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge where any reader who completes three of their recommendations will receive a t-shirt. I want that t-shirt! For the past two years I’ve neglected the challenge but not this year! During my stay-cation I took advantage of my free hours and headed into the great outdoors.

My first route was the trail at Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Prior to seeing it on Weekend Sherpa I had not heard of this park located in the foothills of Glendale. But a recent weekday found me in the area and I decided to check it out.

One of the highlights of the park is the historic Le Mesnager Barn. At the turn of the century the property was owned by George Le Mesnager a Los Angeles winemaker. The area was used to grow grapes and the barn was constructed from 1914-1918. Now, it is the last remaining structure of the former estate. Once threatened to be replaced by a subdivision the barn is now restored and the centerpiece of the wilderness park.

Unfortunately, it’s surrounded by a fence and I could only view the exterior. It’s a beautiful structure that I’m happy to find still in existence today.

Behind the barn are trails leading into the foothills. Unfamiliar with the area I took the recommend Mummy Rock trail.

The trail is so named because of this rock that flanks its trail head that some say looks like a mummy’s face. Frankly, I don’t see it. I followed the trail, which was much shorter than anticipated, to it’s culmination.

Hmm. A bit disappointing but as it was rather hot out I decided to call it a day and head back to the car. On my way back I was treated to some beautiful views of the surrounding area.

It’s crazy to think that just beyond those hills is the vast metropolis of Los Angeles.

Although a bit short, I did enjoy my visit to Deukmejian Wilderness Park. I definitely want to go back and tackle the other trails. Maybe for next year’s challenge?