The Westridge-Canyonback Trail is a little over 7-miles and has a nice elevation gain of about 1,000 ft to the top of San Vicente Mountain. San Vicente Mountain was used as missile defense post during the US-Soviet Cold-War. The site has since been preserved, and interpretive signage has been placed to give visitors a sense of history for the site.
What Makes It Great
The trail is mostly made up of the old Mandeville Canyon Fire Road, which provides a well-maintained and wide running path, so you will have plenty of room to run, even if you find yourself here on a crowded weekend. This route is a nice loop trail that gives runners a beautiful scene of wildflowers, mountain views, and bird watching along the way. The trail is dog friendly and seeing them off-leash is common.
Who is Going to Love It
If you love running with your dog, this is a good trail to check out. The seven-mile loop is a great distance for those looking for a run that is a bit over an hour for most athletes. It can get a bit crowded on winter weekends but that traffic is usually confined to the first and last mile of the trail, before the crowds spread out.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
This park does not require a permit or fee and is very convenient to access, making it a great escape from the city below. The trail can be very hot during the summer months so be sure to bring plenty of water and start early. Take in the beautiful views of this picturesque trail. The physical address is 17500 Mulholland Drive, Encino, CA.
