Beautiful hike. The hike is about 2 miles roundtrip. To get inside the cave, you have to rock climb…read moreusing a rope. Wear shoes with a good grip. Parking is residential. There re no bathrooms.

Beautiful scenery Great hiking trails…read moreAwesome cave Clean park Cool rocks Went hiking yesterday

This review is for the Cistern Trail To Lookout Trail. It's a short 1.4 mile round trip to get a…read morenice view of Malibu Creek and the interesting rock formation right next to it. Takes about 30 minutes or so to complete. Extremely hot during this period of time; no shades. Mostly a decline to the end of the trail and incline on the way back. There are other trails to go on further if you want more mileage. Free parking on the dirt road right at the entrance of the Cistern trailhead.

Pretty neat trail that is part of the Malibu Creek State Park. You can search Cistern Trail…read moreParking, which will take you to the start of the trail. The parking is basically off the road, so no payment is needed. For non hikers like me and my boyfriend, I would stay this trail is definitely doable and not crazy hard. However, it is quite hot with very minimal shade, and you do have to walk on an incline for some parts. We went to the Century Lake Dam, which is about 1 mile from the parking area. The dam was pretty cool but you can really only see the backside of it, since the entrance to the front side was blocked with a fence/barbed wire. My boyfriend had to sneak through to snag a pic of the front side of the dam (I don't recommend this since it is dangerous and you can fall into the water). Overall, the trail is a nice walk with a fairly cool landmark along the trail.

This park is a spectacular place to spend as little as an hour, or the entire day in! The trail…read moreloops in Bell Canyon take you West into El Escorpion Park and South into the larger Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (a.k.a. Ahmanson Ranch) and provide miles of trails to walk, hike, and mountain bike among ancient oaks, mesas, caves, and chaparral. In the winter, the cooler temps make the breeze sing through the mesa along the Old Ranch Road trail. There are plenty of spots to stop for lunch, but please remember to pack your trash when you leave to keep it beautiful! Many hikers bring their leashed dogs through and the majority of trails are easy for young children as well. In the summer, don't forget your sun protection and plenty of water as there is very little to no shade on several trail loops. And of course, bring your camera for pics of your visit. I posted summer and winter pics so you can see the changes.

This has been my home away from home for as long back as I can remember. Basically, the park…read moreencompasses El Escorpion Canyon, a sparely wooded canyon on the south side of Castle Peak along El Escorpion creek, Castle Peak and its ridge, and Bell Canyon north of the peak along Bell Creek, all up to the Ventura County line. It is attached to the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve via El Escorpion Trail. There are a number of trails through the park, the best being the entire Castle Peak loop. There is a naming issue with this place. Basically, the two canyons are sometimes called separate parks. But recently Google maps has been showing them both as "Bell Canyon Park," and although I prefer El Escorpion Canyon, I'm willing to swallow my pride and call it all one park. Be careful throughout the park as there is lots of poison oak, bee hives, and rattlesnakes. You can also find some tarantulas and quail if you are lucky! While it is closed from dusk to dawn, this is an excellent place to go chill and look at the stars. Many a meteor shower was seen from these trails. Also look out for a sick BMX area. One of the best things about this park is that it is close to the city, yet remote. You can go out here and no one will usually bother you. But in recent years, that has been its downfall as well. More and more people are retreating out here, and there is a lot more graffiti and trash as of late. The Castle Peak Loop begins at the gate where Vanowen turns into Sunset Ridge. From there, you start hiking up the canyon. The first little part is often called Dog Shit Canyon cause of all the people who walk their dogs on this little part that is closest to suburbia. From there you head right across the creek and then straight up Castle Peak on the south side. Castle Peak is a tough hike. You can do it in less than 30 minutes if you know the terrain and are in good shape. Other than that, take it slow. There are 5 phases up this side of the peak. The first phase is kinda slippery and very steep. The second phase has this red soil and is a little more uneven than phase 1, if not as steep. Phase 3 is basically large rocks and gravel. Very slippery. Phase 4 is the section after the big white chalk part at the end of phase 3. It is rocky and has lots of smaller intersecting trails and is fairly solid. The last phase is the approach, where it gets even more rocky before you hit the top. From the top of Castle Peak is the best view of the west valley you'll find. Watch for different birds over the seasons. The swifts and the hummingbirds both do awesome dive bombs and are my favs. Then head west along the ridge. There, you will meet a fork in the trials. Head straight along the most traveled path and bear right until you end up on a very well maintained wide trail that goes down into Bell Canyon. This part ends at a little park with a baseball diamond and some picnic tables. Get some water at the park and then head down the trail along the creek, this one being Bell Creek, down to the horse trail. This horse trail along the suburban streets will take you back to the gate for the full loop. This can be done in reverse as well, duh. Interesting tidbit, where Bell Creek and El Escorpion Creek meet is the official start of the LA river. Check it out, and please help pick up any liter you see. Let's keep this park clean for future generations. Hope to see you there!

