Caballero Canyon Trail

It was a great hike! We went to see the sunrise and just missed it. We first went on Butt Buster which is the middle trail slightly to the left. It was very steep and gravelly but not too difficult. There were flat spaces to rest and look at the view. We overestimated it and went back down. Then we went on the right trail, pretty easy, 30 – 45 minutes with shade and nice scenery for So. Cal. The view on the top was great. Otw back down we unintentionally found a short cut that made it less steep and the trip faster. It’s a nice one to walk and talk with your friends.

It is a beautiful trail but it is not safe. My (15 lb.) poodle and I came for a hike here today in broad daylight (3−4pm). A coyote came out of nowhere and tried to attack (kill) us. We sprinted down the hill screaming for our lives. We are both lucky to be alive today. We have been here many times in the past and never had this experience. The state/​city needs to be more aware of this recent danger as there are small dogs, children and families hiking here daily and also coming to watch the sunset at night.

Wonderful trail south of Ventura Blvd. There’s plenty of street parking– completely free. The Caballero trail is on the left hand side on Reseda Blvd before the stop sign on Country Club Pl. If you pass the stop sign you will drive up Reseda Blvd and find more parking and other trails at the top.
If you decide to take the steep way up, it’s about 30 minutes to the dirt road. On the other side of the dirt road the hiking trail continues up, it will take you about another 10 minutes to get to the very top. It’s really quiet up there and the views are gorgeous.
I’ve been hiking this trail for 10+ years and have never seen snakes or coyotes but I know people that have. If you see a snake do your best not to panic. Snakes want nothing to do with a human; if it is approaching you, it doesn’t see you.

Hidden gem of LA
I have tried a lot of hiking areas and love Cabairollo Canyon.
You have varying degrees of difficulties in terms of trail options but for those that are looking for a hike that kicks your ass, this is the one.
Take the middle trail, once to the top (which is one mile) you have several options depending on how long of a hike you want.
The beautiful thing is that the mountains are vast and carry you all the way to Pacific Palisades on one side and all the way to Ventura country on the other. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. No where can you be completely lost in wilderness and yet be presented with a 360 view of all LA. Furthermore, there are a lot of narrow trials which I like off the main trail, and those are so fun to run.
My fav is a trail right before the Nike missile site, there is a tree nestled on a steep hill that has a bench that you can rest in shade.
This puts Runyon Canyon to shame.

beware coyote grabbed and ate our small dog during broad daylight!!! do not bring your small dogs here. coyotes are hungry and desperate. please please please warn people that coyotes are lurking in the brush waiting to attack any small animal.

Forgotten feces feeds flies. If you bring your pet, bring a bag.
Went on the hike due to the high reviews; however, spent most of it waving away little flies that were residing on the dog waste along the trail. The hike itself was a good workout and trail ranged from well groomed to narrow washed out paths.
–1 star for flies and dog waste
–1 star for unremarkable scenery.

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.

I come to this trail very often. It’s a quick local hike. Plenty of parking. Great for runners, bikers, hikers, even a place you can do some yoga. Love the bench in the middle of the trail. Nice place to cool down or collect your thoughts.

I’ve been doing this hike at least once a week for about a year now. Really love that there is a main trail but so many others that connect so you can really decide how much of a challenge you’re up for. I used to do the regular 3.8 mile loop, but lately I’ve been extending it to 5.8 by following the trail at the top to the steeper mountain and around. The views are great — mountains all around. You can easily forget you’re in socal.
It can get crowded on the weekends, definitely, and you’ll need to stay hydrated — you’re only in the shade for limited times. If you choose to go harder there will be less shade. The earlier you can start, the better. Parking is free — just go up Reseda until you either get to the roundabout at the top, or the sign on the left further down. I usually park next to the sign and walk up to the roundabout and make my loop that way, since it’s a good pre-​workout to walk up the paved concrete (also easier on your feet/​ankles).
The trail is shared with lots of bikers and people with dogs (some leashed, some not). Since I’ve been doing this often, I’ve seen: coyotes, snakes, lots of butterflies, a bum in the middle of the trail (twice)… so just remember to be aware of your surroundings. Other than that, it’s a really fun trail to run down.

It’s a hiking trail with a good view. Simple but make it worthwhile by making it like your kick-​ass work out and not a park-​strolling pace.
Any trail of any kind, I would rate it a 5-​star unless it compromises my safety or anyone else. This was fun although we made a 3.14 mile hike only and ran most of it. Hydration is necessary especially during warm days. No shade at all.
Street parking only. Lizards are everywhere. Beautiful shrubs!

This is another great hiking option if you live in San Fernando Valley.
It’s very easy to find, off 101, follow Reseda down to the left.
You’ll drive through a nice neighborhood and you’ll see the sign for the Caballero Canyon to the left side. There’s plenty of street parking (free) right there, on both sides. Honestly, I don’t know where the the actual lot is (that our fellow Unilocalers mentioned), I guess we didn’t drive that far.
Once you get to the sign, you either take the main trail (wider) to the right or the one to the left (smaller) that goes up (this one is harder to conquer, more difficult). We didn’t find any maps around, just checked our directions with other nice hikers (I have to mention, there aren’t too many people on the trails, but if you ran into somebody, everyone is nice and says «Hi»). There are mountain bikers around, and I don’t think that dogs are allowed. There are no restrooms and no water fountains, so bring some water.
So we took the main trail, easier, I’d say moderate, first part is pretty flat, later on it’s get a bit steep (but not for too long). You’ll find a funny half bench at some point, short after it, you’ll walk through some gates and then you’ll reach the bench to relax and admire nice views of the Valley.
From here (Mulholland Drive), you can either go straight back (3 miles round trip) or check out other trails (there’s a sign there that can help). We didn’t see any ocean views, I guess you need to get higher up for those.
The actual trail is nice, wide (a couple of tighter areas), some parts are shady, some not (wear sun protective lotion), it’s springtime so everything is nice and green, there are lots of flowers (and their perfume in the air), butterflies. We saw lots of lizards and a woodpecker. It’s a nice, quiet hike. Nothing spectacular, but nice.

