The parking lot is full with maybe five cars but it's good that you can park in the neighborhood and walk up. Lots of hikers and dog-walkers in addition to mountain bikers. Everyone seems to be able to share the wide fire road safely. Pro tip: bring a surgical mask to wear, not for virus or bacteria but when mountain bikers whiz by they will kick up a lot of fine dust.
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Out-and-Back
Time spent
1-2 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking
Fees
None!
Restrooms
None
Dog-friendliness
Since this is a busy trail just be ready with a short leash if necessary. And naturally, a few poo bags.

One of my top 5 favorite trail running spots. Nontechnical route, but challenging none the less. 3.5 miles one way almost entirely up with a couple welcome declines mixed in. There is water and a bathroom at the top (which is also the junction of Dirt Mulholland and doesn’t have to be the turn around point as this trail connects to the “hub” of the Santa Monica Mountains trail network and the backbone trail eventually). But for most after 3.5 miles you will reach the turnaround point which is the site of the old Nike Missile silo from the Cold War era, enjoy the view and get ready for a fast decent! Up and down twice makes for a nice 14 mile effort and a great excuse for a nice brunch!

One of my favorite trails in LA. when I do hike here, I usually come in the evening and there is parking, but if there isn’t, then you could park in the neighborhood and walk your way up. it is such a nice view once you walk up to the peak! There are a good amount of mountain bikers, so be aware. also, my friend got pooped on by a bat when I first came here so keep an eye out for them.
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Loop
Time spent
Less than 1 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking
Restrooms
none

Beautiful spot for as quick or long hike that you want!
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Out-and-Back
Time spent
Less than 1 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
It's quite a small lot so be sure to check when busy times are.
Fees
Free to hike
Dog-friendliness
Great for dogs who are trained well off-leash!

This place (Westridge Trail Head) is a great hike for dogs and their humans. Dogs can be off leash (humans too!). I especially enjoy it at this time of the evening when there is moonlight. The Fireroad is wide and smooth and most people have left. If there's enough light, you can even take the ridges for a better workout. But as always when in the mountains, don't do this alone especially at and after dusk. Coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions call these hills home.

Favorite trail within a short drive. Has options for a slow pace or workout that will get your heart going. You can also do the entire trail to the radio towers on the other end or shorten it at various stops. Beautiful views, though none directly of the ocean and typically a breeze. Very little shade so bring water. Have seen several people have to carry their dogs on hot days.

Very easy trail that if you just follow the widest trail, you won't get lost. The final point has a restroom and almost 360 degree view. Its about eight miles back and forth total with gentle slope. You can see up to Palos Verses and the ocean in the beginning. Then later you will see Encino on one side and downtown on the other side. No shade is there at all.

The perfect spot to kick off a hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride in the Santa Monica Mountains. Westridge starts out as a large fire road, but there are smaller side trails along the road you can take as well. The views are absolutely fantastic, especially at sunset! There's a small lot and easy street parking. No bathroom though.

Great place for photo ops and a nice hike.. the path is 3.9 miles from start to park and an elevation gain of 666' more if you take the side hills and ramp up the intensity a bit.. parking sux and the homeowners hate the cars parking on the street.. The trail is wide and you can socially distance fairly easy, most were wearing mask

Trail rules specify that off-leash dogs must be under *immediate* verbal control. Instead, multiple dogs were allowed to run up to us and our dog after we clearly pulled off to the side to allow everyone a safe, responsible passage. Trail itself looked to be fun but because of others' lack of respect, we won't be back.

Multiple peaks and inclines that are super fun to run! a little steep but still easy to moderate. Amazing views of coast, felt like one of the best! Grateful for the clear day! ☀️
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Loop
Time spent
1-2 hr
Recommended activities
Hiking, Biking, Dog Walking

I love the trail for what it is. Hills for climbing on one side and a low path tracing it. Parking can be a hassle at peak hours but trail traffic is never cumbersome. Shared between bikes foot traffic so keep your eyes and ears open. If you bring your dog be sure to bring water and please pick up after yourself.

One of my favorite places to take my dog for a hike. there are fewer and fewer places where you can bring a dog with you on a trail... I hope they don't change that here. moderately steep hike. many people run it. mountain bikes are often present, so keep your animals close to you, preferrably on a leash

Great hiking trailhead on the Westside. Very accessible (makes it a busy spot), easy to follow and dogs allowed. Can go all the way up to the Nike Missile site on Mulholland….
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Out-and-Back
Time spent
2-3 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Hiking

Most dog owners are irresponsible, from our experience. Trail rules dictate only dogs that can be verbally controlled off leash, are allowed off leash. That did not stop most people from allowing their "friendly" dogs romp around antagonizing other dogs. Owners seem entitled or ignorant.