I'm not even the first to review this park out in the middle of nowhere, and that's a good…read morething..... because the previous reviewer posted a photo of his view from one of the hiking trails.....awesome. And that pic helps to illustrate just how remote this area is. On Labor Day, way out here, would you believe I stumbled upon a photo shoot! Haha gotta love LA, all of it. They were shooting a model in soccer attire, as she kicked a ball around..... http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/oBGdNevfevCUxeYtjKWLJQ/l (....in the bloody summer heat, without even breaking a sweat, what a pro.) So this park has a fenced kiddie play area http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/G0zDQ3BkvJxcjm5Jsz5PdQ/l and some picnic tables, and views of the brush-dotted hills, and of course....oak trees. Oaks always remind me of Chicago, as do elms, and they are especially beautiful in autumn. I didn't venture up any of the hiking trails, it was too hot for me. http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/y2qZoYsCXCl9akJwjkEhEw/l But at least one guy had been hiking with his dog, and was descending when I arrived at the park. So yeah it's hot out here in summer, but still I am fascinated with this part of the Valley. The landscape combined with the remoteness seems otherworldly to me. I like to make the drive all the way around the far reaches of the Valley, on Valley Circle Blvd.. There's a parking lot at Chatsworth Oaks Park, but I didn't see any bathrooms. Best to stop in the sweet lil one-horse town you pass through just before you hit the deserted stretch of Valley Circle on which the park is located. If you want a getaway from all the madness & traffic, you won't get much farther away from it all than this, and still be in the LA vicinity. I love it here, can't wait to go back when the weather's a bit cooler. Because the scenery is cool, indeed.

It's pretty clean and many fun trails. Also pet friendly and worthwhile for family / partners who…read morewant a complete trail while being able to decide when they're ready to stop at any moment

***CAUTION*** Don't…read morecome here alone. Don't come here unprepared without bear spray. Don't bring your dog. Don't come here at night. Don't leave your earbuds in. This hike was part of my biological clock. My routine. I would run here in the afternoon daily. Since the fires, this hike has become incredibly dangerous. My last two jogs involved me being greeted by large coyotes, who would then dart off into the brush. As I walked to the car, I could hear myself being stalked. The trail is surround by 7 foot plus forage. Local residents feed the coyotes, which makes them view our species as weak friends, not intimidating. There are people that have had their smaller dogs snatched from under them. Some hikers have seen packs as big as 20. Mountain lion calls are increasing in the Malibu area. There are reports of murders by gangs and body dumps happening in the hills. This doesn't take away from the beauty of the destruction and history of the recent fire. The story you can feel being told as you approach a burnt tree that is charred and somehow still standing is incredible. After the rain, a small creek develops and the forage turns to green scenery like something out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. However, this is a wild area. It's deserted and it deserves your respect. Recently, the park rangers even took down the papers located on the bulletin board. They don't trim the brush around the fences anymore either. There's no sign to show it even exists. I think they are planning to close it off. For everyone's safety, if you see a friendly coyote or mountain lion do not hesitate to call animal control. It gets real, very quickly when you see three coyotes staring at you and you see your phone has no service while hearing noise in the brush.