Easy hike for sure but if you are more interested in a steeper climb take the left trail and go up up. There are mountain bikers so beware. I hiked this on a Saturday early morning when there is good cloud cover and it drizzled too so that’s a plus. This trail might get too hot in the summer.
3 miles round trip but it would be good to hike up from the Reseda St trail access point, reach the top then continue to Mulhollans and hike down Reseda for a loop. Maybe next time I will do that.

Great place for a brisk long walk, bike ride or jog.
Parking is confusing so I will address that — for $ 5 park in the pay’d parking lot at the top of the road. Many more free spots below but it seems everyone goes for those spots first.
Many dandy trails for the above average hiker. You will be winded.
As for the over all impression — many people come here and you will see a number of bikers and joggers. I was impressed with the number of people who who were taking this place so serious. I am an average old dude but used to long walks so I was able to get to eagle Rock with some effort. Too bad it was foggy because on a clear day you can see Catalina and the Ocean. I am sure its a dandy view.
My Pet peeve of the day is leave your dog home. The upper trails have signs that say no dogs — but many people still had their pooches. I guess those individuals were special. I don’t know — I am all about following rules.
This was our first time here and we were surprised we did not know it was so close to home.
If you are looking for a AAA hiking destination, this is the place. Bring your camera and picnic for a extended stay.

Lots of street parking available. I hiked middle trail all the way to the top. There are great views of the valley and you can see the ocean from the top of trail. The trail starts of rocky but it gets smoother 10 minutes into hike.

I love this hike. It is located at the end of Reseda blvd (headed south) with plenty of free street parking. There are 3 different trails and difficulty levels to get to the top. I head up the middle every time. It is a steep, no joke hike up for about a mile or so. Once you reach the top there are more trails to take. This hike is never the same, which is exciting and it is always a great workout.
Dogs are allowed on leashes and there are a ton of mountain bikers. Everyone is pretty friendly and it is an exceptionally clean trail.

Love the hike here. Plenty of parking, there’s 3 different routes to choose from. Everyone is always friendly. Dog, and kid friendly… just careful with the snakes, and few of the mountain bikers when in narrow sections of the trail.

Loved this trailhead!
Free parking, diverse terrain, and miles of trail!
Visited this trailhead on a Wednesday afternoon and it was so easy to find! Just up Reseda, on the left hand side, with plenty free street parking available! The trail starts off smooth but not to far in the terrain gets really rocky for about 2 miles. This part isn’t really «run-​able» but once you past this part you reach a fork in the trail and both trails are smith enough for running.
I went up the left side today and the incline was manageable with spectacular views of the Valley! I have a feeling if you keep going you might eventually be able to see the coast but I didn’t have a chance to get that far. I’ll definitely be back to explore this trailhead more! I ran into about 6 people while I was there, so it has enough traffic that I’m not too weary of trekking alone.

I absolutely love this place. First off the parking is free unless you park at the very top where there is a sign that says there is a $ 5 fee that you put in an envelop. Yeah right I came to work out so what’s a little extra walking. When you first get to the park you up this hill, then when you get to the top they have signs that point to the different trails and they give how many miles the trail is. We went on the trail on the left which the sign said was .9 miles. I like this hike because it was a workout but didn’t have the steep hills that some trails have so it makes running these trails easy. The trails are dog friendly but you have to keep them on a lease.
CAUTION! We ran into a big snake that our dog chased away thank god.

This trail kicked my ass and I couldn’t even breathe. But I loved it. It’s great for families
And is very romantic!

PRO’s:
— Close to my house or anywhere YOU are in the valley
— AMPLE parking (When is the last time you found a spot easily at Runyon, um NEVER.)
— Speaking of Runyon, NO crowds, its not a bougie, seen and be seen, look at me in my new workout outfit and makeup. Its more like go for a peaceful hike and clear your mind. Absolutely beautiful and serene.
— Dogs allowed (On leash, but I usually take mine off-​leash and most people are cool with it, if I see leashed dogs Ill throw his leash on too, only fair.)
–Tons of trails, Im a «regular», almost the Duchess and i still haven’t touched all the trails.
— Varying difficulty… Hmm, do I want to bust my a$$ or just get a good walk in???
— Great views!
Con’s:
— …
Haven’t found one yet. Love this place! Great for hikers, bikers, dogs, walkers, pro’s, amateurs …
Oh, I HEARD of one con (haven’t actually seen this for myself), but someone told me that the park ranger guys ride their bikes through (I believe he told me on weekends more) to look for dogs off-​leash and DO ticket! So, be careful of that!
Otherwise, ENJOY! :)