San Vicente Mountain Park loop from Mulholland Drive

You can typically find parking along Mulholland Drive near the trailhead. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. There are no designated parking lots, so you'll be parking on the shoulder of the road.

Yes, this trail is dog-friendly! Your furry companion is welcome to join you, but please ensure they are kept on a leash at all times, as per park regulations. There are also water fountains available for both humans and dogs.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant jogging conditions with milder temperatures. Wildflowers can be abundant in spring. Summer mornings are also great to beat the heat, and the park is particularly popular for observing spectacular Western sunsets.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, which includes the San Vicente Mountain Park loop. It's free and open to the public.

The route primarily follows wide, well-maintained dirt roads, making it suitable for jogging. You'll encounter a gradual incline as you approach the main park area from Mulholland Drive. There are also smaller dirt trails alongside the main paths if you prefer varied running surfaces. A significant portion of the route is on the unpaved section of Mulholland Drive, often called "Dirt Mulholland."

This loop offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. You'll pass by the Mulholland Drive Gravel Path and reach the San Vicente Mountain Viewpoint. From various spots, you can see downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Catalina Island on clear days, the Encino Reservoir, the San Fernando Valley, and Beverly Hills. The decommissioned radar tower at the summit, a remnant of a Cold War-era Nike missile site, now serves as an observation deck.

Yes, San Vicente Mountain Park provides essential amenities, including restrooms and water fountains, which are a welcome convenience for joggers on this route.

Yes, this loop utilizes several well-known paths. You'll jog along sections of Water and Power Pole Road, Canyonback Road, Mulholland Drive, Hollyhock Trail, Westridge Fire Road, and Edison Road. It also serves as a gateway to the larger Westridge Canyonback Park and the extensive "Big Wild" wilderness area.

The overall difficulty is rated as easy to moderate. While there is a manageable uphill climb to reach the main park area, the well-maintained dirt roads make it accessible. Beginners with a reasonable level of fitness should find it enjoyable, especially if they take it at a comfortable pace.

For a comfortable jog, we recommend bringing plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as well as sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Comfortable jogging shoes with good traction are advisable for the dirt roads. If you plan to stay for sunset, a headlamp or flashlight might be useful for the return.

Absolutely! A defining characteristic of the park is its past as a Cold War-era Nike missile defense site. You can find historical remnants and interpretive displays detailing its role from 1956 to 1968. The decommissioned radar tower at the summit is a key historical landmark that now offers stunning views.