Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve — Attraction in Westhills

I usually access the Upper Las Virgines Open Space via Victory Trailhead, at the western end of the San Fernando Valley. Some logistics about the trail:

Parking: Ample street parking on Victory Blvd. or the dirt lot at the trail head. As of this writing (March 2015), parking is $3.00. If you choose street parking, it is a 3-5 minute uphill walk on the paved road leading to the lot. Open: Sunrise to sunset (if you get locked it and do not have a dog, you can jump the wall on the north side of the street relatively easily). Security patrols the area and will open the gate for you without incidence. Other: Outdoor restroom in the corner of the parking lot. Dog pick up bag dispenser, which is always restocked and full based on my experience.

I have been using this space for many years now, but my outings have been limited to hiking / dog walking, using the Ahmanson Ranch House and Laskey Mesa trails. I say "limited," because this space is more of a mountain biker's haven. The paths are wide enough to accommodate the wide range of walkers, hikers, runners, dog walkers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, but to really take advantage of its vastness, you need wheels.

For the most part, users abide by the rules of the trail (picking up after pets, allowing room for riders to pass, etc.) and are generally friendly. Locals are abound especially during the dawn and dusk hours, as there is an affluent community that hugs a portion of the trail. My personal rating for the trail is easy to moderate.

For photographers, the space is a little limiting. Due partly to the lack of rain in Southern California, fields are usually burnt and wildflowers are in short bloom. You may catch decent shots of hills or the San Fernando Valley from one of many overlooks, but this is really only worth it during the "magic hours." Wildlife is comprised of coyotes and birds, as far as I have come...

Love this place. Lots of great trails with varying levels of difficulty. My favorite is to start from the parking lot at the top of victory, then turn at the fork about a mile into the hike. Most of this is downhill slightly. Then there is a sort of medium uphill part which tops at the crest of a Mesa. The rest of the way is pretty much flat except for a slight part at the end which is downhill again. This particular Loop is something like 4 miles I believe. Not the big loop which goes all the way towards Las Virgenes.

There is plenty of street parking down the hill from the actual parking lot. Parking in the lot at this point in time is $3 yes. The Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

I believe once a month there is also a star gazing party when there is no moon in the sky. You'll have to check the website for info about that.

A little bit of History, this land was previously owned by Getty. It was used primarily to pump oil from the ground. All that is long gone comma with only a pipe or two remaining. The land was then bought by Ahmanson, who planned on developing it up until around 2007 or so. It would have made for some multimillion-dollar homes stretching around a 10 Mi 10 Mi area or so. Thank God the state of California decided to buy up the land, and turn it into a park instead. Everyone can enjoy it now. :-)

And with that, please respect the area. Please make sure to pick up your trash. There's no reason why you should be leaving any...

The true native landscape of California that brought so many ranchers who wanted to build large herds is reflected in the beautiful native grasses and clusters of scrub oak here. The trail system is mostly very nice but a few trails have more than a 20% grade which is reflected in the washed-out conditions of the path. There are several choices for Vista views but focus on what's right in front of you with the local flora and fauna. The bird observation is great and if you settle in a spot, you will see a few reptiles. Be sure to bring plenty of water as there's not a lot of shade and you will dehydrate quickly.

Sadly, like many areas for hiking in California, the highlight of a cave is greatly diminished with the tagging and trash around the cave. Not worth the trek over to see it IMO. However, unlike some other trailhead parking lots, this one is clean and fairly well maintained. Probably because of the parking fee (miniscule $ amount and well worth it if it keeps the areas clean) and possibly a good volunteer effort. Many hikers skipped the fees and parked down the hill in the neighborhood. Too bad they can't see the value of supporting an area.

Also, this is a great location to hike with your dog but keep in mind that most owners seem to think leashes are an unnecessary accessory as none of the dogs were attached to the owners as far as...