Unlike the whoops, which is a roller coaster ride, this trail winds it’s way gradually up the side of the ridge with gorgeous views of LA down below. Parking is limited but you can park on the street just outside the gates. It’s a long winding drive to get up here but well worth it.

This provides access to a very nice, well-maintained trail. Approximately four miles from the trailhead is the decommissioned Nike radar site, which has restrooms and potable water. The trailhead only has capacity for around 20 vehicles but street parking is also available.

This hike is generally a good one but only during winter. The problem with doing this one in Summer or even Spring is the amount of flies. There are a lot of dog walkers and the dog poop attracts flies which really detract from an otherwise pleasant hike if 7.3 miles.

Nice trail with great views of DTLA and the ocean. The trail is basically 2 in 1; one trail is quite flat while the other is very hilly and great for a workout. A great secret of West LA as the trail is never very crowded. Free parking in the neighborhood.

Great place to hike! Nice view of LA!
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Out-and-Back
Time spent
1-2 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Running
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Loved this hike, lots of ups/downs if you want or the trail also has an easier side which is generally pretty flat. We did about 6 miles in the loop but I think the entire thing can be up to 10m round trip if you want it to go that long.

Great views of LA. The hard part is getting up here :) Riding up on the bike is challenging as i found out :) Once here, you can just enjoy the views, walk or ride up mandeville-fire road (not paved) all the way up to Mullholland Dr.

This is my favorite hike! I've been to Mandeville over 10 times with my dog. The park is usually filled with other dogs off leash and bikers doing some crazy workouts. On a clear day you can get a nice view of the city and the beach.

Just an absolutely fantastic trail. Head here earlier in the day if you want to beat the crowds as it gets quite busy on most weekend days. Also parking can be a bit rough, so don't be surprised if you have to park a ways away.

This trail has been my staple for over 10 years now. Been taking my now 11 year old here for 8 mile trail runs. One of the few off leash trails. Also perfect trail, if you run on the ridge, to train steep climbs and downhills.

Perfect hike if you go alone or with dog. Impossible to get lost. Hike is not too easy not too hard. Also it’s long. I haven’t tried to go to the end always turn back after half hour or hour depends on how much time have.

Come here during the day or in the evening for a beautiful hike. The drive is not too long and you are in a few minutes surrounded by the santa monica hills, the city out of sight. The hike has two trails, one that goes

Well kept fire road trail with side trail options if you want extra elevation. Hikers with dogs are common here and always clean up after themselves. To the Nike missile launch site and back is about 7.4 miles.

One of the best trails to run and ride a bike.
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point-to-Point
Time spent
1-2 hr
Recommended activities
Walking, Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking

Great trial to hike. Takes me about 3 hours to complete, reaching the tower and back. Not a hard hike, but just a little long for people only hike once in awhile. To the tower and back is about 7 or 8 miles

I haven't hiked since I was a kid and this was a mellow hike with scenic views... hold, ocean, and city. I recommend going before sunset as watching the sun dip below the horizon presents a colorful sky.

Great for bikes, dogs and people afraid of covid. Wide trails with ability to socially distance. Also, option to walk flat the whole way or do the hills if you want something more exerting. Nice views.

I feel badly the neighborhood, but this is an excellent trailhead. Beautiful views of the surrounding area all the way to downtown LA and beyond. Always feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @joerazz

Great, long, dog friendly hike with awesome views. Very clean but cons are there are no garbage cans once you get more than a mile into the trail, so be prepared to carry your dog's poo for a while.

Not a beautiful hike, but a very pleasant one. Wide trail, doesn't feel crowded, not hard to park on street and a good mix of being uphill without being steep. Fun for dogs as well as humans :)

Lots of people access this trailhead compared to the early 90s when I first started riding up westridge. Full of cars & dog walkers now. I never park here any more, I just ride past the crowds.

This trail is fine if you're looking for something easy and simple. A good place to walk a dog or go on a stroll with small children. Limited parking so that's something to be prepared for.

Great place for running, walking and bike. Long and clean trail, and friendly people. One of my favorites places. You can see san Fernando valley, LA and Santa Monica beach, great views!!

One of few trails with dogs off leash. No sun protection so best in am and winter better than summer. Great views of ocean to Catalina Palos Verde snow capped mountains and high rises

We LOVE this trail for our pup to run off-leash. Warning: Rattle Snake was near the trail today!! We heard the rattle and saw the snake about 15' up the embankment. Thank Goodness!

