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    Caballero Canyon Trail

    4.3 (93 reviews)

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    Isobel L.

    Protected by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, this unspoiled land tucked in the middle of over-developed suburbia reminds us how beautiful the San Fernando Valley used to be. There are several trails throughout the area, some steeper than others. One of the most popular trails follows the wash/creekbed and is lined by beautiful sycamore trees. I saw lots of fall color during my visit, not only from the orange sycamore leaves but also from the bright red toyon berries. Free admission and free street parking near the trailhead.

    Caballero Canyon Trail
    Joshua S.

    Caballero Canyon Trail is a nice and easy trail to start with if you're not physically active like myself. There's a decent amount of people going up this trail and they're usually friendly. I saw a lot of people taking their pets in this trail and I took my dog out here as well. It is not very difficult for them to finish. Make sure you bring water to keep them hydrated and your own poopy bags to clean up after your dog - if you ever forget to bring poopy bags, there are some available by the entrance.

    Loren D.

    Beware, while hiking with my family I was harassed by this man who was accompanied with his wife. Calling my daughter bitch, so many others different names to my self fat b. I reminded him she was a minor. But he didn't care be really careful going up on the trail.

    Alex K.

    It's amazing how certain places can have so many trails. I usually just go to the top of reseda for the main trail. Driving pass each time and seeing so many cars parked on the side, I knew there was a trail but didn't know where it lead to. Having to actually experience this one for the first time was great. First off, tons of street parking. You'll notice tons of cars along the street so you won't miss it. Starting, there was two paths you could go along. To the right it was going downhill but we went towards the left which was leading uphill. May I say, it was a trek. It was basically up hill incline the whole way. The trail was pretty narrow at certain points. It has spilt in the middle from who knows where so be careful. The view is beautiful and tons of greenery along the way. It was a hot day so be prepared. There's also certain patches that you go through which offered shade covering like a little enchanted forest. What seemed like forever as it was uphill but it wasn't even a mile yet. Once you reach the top, it connected you to the main road that leads you back to top of reseda. But coming back, we came down another way which we noticed people going down. It was easier as you were going downhill but we didn't know where it would lead. Finally, towards the end you noticed that it was the trail at the beginning that was to the right. They basically do a loop at the top. Right side of the trail was more of easier way as the left side was a bit harder as it was uphill the whole way. Beautiful and nice trails. It does get busy as pathway was narrow so be cautious as you may have to move to the side to pass or let others pass.

    Spring is here!!
    Cristina B.

    I have hiked this trail numerous times when I lived in southern California. While visiting CA a couple of weeks ago I hiked this trail and it was exactly as I remembered it. Very zen and relaxing! There are various routes that loop around or end at an entrance/exit of the canyon. It's a beautiful and straightforward hiking trail, meaning I have not gotten lost while exploring and veering off to shorter side trails. This last time I hiked here was one of the more beautiful sights of spring blooming! Fall (foliage) is also a nice time to hike this trail. One particular trail that begins right at the Caballero canyon trail sign and veers to the left (at the first bottom fork of the trail) has a pretty steep incline that's a good leg and glutes workout. I have seen several people running the uphill trail as well. It's an easy to moderate level hike no matter what trail you take and the views are great, especially during sunset!

    View from the top!

    This was a great hike! Whether you're a road warrior and want to bike the trail or like me and want to take your time by foot, this is a great scenic trail. It's well maintained and used often so there are no overgrown area that we encountered. At the top, you'll be treated to a beautiful, panoramic view of the valley. It gets hot in the summers so make sure you bring a water bottle. Also, there's a lot of local fauna, so be cautious. There was a recent mountain lion citing so be cautious and pay attention to animal tracks and scat.

    Daryl D.

    One of the reasons Caballero is a great hike is that it isn't far from me at all. I can get here within 10 minutes from home. I also love that I can get a 3.7 mile loop hike in. Since it is the Santa Monica mountains there are so many options of trails to explore. It is great for hikers and bikers alike.

    Mirage P.

    One of My fav hikes (especially when I don't have a whole day to roam around the woods lol) . It's a great workout. Lots of cool unique flowers and sage bushes. Efficient. A quick up and down. Def my go-to

    A climb to the top.
    Kristy C.

    I love the fact that they have so many different trails to choose from and I can always switch it up by difficulty and distance.It's also the closest hiking trail to me.

    Candace L.

