Long Views and Short Walks in Wilson Canyon

Handsome oak woodlands, an alder-lined creek and commanding San Fernando Valley vistas are some of the attractions of Wilson Canyon Park. Situated just above Sylmar in the San Gabriel Mountains, the park offers some short hikes plus a connection to trails in adjoining Angeles National Forest.

The canyon is named for Benjamin Davis “Don Benito” Wilson, a merchant, landowner and Los Angeles’ mayor from 1851 to 1852. Wilson Canyon was purchased by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and opened as a park in 1996. Though undeveloped, it certainly is not pristine; the work of flood control engineers is much in evidence. The park’s trail system includes a family-friendly loop plus another path that leads to a picnic area.

Directions to trail head: From the Foothill Freeway (Interstate 210) in Sylmar, exit on Roxford Street and head north. Almost immediately, the street bends east and continues as Olive View Drive. Follow Olive View Drive past Olive View Medical Center. From the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5), just north of its intersection with the San Diego Freeway (I-405) in Sylmar, you can also exit on Roxford Street, drive two miles northeast, pass under the Foothill Freeway and join Olive View Drive. The marked Wilson Canyon Park entry road is 0.1 mile east of Bledsoe Street, just before Fenton Avenue. Follow the park road 0.6 mile to its end at the trail head.

The hike: Walk 50 yards down the asphalt road, then bear right on the trail, marked by a sign. Oaks and sycamores shade the wide trail, which soon penetrates Wilson Canyon. About 0.3 mile up the canyon, the path reaches a debris dam.

The path continues a mellow ascent. Near the head of the canyon, the trail tunnels under overhanging trees and makes a hairpin turn.

The path travels drier slopes cloaked in chaparral, angles west, then pops into the open for the hike’s first good view of the San Fernando Valley.

The route follows a string of power lines to a road junction. Bear left (north) and ascend 100 yards to a commanding overlook of the valley. The Verdugo Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains frame the valley and a dozen communities.

Now head downhill along the power-line road. You’ll descend atop the east wall of Wilson Canyon to the park access road just above old Olive View Hospital. A five-minute walk on the park road returns you to the trail head.

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Wilson Canyon Trail

WHERE: Wilson Canyon, San Fernando Valley.

DISTANCE: Wilson Canyon loop is 2 miles round trip with 300-foot elevation gain; other short hikes possible.

TERRAIN: Oak woodland chaparral-cloaked hillsides.

HIGHLIGHTS: Valley-wide vistas.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy-moderate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, tel. (310) 589-3200.