Very popular hiking and biking trails. Parking can be tricky, especially during the morning on tje weekends. Trail offers many beautiful panoramic views of diffent sections of LA.

Good moderate hike, great for biking! Oceanviews to Catalina, all of LA, Griffith & Mt. Wilson. Parking was difficult, lot only ~7 car space. Mist wait to find street parking.

Beautiful view and sunny / hot ! WATCH WHERE YOU WALK THERE IS DOG CACA everywhere!?
Difficulty
Hard
Recommended activities
Walking, Hiking, Biking, Dog Walking

Good views of LA all around. Not much shade and it's a steep climb at places if you take the trail, otherwise there's a parallel bike road that's easy to walk.

Great trail that allows dogs and is quite wide, amazing views from the ocean to the valley. Parking is a bit tough on weekends but it's worth it.

Classic Santa Monica mountains trail: accessible in all senses, gorgeous start to finish, neat piece of history (NIKE Tower) at the turnaround

Beautiful secluded hike a short drive away from west LA, without the typical crowds you’d run into at Runyon Canyon or Griffith Observatory.

Trail is easy and you'll see many cute dogs! But beware that thete's no shade. You probably would want to avoid 11am to 3pm on a sunny day.

Great because allows dogs off leash but always feels at least 10 degrees hotter than other westside trails. And beware of rattlesnakes!

Such a great place to go to for the sunrise. And see lots of pups :) Parking can be limited though - depending on what time you go.

Sunrise is a great time to see a stunning vista for miles on a clear day - the coast to downtown and canyons. Parking is limited.

Limited parking, but I haven't seen it filled up. Starts uphill immediately. Has maps and dog poo bags. Lots of trails out here.

A pretty good walk that has a great view of everything around you, just make sure you have plenty of water on you when you go.

It's a beautiful place. Bring lots of water. Dogs may need shoes on some trails because of sharp rock gravel and loose shale.

Great place to hike!! You can take a stroll along the winding path or venture into the hills for a more challenging hike.

My new favorite trail. Great for hiking, running, cycling, and your dog. Great views, nice inclines, and an easy path.

It's a nice hike with multiple route choices. Think Runyon Canyon, but with an amazing view of the coast.

Found this trail when I visit an estate sale, it is gorgeous, the view and exercise and bring your dog.

Nice trail but very hot. Better to go in the morning. Oh and there are lots of flyes. Kind of annoying

Awesome place to take your dog. Trail could be a little more difficult but still fun none the less.

Great place for biking, walking with the dog, or walking and spending time with your best friend.

Great hike 8 mile hike to the end and back, a great view, and bikes are allowed. It's great.

Great views, note that you need to hike to this point via mandeville canyon fire road.

Fun hike with great views. Beware of flies and rattlesnakes, as I saw one on our hike.

Beautiful mountain views. Also people are walking their cute dogs along the trail.

Was unimpressed by the trail, dog came back with at least eight ticks as well

Great place to go hiking , walking, biking or running. Great views & scenic.

One of my favorite places to mt bike. Great single track and and ride up.

Love this trail! Dog friendly and very clean. Come early for parking

Beautiful view of the city and ocean views. Minutes to the beach.

Nice little hike, not too demanding! Also popular for bicycles!

Come early to find parkinglove it. Nice trail for a hick. …

Nice place for a hike and do mountain biking , beautiful views

Great hike! Lots of rock slide areas make for a fun challenge!

Amazing hike, breathtaking views of the ocean and Los Angeles.

Great hike to take your dog off leash. Not many of those in LA

Dirt track hiking. Would suck if hot. Limited parkinh5 …

Lots of bugs. They should rename it "bug in your face trail"

Beautiful views of Malibu and secluded areas in the canyons.

Standard hiking area. Good parking with a moderate hike.

Good parking, secluded hike, great options for paths.

Nice hike not much shade so take Sun screen and water

Great place to take your dog hiking. Leash required.

Lots of hills! Great for biking or day hikes.

Great place for a nice walk and amazing views

Great place to hike, a very nice place to go

Not much shade. Bring a hat. Lots of dogs!

Really excited and beautiful view. …

One of the most beautiful views over LA.

Large fire road and amazing views!!!

Easy workout trail with good views

Love this trail. A lot of up hill

A long walkable hike bring water

One of my favs and dogs allowed.

Great trail for mountain biking

Great hiking/ walking here.

Absolutely breath taking

Busy but beautiful views

This is a good work out!

great trail for cycling