    Been a valley girl my entire life, probably not the greatest claim to fame but if there's one thing I know a little something about, its valley hiking and I had NEVER been on this trail. My son's cross country hill training sesh is what brought me out this way and led me to discovering somewhere new to add to my hiking rotation. I've grown a little bored of the same old trails and don't tend to seek out shorter less strenuous hikes nowadays but being that I only had two hours to kill instead of driving home I parked the car at the trail head of Caballero Canyon. After reading a few reviews, it was clear there was a wider trail and a more narrow steep trail. Of course, I found what seemed to be the extremely narrow steep trail. I climbed this in roughly 40 minutes, so it surely couldn't have been very far and then it shot out on a wider trail. Since I'd never been here before and hadn't glanced over any maps I really just went wherever my little heart desired. I ended up venturing up a bit further and then down a fairly steep and somewhat rocky area (hate those slip and slide parts of hikes - this can be seen in others pics coming down from the Topanga lookout) but never back to the way I'd come up and followed a wide trail that let out beneath Topanga State Park in a paid parking lot at the very top of Reseda (past the country club for reference). Did this in less than 2 hours but there were tons of areas to add a lot more mileage in. I felt safe enough to go solo, and with headphones in. Definitely a decent option if you live nearby and are looking to get outdoors.

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    There's so many different hiking trails. Whether you're a beginner or you enjoy it challenge.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Caballero Canyon Trail

    Is this trail stroller friendly?

    Not really, a lot of uneven paths.

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    Review Highlights - Caballero Canyon Trail

    Once you get to the top there are spectacular views of the San Fernando valley.

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    Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1
    (62 reviews)
    36.9 mi

    Plenty hiking opportunities, refreshing air, and a nice scenic drive in. Be sure to have a full…read moretank, as there is no gas services. There is a cafe/ convenience store across from the campground where you can also purchase your day use park pass for $5. I experienced a foggy day, which gave a cooling effect to my hiking. Restrooms are vault toilets, so unpleasant smells and a mess are a given. The lake has lots of swampy algae, therefore not appropriate for swimming or water sports. However, they do allow fishing with permit. I am a nature enthusiast and it was saddening to see the lack of humans respect for nature, with graffiti and trash in some areas of the park. Crystal lake definitely could use more funding to preserve its natural beauty. The loveliest part is listening to woodpeckers as they work, watching an eagle fly above with a fish in its talons, and treading quietly not to startle the squirrel who is crossing my path. I suggest picking up a map with hiking trails from the rangers post or convenience store, before planning your day!

    Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear…read more There's still snow there, the road is clear, and along the way, there's a mountain stream and a reservoir where you can stop. Download a map in advance, as there's no signal there. There's a small lake where you can take a walk, and a forest with a cozy family café where you can grab a snack.

    Photos
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Crystal Lake

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    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

    4.4
    (292 reviews)
    26.2 mi

    Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

    This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

    Photos
    Lower Switzer Fall
    Lower Switzer Fall
    The grand prize, Switzer falls.
    The grand prize, Switzer falls.
    Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

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    Secret Stairs

    Secret Stairs

    4.3
    (37 reviews)
    21.3 mi

    My second time doing the stairs here is how I found them…read more Number of stairs- 9 Sycamore Glen to Redwood Dr.-this staircase is not in Fleming's Secret Stairs book, Walk #1, though they could have easily been part of the route. 60 steps Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr. 98 steps Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr. 81 steps up then 19 steps down Tamarac Dr. to Glenullen Dr. 86 steps Glenullen Dr. to Cherry Dr. 99 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Capinero Dr. 44 steps La Loma to Cheviotdale Pl. 54 steps Cheviotdale Pl. to Cherry Dr. 43 steps La Loma to Evergreen-this staircase... Hope it helps It's around two miles.

    I decided to give the Secret Stairs a visit after a tip from Yelp! There is just something charming…read moreabout a neighborhood network of stairs. The stairs serves well as an easy hike or an exercise spot for those who love stair climbing. One thing I did not expect is that the stairs go up and down. Rather than take you higher and higher, some of the stairs just takes you across hills which for me is disappointing. Also, I did not find the houses along the trail particularly scenic. They are probably nice for Pasadena but definitely a far cry from what you see in nearby Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada, etc. Overall, I consider the Secret Stairs a local attraction. It's a worth a visit if you live less than 20 minutes away and its a fun neighborhood novelty but it's definitely not worth your time if you don't live in the area. Parking: I parked on the street on Elmwood which is the beginning of the trail, but I don't highly recommend it. It's not a particularly well maintained street and it is super narrow and steep without proper curbs/sidewalks. There is also a sign that says 'Tow Away on Red Flag Days'. Refer to the affixes picture. If I returned, I would either park on the street prior to Elmwood or just skip to a different segment.

    Photos
    Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.
    Start on. Elmwood Dr. to Redwood Dr.
    Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.
    Map if you want to do 2.7 miles.
    Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

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    Redwood Dr. to Tamarac Dr.

    Caballero Canyon Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026

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