CANYON BACK

Mandeville Ridge runs almost entirely parallel to a popular fire road often filled with hikers, mountain bikers and dogs. Up here, though, it feels like a world away. The bench in the middle of the ridge faces eastward, but is surrounded by unhindered panoramic views of protected Santa Monica Mountains parkland known as “the Big Wild.” It is a perfect spot to take it all in: from mountain peaks and tree-lined canyons to distant cityscapes and ridgeline trails connecting the San Fernando Valley with west Los Angeles and the beaches of Malibu. Enjoy the solace before returning to the ridgeline trail that leads you farther into the park, or back to the trailhead and the buzz of civilization.


This is one of several benches located within Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, and sits in a remote clearing surrounded by open space and mountain-to-city views. Each bench is unique and offers a different view and experience within these 1,500 acres of protected open space between West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

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Bench coordinates - 34°22'14.0"N 118°37'45.2"W

    • This bench is located along Mandeville Ridge Trail, a single-track loose gravel trail that parallels the more popular Mandeville Canyon Fire Road.

    • It can be reached from Westridge Trailhead via a moderately challenging ascent on a ridge trail that parallels Mandeville Canyon Fire Road. 

    • WiFi and cell phone coverage are intermittent. Be sure to download trail maps ahead of your hike.

    • There is very little shade; a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water is recommended. The closest toilet is about 1.7 miles north of the bench at San Vicente Mountain Park. 

    • Mandeville Ridge trail is popular with mountain bikers; stay alert on narrow trails and be prepared to yield and move off trail if necessary.

    • The trail includes some steep sections with loose gravel; sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

    • Unleashed dogs are allowed in Westridge-Canyonback Park, as long as they are well-trained and can be recalled on command.

    • Walk past the fire road gate and kiosk beside the parking lot and follow the main fire road (Mandeville Canyon) north. 

    • At about 0.4 mile, you will come to a trail split and a large sign for Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park. Leave the fire road and take the rugged dirt trail to the right to get on the Mandeville Ridge trail.

    • After about 0.8 miles on the ridgeline trail, you will pass a clearing with a bench facing south. Continue another 0.5 mile to the Canyonback bench, which sits just off the trail on the east side. 

    • The ridge trail continues north another 0.2 mile to an intersection that reconnects with Mandeville Canyon Fire Road. After crossing the fire road, the ridge trail continues another 0.7 mile to the fire road just south of San Vicente Mountain Park, where there are picnic tables and public toilets.

    Alternative hike:

    • The bench can also be reached from the Upper Canyonback Trailhead near the beginning of Dirt Mulholland, the unpaved segment of Mulholland Drive. Park in the small lot and follow the wide unpaved trail west 0.8 mile to San Vicente Mountain Park. 

    • Head left to Mandeville Fire Road and take it south about 1.5 miles. Be sure to stay to the right as there are a couple of unmarked spur trails along the fire road’s east side.

    • You will come to the eastern-facing Edge bench beside an oak tree. Just south of that is a spur trail (Mandeville Ridge trail). Leave the fire road and follow the spur trail south for a brief uphill climb to a clearing with the Canyonback bench.

    • Return to the trailhead the same way you came, for a total round-trip hike of 4.8 miles.

    • From the 405 freeway, exit at Sunset Boulevard and head west 5 miles to Mandeville Canyon Road. 

    • Turn right on Mandeville Canyon Road and continue 0.3 mile to Westridge Road. Turn left and drive 2.3 miles until Westridge Road ends at the trailhead parking lot.

    • For the alternative hike beginning at the Upper Canyonback Trailhead, take the 405 Freeway to Skirball Center Drive (exit 61), and head west on Mulholland Drive. 

    • Drive 2.4 miles to the paved road’s end and park in the small dirt lot near the trailhead.

    • There is a small parking lot at the north end of Westridge Road and free street parking south of the lot along Westridge Road and Cordelia Drive. Be respectful while walking in the neighborhood, and heed all parking signs

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