Sandstone walls line this
shady canyon that follows a small creek. A moderate hike, best enjoyed as an
early evening ramble.
Location: Santa Susana
Mountains Region: West SF Valley Distance: 4.6 mi. up and back
Difficulty: Moderate When to go: October to July Hours: None Phone: 805-370-2301 Elevation Gain: 450 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, leash recommended Restrooms: None. You'll find gas stations on Topanga Canyon Blvd.,
south of the freeway Parking: Free
Trail Information
Full Review: When the afternoon sun drops an orange glow over the
sandstone canyons of the Santa Susana Mountains, the San Fernando Valley
hits its scenic prime. It's not the overwhelming sort of beauty that you
might find in a truly natural place. But, in an area where strip malls lie
within spitting distance of every trail, this is as good as it gets.
Where you pick up the unmarked Devil Canyon trail depends on where you
parked. From the dirt lot, walk across the street and look for a short,
steep path leading up to a flatter area. From here you'll walk across the
dirt toward the left to hook up with a paved road. If you parked along the
street, cross it and walk past the gate, up the paved road that veers to the
right, connecting with the other entrance. Continue along the paved road (it
doesn't last long).
When you get to a broad, flat clearing rimmed with houses, stay to the right
to dip down into the canyon. On your way down, you'll see the remains of a
car. Don't turn there. As the trail bottoms out in the canyon, stay left to
continue your walk along the floor.
This is where the pretty part begins. Live oak shades much of the descent,
which parallels an intermittent creek. Sandstone walls, chiseled by water
over millions of years, line both sides. Watch out for the poison oak that
is almost unavoidable on the narrow parts of the trail (if you're highly
sensitive to the stuff, you might think about wearing pants on this hike).
When you reach the pipe gate, turn around.
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