CABALLERO SOUTH OAK
Caballero Canyon is a feast for the senses: you may see orange blurs of darting butterflies, inhale the earthy scents of white sage and bay laurel, and hear the trills of California towhees amid the wind whistling through leaves. A seasonal creek adds its own symphony of sounds and wildflowers in later winter and spring. You can take it all in from one of two benches that sit along Caballero Canyon Trail less than a mile from busy Reseda Boulevard.
The first bench offers a unique view of a large sycamore tree, reaching for the sky amid the surrounding chaparral and cacti. California sycamores thrive in wide, porous watersheds like this, their textured bark and star-like leaves providing a natural canopy and autumnal feeling along the trail.
This is one of two benches located along Caballero Canyon Trail before it ascends to Dirt Mulholland and other trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Bench coordinates - 34°08'03.3"N 118°32'49.7"W
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Caballero Canyon Trail starts out mostly flat and shaded by mature oak and sycamore trees. It follows a seasonal creek, typically dry in summer, for about a mile then ascends to Dirt Mulholland and other trails in Topanga State Park.
It can be hiked as a moderate 3-mile out-and-back trek or as a gateway trail to reach other sections of the Santa Monica Mountains, such as San Vicente Mountain Park or Gizmo Peak.
The dirt trail is moderately easy with a gradual elevation gain of 550 feet.
The second half of the trail is exposed; a hat, sunscreen, and at least 2 liters of water are recommended.
WiFi and cell service are not available on most of the trail.
Following heavy rains, parts of the trail may be washed out and require a stream crossing. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Highlights of Caballero Canyon Trail include California sycamore trees, a seasonal creek and a rich chaparral ecosystem that includes chamise, toyon, white sage, and spring wildflowers.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the lower part of Caballero Canyon, but not on the last half-mile of the trail, when it crosses into Topanga State Park.
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Look for the large Caballero Canyon sign along Reseda Boulevard just before Country Club Place. Follow the trail to the right of the sign and continue right past a wood post with a bench symbol.
The trail briefly descends, then flattens amid a woodland of oaks and sycamores and follows seasonal Caballero Creek, which is typically dry in spring and early fall.
At 0.7 mile, you will reach the Caballero South Oak bench.
From here, the trail soon passes another bench, then begins a steady 0.5-mile ascent to the fire road known as Dirt Mulholland.
After enjoying views of multi-layered peaks and canyons that extend to the ocean on clear days, you can opt to turn around and retrace your steps back through Caballero Canyon for a 3-mile out-and-back hike. Or turn left (east) and follow Dirt Mulholland about 2.3 miles to San Vicente Mountain Park and the Nike Missile Site, where there are restrooms, interpretive signs, and picnic overlooks.
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From US-101, take exit 23/Reseda Boulevard. Head south on Reseda Boulevard for 2.2 miles.
The trailhead is on the left (east) side of Reseda Boulevard, just before the stoplight at Country Club Place.
Free parking is available on both sides of Reseda Boulevard. Be sure to heed the signs and park within the white lines.
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There is free parking along both sides of Reseda Boulevard near the trailhead. Be sure to obey the no parking signs and avoid parking on the bike paths.
There are no bathrooms or other amenities at the trailhead.
Primitive bathrooms and water are available 1.2 miles away near the entrance to Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park.
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Restroom: No
Shade: Partial
Picnic Area: No
Drinking Water: Yes