Tigertail Trails

The neighborhoods of Brentwood have some of the most beautiful gardens in the city and are particularly stunning in the late summer and early fall, when the intense colors of thick flower beds, climbing roses and bougainvillea burst out against lush green hedges & lawns.
For the Brentwoodian who is looking to escape the dreary scenery of the gym, walking through these neighborhoods can provide a soothing alternative to their daily workout. But for those wanting something more sweat-inducing, but still pretty, nothing beats a brisk hike up Tigertail Road.
Beginning just north of Sunset Boulevard, Tigertail runs for approximately 2 miles, and is lined with charming Mediterranean, Tudor and Cape Cod houses, complete with sparkling fountains and flower-filled courtyards. But beneath this lovely landscape there lurks a serious incline that will put any treadmill to shame.
The entire hike—from the bottom of the hill to the summit, and back down again— takes about an hour and a half to complete, assuming you walk at a fairly determined pace. Early morning or late evening are the optimal times; Tigertail is strewn with the remains of those who set out at high noon on a hot day, thinking they’d “get a little color†during their workout. Depending on how far away you live, it might be a good idea to drive and park near the bottom of the hill. Those who survive the hike are often tempted to collapse into a heap on the nearest lawn rather than walk one additional step.
The beginning of the road is full of thick shady trees and old brick walls, with just enough incline to justify ditching the gym. Expect frequent opportunities for community service: at least twice you’ll be asked for directions by a lost motorist trying to find the Getty or one of those tiny side streets you can never keep straight.
After about 30 minutes, your brisk pace will become a stagger, and you’ll notice stomach muscles you didn’t know existed. The misery continues to increase, but after you pass Stonehill Lane, there’s a temporary reprieve, as the pavement suddenly flattens into a plateau. A few yards past Lindenwood, a miniature park appears on the left, complete with a bench which looks out to a large opening in the trees. On a clear day, the view from here is amazing BUT DO NOT STOP ON ANY ACCOUNT; the view is going to be your reward for making it to the top.
After you pass the miniature park, the final agony begins; you’ll feel like a pack-mule trudging up the Andes cliffs. To add insult to injury, out of nowhere will inevitably appear a runner or cyclist who effortlessly flies by at 90 mph, shooting you pitying looks and covering you with flying gravel.
Somehow you reach the top. Though you have the option of continuing down Canna Road, you can (and will) immediately turn around and hurl yourself back down the hill. But now is the time to reap the bounty of all your suffering. Every half block on your descent provides a stunning view of lush Westside canyons, coastline and ocean. After basking in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean for another 40 minutes, you will finally each the bottom. Never have you been so thrilled to see your own car.