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Stough Canyon Nature Center

HEAT ADVISORY

TUESDAY 10/1/24: There is a current heat advisory in effect through 10/2/24. Please be safe when visiting our hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas. See below for important tips for hiking in hot weather. 

Hiking in Hot Weather

 

 
Hiking in Hot Weather
 
 
High Temperature
Hiking is not recommended when trailhead temperature exceeds 95º degrees. There may be risk of heat related illness; avoid use of trail during warmest parts of the day.
 
 

 
 
Water Bottle
No water available on the trail – please take plenty with you.
 
 

 
 
Pets
Do not bring dogs or other pets on the trail during excessive heat warnings.
 
 

 
 
Hat
Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and dress in layers when appropriate. Trail offers little or no shade.
 
 

 
 
Hiking
Stay on maintained trails and be aware of wildlife and rattlesnakes.
 
 

 
 
Phone
Take a cell phone with a charged battery.
 
 

 
 
Time
Inform family or friends that you are hiking on this trail and your expected return time.
 
 
For more information, please contact the
City of Burbank Parks & Recreation at 818.238.5300
 

Stough Canyon Nature Center - Description

Nestled in the Verdugo Mountains, the Stough Canyon Nature Center provides opportunities to learn more about the Verdugo Mountains, wildlife, flora, fauna, and habitat through planned activities, exhibits, and nature hikes.

The Stough Canyon Nature Center offers a variety of educational activities including astronomy, nature programs and activities, nature hikes, workshops, seasonal day camps, and volunteer docent programs. 

The Nature Center is also available for rent for meetings, field trips, and birthday parties.


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Learn more about the 2024 Nature summer camp that the City of Burbank Parks & Recreation offers!
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Learn more about the special events offered year round at the Nature Center!
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Learn more about the camps offered throughout the school year! 

Check out the Winter 2024 Newsletter 
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The Stough Canyon Nature Center and the Burbank Public Library are partnering up to read a story and do an activity with a new theme each month! Join us, owl bet it’ll be a hoot! 

Hiking & Trails

 

 
Hiking in Hot Weather
 
 
High Temperature
Hiking is not recommended when trailhead temperature exceeds 95º degrees. There may be risk of heat related illness; avoid use of trail during warmest parts of the day.
 
 

 
 
Water Bottle
No water available on the trail – please take plenty with you.
 
 

 
 
Pets
Do not bring dogs or other pets on the trail during excessive heat warnings.
 
 

 
 
Hat
Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and dress in layers when appropriate. Trail offers little or no shade.
 
 

 
 
Hiking
Stay on maintained trails and be aware of wildlife and rattlesnakes.
 
 

 
 
Phone
Take a cell phone with a charged battery.
 
 

 
 
Time
Inform family or friends that you are hiking on this trail and your expected return time.
 
 
For more information, please contact the
City of Burbank Parks & Recreation at 818.238.5300
 

Beginning at the top of Walnut Avenue, near the Nature Center, the fire road leads to the Verdugo Mountain Way Trail.  The Verdugo Mountain Way is an extensive trail system which extends from the Sun Valley area, south to Brand Park in Glendale, and northeast to Tujunga and La Crescenta.  Hiking and mountain biking are permitted on the fire roads.  The smaller trails are for hiking only.

Trails are open from sunrise to sunset, but please note that the trails may be closed and hikes may be cancelled at any time due to hazardous conditions as a result of inclement weather including, fire, excessive wind, rainstorms, heat, etc.  Signage will be posted at the trail head.  Please do not enter the trail area if closed signs are posted.

RESOURCES

The Stough Canyon Nature Center offers various docent-led or staff led hikes each month.  Hike length and difficulty will vary.  Hikers should bring water and wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing and shoes.  Adults must accompany children under 12 years of age.  Strollers are not recommended on hikes. Sign up on burbankparks.com.
 

MOONLIGHT HIKE

Monthly from January - October | Time Varies | Easy | Meet at Stough Canyon Trail Head

Enjoy a short staff led hike to "The View" and check out a great view of the moon! Call to confirm start time. 
View the 2024 Moonlight Hike schedule


WILD CREATURES WALK

Last Sunday of each month | 11:30 a.m. | Easy | Meet at Stough Canyon Trail Head

Learn about the insects, reptiles, and wildlife in the area of the Verdugo Mountains.
 

