Photo by Adrien Capozzi

Launch your hike here.

Ah, lovely Brentwood, home of Montana Avenue, Brentwood Country Mart, a Nike-Ajax supersonic anti-aircraft missile launch site...

What?!

Long before it became known for celebrity sightings and upscale shopping, Brentwood was home to a Cold War defense site that tracked hostile aircraft aimed at LA.

Now the site has been turned into 10.2-acre San Vicente Mountain Park, and the original radar tower provides 360-degree vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley and the LA Basin.

Where to park: Located above an unpaved portion of Mulholland Drive, 2.7 miles west of the 405 freeway, free parking is available just outside the park. If you prefer not to drive a mile on uneven terrain, you can also park where the pavement ends and walk from there.

The terrain: A network of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails are accessible, as are picnic areas and the 20,000-acre "Big Wild" wilderness area. Remember that it's rattlesnake season, so keep an eye out and bring a buddy. Raccoons, hawks, turkey vultures and bobcats are some of the other wild creatures that inhabit the area.

Work up a sweat, and have a blast.

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