This is actually a really nice trail. Yes, it's dry back there due to the weather not much rain…read more There are rattlesnakes. Yes you'll see some coyotes. They're not gonna bother you as far as the guy posting on her that there's gangs up in there in dead bodies, it's a bunch of crap. I ride my bike back there all the time I live right down the street from it at 5532 La Virginia Rd.. bring water with you and yes in the future you're gonna wanna keep your eyes open because now they've made it accessible for mountain lions. Otherwise it's a great hike always bring sunscreen and water with you and make sure your batteries good on your phone. You're all good to go.

I've been here a handful of times now and every time I really enjoy my hike! It's a wide dirt path…read morethat meanders through the canyon. I often see plenty of wildlife including birds, coyotes, and deer. Definitely go during cooler temps, and not over the hot summer months. The parking lot is ample with wide spaces and a pit toilet at the trailhead. I usually hike about 3-4 miles in and back, and then have a picnic lunch at the tables near the parking lot. Highly recommend this trail!

The new parking is great! There are 2 parking areas, up and down the hill, for cars as well as…read morehorse trailers. There is a covered area with picnic tables and restrooms at the top parking area. From the bottom parking there is a small creek in the spring with TONS of tadpoles! Is you want to see wildlife this is the place, coyotes, vultures, and hawks are really common to see when hiking, as well all of the horses and dogs people bring with them!

The Santa Susana pass was once known as the Simi pass that connects San Fernando Valley to Simi…read moreValley. This pass has historical and cultural significance as once as Indigenous corridor. Now this park provides beautiful views of natural landscapes and overlooks multiple counties. A great place to catch a sunset or sunrise. The park offers various length and difficulties of hikes. The park can be accessed on the Simi Valley side off the 118 freeway at the rocky peak exit. Along the mountain there is a small parking lot. Be careful pulling in and out of lot as traffic whips around the corner fast. Happy trails!

Talk about history! The Santa Susana Pass area was a crossroads for the Tongva, Chumash and…read moreTataviam cultures for about 8,000 years prior to the Europeans' arrival and subsequent land grab. The Old Santa Susana Stage Road can still be seen here, wagon wheel ruts and all. There's a memorial plaque at the top of Devil's Slide and the Stage Road is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Santa_Susana_Stage_Road#:~:text=The%20precipitous%20portion%20of%20the,Passengers%20debarked%20and%20walked. If you want to see the memorial plaque, it's a pretty steep hike. Wear hiking boots and if you have any issues with balance whatsoever, a walking stick is highly recommended. Entrance is free. Street parking, also free. There are four different trailheads marked on this map: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/611/files/SantaSusanaPassSHPWeb2016.pdf Be advised that the trail signs don't always match the map. Take water and your camera/phone and your sense of adventure. A perfect pandemic outing!

*** GREAT Mountain Bike Trail ***…read more - Take the 405 freeway into the Sepulveda pass and get off on Mulholland. Take this west a mile or so and the pavement will suddenly turn to dirt. This road runs the spine of the southern Santa Monica mountains with views of the San Fernando valley on one side, and the beachfront west side on the other. - beautiful view - beginners-/Intermediate(if you decide to take the steeper trails) CONS: - no shade, so wear a LOT of sunscreen!

Bike & Hike for Miles-on-End with Mountain & Valley Views!…read more My Obsession! Dirt Mulholland is a wide dirt road with Killer Mountain Views looking out over the entire Valley. It goes on for at least 7 miles and maybe longer. Perfect for biking, hiking, running, and dog walking. It is truly a gift to those living near Woodland Hills or Topanga... I think it goes all the way to Tarzana and maybe further. If you haven't been to Dirt Mulholland, get off your butt and go enjoy it! I try to make it here at least twice a week. (I access it by going to the intersection of Topanga Canyon Rd. and Mulholland... then heading Southwest on Mullholland until it becomes a dirt road.)