Verdugo Mtwy View
Perched high in the Verdugo Mountains, this viewpoint delivers a sweeping panorama of the Los Angeles Basin that stretches from downtown skyscrapers all the way to the Pacific on clear days. The wide open vista works best with a wide angle lens to capture the full expanse of the city below, though a telephoto lets you compress layers of ridgelines and pull in distant landmarks like the downtown skyline or the Hollywood Hills. Shoot at sunrise for soft, golden light raking across the basin before haze builds up, or come at blue hour after sunset when the city lights begin to glow and the sky holds color. The trail to reach this spot is steep and exposed, so arrive early in summer to beat both the heat and the crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and give yourself extra time to set up before your target light. (Glendale, California, United States)
