Wilson Canyon Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

It's a great retreat from the suburbs. It has become a favorite hiking spot. It has varied difficulties of trails from easy to moderate. The wildlife is really beautiful here; the main trailhead next to the Wilson Canyon dam and debris basin takes you to a really beautiful native live oak grove which could be a nice spot to picnic (though there are only two picnic tables), the rest of the park is mostly scrubland with more native brush dotted with some more oak groves in the more shaded areas between mountains. People riding their horses are a very common sight on most of the trails and it's very impressive to see how they can scale some apparently steep inclines with ease. As far as fauna, you'll find all kinds of birds common to this part of California, from hummingbirds and blue desert scrubjays to crows and hawks; this is rattlesnake habitat so be aware of where you step especially in trails with grooves; this is also coyote and mountain lion habitat, so be aware of them, though I've never encountered them here myself. One surprising and very beautiful sight is deer, which I have to assume can be pretty common here, as I've had the privilege to encounter then twice after hiking here 4 times. I definitely...

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WILSON CANYON PARK is a 2.8-mile loop trail at Sylmar, California. This trail is quite popular for horseback riding, hiking, and birding. It has an elevation gain of 705 ft.; trails were well maintained, however, there were sections of the Saddle Ranch trailhead that you go through a very narrow trench-just past the water dam structure- which doesn’t look like a trail but it is part of the trailhead. You start with a very sandy trail and progresses to a rocky and then smoothed out as you ever to higher elevation.

This trail has rich in flora and fauna, wild animals and insects. I saw a juvenile snake (not sure if it’s a Sierra Garter snake) as I descend back. YIKES! I decided to hit the Pig Ranch trail as well. Both trails deemed Easy for experienced hikers. Fellow hikers were cordial and respectful. I even saw a male hiker, wearing plaid shirt and jeans, brought his 4 lil boys on the trail. Great family bonding.

Anyways, this was a nice hike with great scenery even on a slightly foggy day. Parking has a $5 honor system as you drive inside the park. Overall, WCT is a good quick hike and I...

Easy to moderate hike with similar variations in shade and full sun. The shade is supplied by large old hardwood trees and that shade is deep from the canopy. Mixture of pavement, loose sand and gravel-ish trails. I only explored parts of it but there are many, many options. When you're not in the shade summer mid-day can be dangerous so be mindful of the heat and hydrate. Some trash along the trail which is why I deducted a star and not the greatest views but there are a few of the mountains, the rest is the Valley, Sylmar. Good for dogs, kids and anyone that wants some exercise. Summer so flies and even mosquitos but if you keep moving you'll likely be ok. If you're in or around Sylmar and like to hike trails give...