This is actually a really nice trail. Yes, it's dry back there due to the weather not much rain. 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. read more

Going in September during a summer drought and after recent wildfires scorched the parkland, the burned or dried vegetation created an apocalyptically ugly hike. The most exciting thing was the hairy black tarantula that crossed the path. Many dirt roads run through this nature area that mostly stretch north-south with smaller east-west connector trails. Also with multiple trailheads, I chose an 8.6-mile loop with a 1000' elevation change that started at the north end of Las Virgenes Road off the 118 in Calabasas. 0.0 miles: Park on the street and walk north past the aptly named Sulphur Spring (don't know how the nearby apartments handle the smell). Follow this dirt road and stay left. 0.8 miles: Left to go up the Las Virgenes Connector which is not a road but a wide trail. 1.3 miles: Right to Cheeseboro Ridge Trail under electrical lines because this dirt road services a series of power towers. The trail has views of the rocky Baleen Wall on the left. 3.5 miles: Reach highest point with outcropping of boulders with decent view. 4.5 miles: Right at marked sign to go down Sheep Corral Trail - a single track trail not a road. 6.3 miles: Right to the mostly flat Bell Canyon Fire Road at the valley floor with occasional tree shade and many signs warning of the underground high pressure natural gas line. We were among the very few hikers but encountered plenty of mountain bikers. I didn't see anyone with dogs but there was plenty of poop on the trail. read more

***CAUTION*** Don't come 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. read more

MID-WEEK TREK The huge parkland is part of a critical ecological linkage and wildlife corridor between the Santa Monica Mountains and the ranges to the north. Rolling hills studded with valley oaks, sycamore-lined canyon bottoms, miles of potential trails, and vistas of unspoiled California landscapes are now part of a parkland legacy. Diverse habitats and endangered species such as the California red-legged frog, the San Fernando Valley spineflower, and the Southwestern willow flycatcher are now permanently protected. The ranch encompasses headwaters of Malibu Creek which flows to Santa Monica Bay and supports one of the few populations of Southern steelhead trout. Historical reports indicate the fish may have traveled unimpeded upstream to streams on the Ahmanson Ranch. Distance-6.5 miles R/T Elevation Gain-A bit over 1200ft Time: 4-4.5 hours Trek: Loop Trail Trail: Mostly Fire Road, some single-track Rating: Intermediate Keep your eyes open for: Off road bikers and equestrians WARNING: Snakes, ticks, bobcats OUR ROUTE: Since weekends only happen once a week, The Crew gets a bit antsy, I led The Crew on a midweek hike in this area. We set out at the northern end of Las Virgenes Rd., where we followed a well-traveled trail with sagebrush and valley oaks as it's décor and views of rolling hills monopolize the landscape. We followed the trail to the Cheseboro Ridge Trail, which winds up a steep hillside, but once at the top you'll see that it was all worth it. A 360 degree of Malibu Creek State Park, Stokes Canyon, Saddle Peak, Goat Buttes, and Lady Face Mountain. If you time it correctly, as we did, this is a great place to watch the sun set. To complete the loop, we continued on the Cheseboro Ridge Trail down the other side of mountain, with much of the same décor and landscape, eventually turning on our headlamps. SHORT & SWEET: This area has a spider's web of trails with numerous trailheads. Since the 2005 fire, newer trails have been created. Most of the trails are smooth single-track trails with many switchbacks to soften the blow of the ascents and descents. It would take many, many days, miles, and hours to do hike every trail in this area, making this a great place to get away from it all for a couple hours. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a firefighter can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. read more

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This hike is off the exit of Las Virgenes Road on the 101 freeway. You may park your car on the dirt sidewalk or you may park next to the Malibu apartments. This trail has access to the victory trail and chesboro trail. The longest round trip I been on this trail is 8 miles, I'm sure you may go a longer distant. It has lots on uphill!! So be prepare to has your water and hat on. This place is great for hiking and/or mountain bikes. I totally recommend this place, never crowded. read more

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Great trails. Access from Las Virgenes Canyon Road off the 101 Frwy. read more

Las Virgenes Canyon - Parks Near Me - Calabasas, California

This is a great intermediate level hiking trail I have found, close to my home in the West Valley, near Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and Agoura. Right off the #Hollywood freeway, at the Las Vírgenes / Malibu Canyon #exit, make a right and you will see several trailheads for this canyon on your left. There's a FIRE department nearby so have no fear; if you find yourself lost while hiking: there is some help relatively nearby. That being said: don't #hike without friends knowing where you've gone. Carry plenty of water for the trek, plus a few snacks, and make sure you mark your steps. Based on what I've read from other hikers and what I've seen from my couple of #hikes at this site, yes: there are plenty of trails to take you all through these Santa Monica Mountains. Once I discover the names of the plants, trees & wildlife, I will share them so you will learn how to spot some beautiful sights out here. read more

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Nice rolling hills. Very easy hike - more like a walk. Right now the hills are so green so good time to go. Only 1 1/2 miles from freeway so that was nice. Still had some areas flooded but was able to cross path anyway. read more