Your Guide to 3 Hikes Within the Rim of the Valley

NPCA’s most recent partnership initiative with Nature Valley is furthering efforts to protect the 118,000 acres of wild land near Los Angeles known as the Rim of the Valley. When added to the National Park System, the Rim of the Valley will bring National Park Service resources and expertise to more of LA’s natural spaces and expand the progress being made on several important initiatives in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This includes eliminating invasive species and restoring native vegetation and wildlife habitat, which serves to improve our local ecosystem’s resilience to drought, wildfire and climate change.

Safeguarding this land adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will also improve connectivity for wildlife, protect historical resources related to the diverse cultures of Los Angeles, and ensure greater access to parks for all.

In addition to protecting this place in nature, NPCA and Nature Valley are providing new ways for families to learn about this place and make their own connections to it. We’re sharing three hikes that individuals or families can explore to experience this remarkable place.

1. Whitney Canyon

Whitney Canyon offers an easy, family friendly hike with a small seasonal waterfall. Make sure to bring your binoculars: This trail is in a critical wildlife corridor between the Santa Susana Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, which would be protected by the Rim of the Valley. It’s a great spot for observing birds and other local wildlife!

The trailhead is located at 20303 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. Park at the Whitney Canyon trailhead and take the route that departs from the east side of the lot, behind a sign for Whitney Canyon Park.

Even though this hike is adjacent to one of the largest freeway interchanges in the state of California, the Newhall Pass, the traffic noise gradually fades away as you walk east and make your way through a spectacular oak tree grove with some of the largest trees in the area. Stay to the left and eventually follow the stream that leads to a small but lovely seasonal waterfall. This hike is best done in late winter through early summer when the stream is flowing.

The total route is 2.9 miles round trip. It is mostly flat, with less than 300 feet elevation gain, and the first two-thirds of the route are on a dirt road accessible to strollers. As you near the falls, there are multiple stream crossings, and the route gets rocky before you arrive at the little waterfall at the end.

“My kids loved exploring and finding turkey tail fungus mushrooms on the trees, as well as identifying the animal footprints in the mud.” — Marjorie Acosta

2. El Scorpion Canyon Park

Depending on which route you pick, El Scorpion Canyon Park offers an easy 2-mile round-trip nature walk through the canyon, or a more challenging 4-mile hike with a 700-foot gain in elevation.

The trailhead is located at 24438 Vanowen St, West Hills, with parking next to the trailhead sign. In the late winter and spring, wildflowers blanket the canyon and migrating birds visit the area, making it an ideal time to enjoy the flat out-and-back hike in the canyon. The canyon route is generally wide and flat, with a short rise near the beginning.

If you’re up for a more challenging adventure, you can explore the Cave of Munit, which can be reached via a side trail to the right about three-quarters of a mile in. The cave is a fun destination for families with active kids. You can turn around there or proceed to Castle Peak. The route to Castle Peak is a challenging scramble with a steep descent, best undertaken by experienced hikers. Castle Peak offers spectacular views of the west San Fernando Valley.

An area that is culturally significant to the Chumash people, this site is a great example of the importance of protecting the Rim of the Valley to preserve cultural treasures that reflect the relationship between the land and LA’s rich cultures.

“Our hike at El Scorpion Canyon Park was so much fun and a beautiful reminder that our city of Los Angeles has so much offer, and we want to preserve it all!” — Cristina Ochoa

3. Griffith Park West Observatory Trail

This popular hike is the most direct route to LA’s famed Griffith Park Observatory via a moderate 4.5-mile round-trip walk on a wide fire road. The trailhead address is 5400 Black Oak Drive, Los Angeles (off Los Feliz Boulevard), and you can park in the verdant Fern Dell area of Griffith Park.

The actual trailhead is located north of the Trails Café, just past a playground. You will hike uphill all the way to the historic landmark, with about a 600-foot gain in elevation. But along the way, there are ample places to stop, rest and take in views of LA’s iconic skyline and surrounding environs, including the famous Hollywood sign. There is very little shade on the trail, so it’s best explored in the cooler months, especially in the spring when the park’s usual golden-brown hue gives way to an explosion of lush, green hillsides and wildflowers.

During the warmer months, an early start is best, but plenty of hikers enjoy the views in the late afternoon and early evening to watch the beautiful sunsets and to take advantage of cooler temps.

With easy access to nature so close to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this trail is an excellent example of how protecting the Rim of the Valley will help ensure that more families have access to the outdoors in the backyard of Los Angeles.

As one of the country’s largest wilderness areas within an urban municipal park, Griffith Park is probably the most well-known example of wilderness in the heart of the city of LA.

“Getting out and reconnecting in nature is essential to me and my family, and I want to encourage you to get out and explore our parks. It’s important — now more than ever — that we … protect these places of natural wonder, as well as places of historical and cultural significance.” – Veronica Navarro

Join us April 26

Looking for another way to visit the Rim of the Valley? Join NPCA and Nature Valley for a free, family-friendly event April 26 in celebration of National Park Week. Can’t make it to the Rim of the Valley on April 26? You can still learn more about this important place adjacent to the hustle and bustle of LA — and why NPCA and Nature Valley are working to protect it.