Programs & Activities

Package Includes:
  • 2 hour program with a nature hike, nature activity/craft and tour of the Stough Canyon Nature Center
  • Minimum of 10 children per group. Maximum group size 90 (children and adults included)
  • Curriculum-based or badge-based themes available
Pricing and Reservation Information
  • $8 per child in attendance. Payment is collected day of trip. 
  • Chaperone to student ratio should be 1:10 with a maximum of 15 chaperones per group. There is no fee for teachers, scout leaders and/or chaperones
  • Group trips are rain or shine. Trips can be postponed for a later date in the event of inclement weather.
  • Trips are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9 am and 1 pm through May 23, 2025. Summer offerings for scout trips are limited. 
  • To reserve a date visit our website here.  
 

VOLUNTEER DOCENT PROGRAM

Adult docents and youth docents assist with nature hikes, field trip groups, office work, trail maintenance, and special events.  All new volunteers are required to attend basic training sessions.  Volunteers who wish to assist or lead hikes and workshops are required to attend additional training sessions.  Most classes are held at the Nature Center and are approximately 1 to 1½ hours long.  Learn about the flora and fauna and wildlife in the area, ecological concepts, natural history and interpretive skills.  Docents will also help with Nature Center displays and trail maintenance. Youth docents can earn service credit for school by participating in the docent program. The Youth Docent and Adult Docent Program require a $25 annual fee.  

For more information on becoming a docent, please contact the Nature Center.

STORY OWL HOUR

Stough Canyon Nature Center and the Burbank Public Library are partnering up to read a story and do an activity with a new theme each month! Join us, owl bet it’ll be a hoot! 
 

2024 Dates
September 26 | October 24 
November 21 | December 19

2025 Dates
January 23 | *No meeting in February* 
March 27 | April 24 | May 22

Time: 10 am - 11 am
Age: 2-5 years old 


Registration opens the first Thursday of every month at 9 am. 

WOODCARVING WORKSHOP

Woodcarvers of all skill levels are invited to join this fun and creative workshop.  The Smoky Hollow Carvers gather to work on current projects, share ideas and learn from one another.

Date: Meets every Wednesday @ Stough Canyon Nature Center

Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Cost: No registration fee.  Optional materials list and fee available upon request.

*Please note this workshop is not to teach new woodcarvers, but rather for current woodcarvers to have a general meeting place to work on projects and add on to their skills.*

RECREATION CLASSES

The Stough Canyon Nature Center plays host to a number of classes offered through the Parks & Recreation Department. Visit burbankparks.com to explore the opportunities offered in the Burbank Recreation Guide.

Birthday Parties & Room Rentals


Go! Party

Take a walk on the wild side and celebrate your special day at the Stough Canyon Nature Center. Parties include hiking and nature themed activities that are sure to make your party animals roar! Go! Parties are suggested for ages 5-10. Max capacity is 50 people.

 

Package Includes:

  • 2 experienced Burbank Parks and Recreation staff

  • 3 hour room reservation

  • 1.5 hours of organized nature themed activities, including a hike 

  • Souvenir for guest of honor

  • Printable Party Invitations

Cost:

  • Non-refundable Application Fee: $32 
  • Residents: $410 for 20 children
  • Non-Residents: $460 for 20 children
  • ​​​Each additional child is $8
  • Refundable Deposit: $109 for residents, $162 for non-residents

To request a date for a birthday party visit burbankparks.com.

*Prices are subject to change*

ROOM RENTAL

The Stough Canyon Nature Center classroom and amphitheater are available for rent for meetings or events. Rentals are a minimum of two hours. Max capacity is 50 people for the classroom and 100 for the amphitheater. 

Cost for Classroom:

  • Non-refundable Application Fee: $32 
  • Resident: $170 for two hours
  • Non-residents: $260 for two hours
  • Refundable Deposit: $109 for residents, $162 for non-resident

  • Each Additional Hour: $85 for residents, $85 for non-residents
Cost for Amphitheater:
  • Non-refundable Application Fee: $32 
  • Residents: $170 for two hours
  • Non-residents: $260 for two hours
  • Refundable Deposit: $109 for residents, $162 for non-residents 

  • Each Additional Hour: $85 for residents, $85 for non-residents 

Cost for Room with Amphitheater:

  • Non-refundable Application Fee: $32 
  • Residents: $282 for two hours
  • Non-residents: $424 for two hours
  • Refundable Deposit: $109 for residents, $162 for non-residents 

  • Each Additional Hour: $141 for residents, $212 for non-residents 
     

To request a date for a room rental visit burbankparks.com.
Nature Center facility rental flyer

*Prices are subject to change*

Locations
Stough Canyon Nature Center
2300 Walnut Avenue 
Burbank, CA 91501
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(818) 238-5440

FACILITY HOURS
Stough Canyon Trail Head
2300 Walnut Avenue 
Burbank, CA 91501
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Wildwood Trail Head
1701 Wildwood Canyon Road Burbank, CA 91501
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