El Scorpion Canyon Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

El Scorpion Canyon Park is a hidden gem that’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the city without actually escaping the city. The trails here are somewhere in-between “ooh, sweet view!” and “oh no, my legs hate me!”—especially if you tackle the climb to Castle Peak. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, because the sun’s relentless in the summer, and the shade is hard to find. Bonus points: it’s dog-friendly, so your pup can join the fun.

The panoramic views from the top are so stunning, you’ll forget all about your burning calves—at least until you have to hike back down. The Cave of Munits is a cool detour if you’re into scrambling up rocks and pretending you’re Indiana Jones, though watch out for rattlesnakes who clearly didn’t get the memo about sharing the trail. It’s a fantastic spot for a morning hike or a picnic, just don’t...

I've visited El Scorpion Canyon several times. The parking in this restive residential area is always available, folks are friendly and the trail is always clean. It has all sorts of difficulty levels for hikers of all experiences. The cave of Munits is beautiful. I've climbed in before but not on this review. Be careful climbing in as the dirt can sometimes play with your footing (some kind soul left a rope that drops down but it's been there for a while so check as well). Up in the cave is like being on the inside of a large steeple. Inside are some roosting pigeons and some say they've seen a bobcat. There's a tree that splits the trail briefly that offers some great shade and a place to sit down and...

A small, rugged 3-acre park in West Hills centered on Castle Peak, offering steep but rewarding climbs. I scrambled up the south trail and reached a rocky summit with sweeping views over Simi Hills and beyond. The hike felt primal, with native sage and scrub underfoot—and yes, rattlesnakes, so watch your step. It’s challenging yet compact, a quick dose of wilderness in the Valley. Come prepared with water...