Angelic oasis, cool walks in the Valley’s Devils Canyon

Much of the San Fernando Valley’s west side has long been developed, but I still like one place that remains wild: a heavenly place named Devils Canyon.

This canyon and neighboring Browns Canyon, which holds a primary tributary of the Los Angeles River, had been exceptions to the steady march of land development, at least until recently. Browns Canyon is undergoing extensive grading to prepare for new housing.

But Devils Canyon remains a favorite of equestrians and hikers. This is the cowboy side of the valley. Cattle graze on private property in the upper canyon and sometimes wander down to public land in the lower canyon.

So peaceful is this place -- cool and green, unlike the hot, dry rim of the San Fernando Valley -- that Devils Canyon seems a misnomer. The seasonal Devils Canyon Creek flows through the oak-shaded landscape, a welcoming oasis particularly after winter rains.

Earlier this month, I was surprised to find a couple of creek crossings with enough water to require careful stepping.

To reach the trail head, take the Ronald Reagan Freeway (Highway 118) to the Topanga Canyon Boulevard exit. Park in the little dirt lot just north of the freeway or alongside the frontage road.

Begin hiking on the unsigned paved road nearby. It leads 100 yards up to a flat area rimmed with houses. Skirt them by staying right.

Then pass an abandoned car and an unsigned footpath on the left that loops toward a housing development.

The main trail dips under the shadow of condominiums lining the west wall of the canyon. As it bends left, signs of development recede, trees shade the road and the route narrows to a footpath paralleling and occasionally crossing the seasonal creek. (All along the route, watch out for poison oak.)

The canyon bottom is lovely, shaded by oaks, alder and sycamore. The trail narrows more as it heads up the creek. After more than a mile, just short of where Ybarra Canyon joins Devils Canyon, the path delivers hikers to a shady flat, ideal for a picnic.

The trail ends a mile farther at a gate, beyond which lies private property.

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See more of John McKinney’s tips at www.thetrailmaster.com.