The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Calabasas

The East Las Virgenes Canyon and Laskey Mesa Loop offers a diverse hiking experience through Southern California's rolling grasslands and oak woodlands. You'll find yourself on wide paths, often resembling fire roads, that lead through sycamore-lined canyon bottoms near Las Virgenes Creek, eventually opening up to expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. This moderate 9.9-mile (15.9 km) route, with its 801 feet (244 metres) of elevation gain, provides a good workout and a refreshing escape into nature.

To plan your visit, you can park at either the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead or the Victory Trailhead, both offering convenient access. The estimated time for this hike is around 4 hours and 20 minutes, so plan accordingly. For the most vibrant scenery, consider hiking after winter rains when the hills are lush and green, though spring and fall also offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the East Las Virgenes Canyon and Laskey Mesa Loop.

This trail is a gem within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, an ecologically significant area protecting vital habitats. The landscape transforms with the seasons, from dewy green in spring to golden brown in drier months, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. It's a less-traveled option on its western side, providing a sense of solitude compared to busier local trails, and connects to a larger network of paths for those seeking longer adventures.

The Lower Las Virgenes Canyon Loop offers a delightful and diverse hiking experience within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. You'll traverse wide dirt paths through California sagebrush and mature valley oaks, then wind through grassy meadows alongside Las Virgenes Creek, eventually reaching groves of oaks and ceanothus bushes. The scenery shifts from open hillsides with expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains to more sheltered riparian woodlands, providing a varied and engaging journey.

This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop involves a gentle 282 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. The trail is well-suited for most fitness levels, including beginners, and is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Access is via the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead, and the western entrance to the preserve is often less crowded, offering a peaceful escape.

Part of a significant conservation area, this trail serves as a vital ecological linkage and wildlife corridor for the Santa Monica Mountains, supporting diverse wildlife like deer, hawks, and bobcats. In spring, the hillsides burst with colorful wildflowers, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit. Keep an eye out for distinct sandstone formations and enjoy the quiet solitude this less-traveled route provides.

The East Las Virgenes Canyon and Laskey Mesa Loop offers a delightful escape into Southern California's natural beauty. This easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) hike, with its 484 feet (148 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through rolling hills, grasslands, and the picturesque sycamore-lined East Las Virgenes Canyon. Expect wide, well-maintained paths and rewarding panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley from Laskey Mesa, all achievable in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Parking is readily available at the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead, making access straightforward. The trail is dog-friendly, provided your furry friend stays on a leash. For the best experience, consider hiking in the cooler seasons or during the morning hours, especially if you're looking for a less crowded experience and to avoid the midday sun.

This route is nestled within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, an ecologically significant area known for its biodiversity. Laskey Mesa itself holds a fascinating past, having served as a popular filming location for Westerns and other movies from the 1920s to the 1950s, adding a touch of Hollywood history to your outdoor adventure.

The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon to Sheep Corral Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from wide fire roads to a more engaging, well-worn use trail. You'll wind through California sagebrush and mature valley oaks, descend into a grassy meadow alongside the Las Virgenes Canyon Creek, and then face a rugged climb out. Keep an eye out for the distinctive "Baleen Wall" in Cheeseboro Canyon from higher elevations, and if you visit in spring, you might catch the lupines in bloom.

This moderate 6.1-mile (9.9 km) hike, with 906 feet (276 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 47 minutes, is best enjoyed in cooler weather due to limited shade on steeper sections. Some junctions, especially onto the Sheep Corral Trail, are unsigned, so carrying hiking maps or a GPS is a smart move to navigate the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon terrain effectively. Parking is available at the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead.

This trail provides a quieter alternative to more popular routes in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, offering a greater sense of solitude. It's an important ecological linkage and wildlife corridor between the Santa Monica Mountains and northern ranges, protecting diverse habitats. The area was once part of the historic Ahmanson Ranch, and the Sheep Corral Trail can connect to other paths like the Cheeseboro Ridge Trail for longer adventures.

The Las Virgenes Fireroad Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, winding through rolling hills, oak woodlands, and grasslands. You'll enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Fernando Valley, with the unique Goat Buttes adding a distinctive landmark to the scenery. This 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike features a gentle 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy outing that typically takes around 1 hours and 22 minutes.

Parking is readily available at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, which is a great starting point for your adventure. There are no permits or fees required to access the trail, making it a hassle-free option for a spontaneous hike. Since it's a multi-use path, you'll share the wide fire roads with mountain bikers and equestrians, so stay aware of your surroundings.

Part of the Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve, this trail is ecologically significant, serving as a crucial wildlife corridor. The preserve protects diverse habitats and even endangered species like the California red-legged frog. The Las Virgenes Fireroad Trail also connects to other paths, such as the Albertson Motorway and Cheeseboro Ridge Trail, offering options for longer, more varied routes if you're looking to explore further.