Hike to Eat: Finding Our Way to Views and Vittles with My Four-Legged Foodie
It was a gloomy morning in the Verdugo Mountains when we pulled into Stough Canyon Nature Center. The parking situation was refreshingly easy – plenty of spots available even on a hiking day (Saturday). My four-legged hiking companion, Sage, was already doing her signature full-body wiggle in the backseat, nose pressed against the window, tail wagging with the anticipation of trails ahead. If dogs could smile, Sage was beaming – she knows our #HikeToEat adventures always end with something worth wagging about.
The Adventure Begins
The great thing about hiking with dogs is their infectious enthusiasm. While my partner and I were checking trail markers and consulting our phones, Sage was already leading the way with confident steps, her tail held high like a furry flag. The trail started easily enough, with Sage pausing occasionally to investigate particularly interesting shrubs or to give us an encouraging look that clearly said, "Keep up, humans – there's a burger waiting at the finish line!"
Conquering Views and Milestones
Our first victory came at The View, where the morning fog was just starting to lift, revealing glimpses of the San Fernando Valley below. Sage took her ceremonial water break, lapping eagerly from her portable bowl while we caught our breath and soaked in the scene. It was just a taste of the views to come, an appetizer for both our eyes and our adventure.
From there, we made our way to the Old Youth Campground, a historic rest stop that's witnessed countless hikers' journeys before ours. Here we faced our pivotal choice: take the safe, paved road to the Picnic Table At Vista, or embrace the more adventurous mountain trail that promised better views. One look at Sage's eager pull toward the mountain path, and we knew – the best rewards often come from taking the road less traveled.
Finding Our Way (and Working Up an Appetite)
What followed was a lesson in trust and adventure. The mountain trail started clear enough but soon transformed into a narrower path, hemmed in by swaying spring grasses that had grown tall with the season's rain. Nature's version of mood lighting, the golden stalks created tunnels of green and gold, with the path threading through like a secret passage.
"I think we might be off track," I admitted to my partner at one point, as another patch of tall grass obscured our way. Sage simply looked back at us with those wise eyes that seemed to say, "Trust the journey," before confidently trotting ahead through the grass-lined path. The scent of sage and wildflowers filled the air, mixing with the earthy dampness of the morning – nature's own appetizer.
Relief and triumph washed over us when we spotted fellow hikers and finally emerged at the Picnic Table At Vista. The reward was immediate: panoramic views of Burbank stretched out before us, the city laid out like a feast for our eyes. But this was just the first course of our reward system.
As we prepared to leave our viewpoint perch, a family arrived with picnic baskets in hand, ready to claim the spot for their own feast with a view. There's something heartwarming about seeing these spaces being enjoyed in different ways – some hike to eat elsewhere, others bring their feast to the trail.
The Ultimate Reward: A Feast for the Senses
We wrapped up our hike and headed back to the car, taking the more straightforward paved route down. The trail had given us exactly what we needed – enough exercise to earn our upcoming feast, enough nature to refresh our spirits, and enough adventure to make the story worth telling. From Burbank, we made the drive over to Silver Lake, with Sage enjoying her post-hike celebration – ears flapping in the wind with the windows down, carrying the dusty, happy scents of our morning adventure.
The moment we pulled up to Win-Dow in Silver Lake, the rich aroma of grilling patties and golden fries enveloped us like a warm hug. And if burgers aren't calling your name, you're in luck – the Silver Lake location sits right next to a vibrant farmers' market that runs every Tuesday and Saturday. It's a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal foods (though our furry friends aren't allowed in the market area). Parking can be challenging during market days, but the trade-off is worth it for the variety of food options available. Today though, we were on a mission for those perfectly seasoned burgers.
While Sage sat patiently, doing her best "good dog" impression, we ordered our well-earned feast. The first bite of the cheeseburger was pure bliss – the perfectly seasoned patty still sizzling, melted cheese cascading down the sides, the bun soft yet toasted to perfection. Each crispy, golden fry delivered that satisfying crunch that only post-hike fries can achieve. This wasn't just lunch; it was a victory meal, made all the sweeter by the morning's adventure.
Between bites of burger and crispy fries, we pulled out our phones, already plotting our next #HikeToEat adventure. There's something special about planning the next journey while savoring the rewards of the current one – it's become our post-hike tradition, dreaming up new trails to explore and new flavors to discover. And of course, Sage had her own special post-hike treat, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of another successful #HikeToEat mission.
These adventures with Sage have taught us the true spirit of #HikeToEat: it's not just about the destination or even the meal at the end – it's about sharing the journey with those who matter most, whether they walk on two legs or four. Sometimes the best trails are the ones where you get a little lost, trust your four-legged guide, and end up exactly where you're supposed to be. And if that place happens to serve up the perfect burger and fries? Well, that's just the cherry on top of an already beautiful day.
Trail Tips from Sage:
• Pack extra water – adventures require hydration
• Dogs require to be leashed at all times - it's the rule
• Post-hike windows-down drives are non-negotiable
• Every good hike deserves a treat at the end
To Summarize our Experience:
• Location: Stough Canyon Nature Center, Burbank
• Parking: Ample parking available at the trailhead
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, dog-friendly (leashed dogs only)
• Landmarks: The View, Old Youth Campground, Picnic Table at Vista
• Post-Hike Reward: Burgers and Fries
• Best Time: Early morning to beat the heat
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Author's Note: This tale of trails and tails was experienced in 2024. Always check current trail conditions and keep your dog's abilities in mind when hiking.
Disclaimer: This blog shares a personal hiking and dining experience. Post-hike food choices are individual preferences - we encourage hikers to choose refreshments that best suit their dietary needs and lifestyle. No establishments mentioned sponsored or influenced this content. The #HikeToEat concept promotes the joy of earning your meal through activity, whatever that meal may be.
