Equestrian Trail Will Link to Others

Construction is underway on a new multipurpose trail along Sunland Boulevard that will create a link with existing trails in the area and increase safety for horseback riders and pedestrians.

When work is completed in late October, the Sunland Equestrian Trail will stretch more than two miles and provide a major artery connecting trails in the Verdugo Mountains to others in the Angeles National Forest, the Hansen Dam Recreation Area and the Big and Little Tujunga washes, Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs said in a written statement.

The new trail is being built between Stonehurst Avenue and La Canada Way along Sunland Boulevard where an older, makeshift path already exists.

Workers are removing trees and brush from the old path and expanding it to a width of between 5 and 8 feet.

They are also building an equestrian railing that will resemble a white picket fence along the route to separate the trail from the road.

“We want to make it a safer access route,” said Sky Atchison, construction chief for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which is overseeing the project in conjunction with the riders group, Equestrian Trails Inc.

“This is a great first step. It will allow people to access different recreation areas without having to trailer their horses,” Atchison said.

Financing for the project comes from 1992 Proposition A funds, the $540-million Los Angeles County bond measure for parks that passed with 64% of the vote.

During construction, use of the existing trail may be restricted at times.

For more information, call the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy at (310) 858-7272.