RESEDA
Anyone can access this bench near the entrance to Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park. It’s a quiet place to rest and rehydrate after a long hike or bike ride through Los Angeles County’s most expansive and rugged terrain. It’s also a stop along an accessible loop trail for those with limited mobility or time to explore the surrounding mountains. Tucked just beyond a couple of hardy coast live oaks, the bench faces Caballero Canyon and a portion of undisturbed chaparral-covered wilderness that was once targeted for development. Marvin Braude, for whom the park is named, was a longtime city councilman who fought to protect this land and helped deliver a unique backcountry experience in the middle of a major urban area – one that appeals to so many different backgrounds and interests.
Bench coordinates - 34°07'51.7"N 118°33'09.3"W
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Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park offers easy access to a network of hiking and biking trails in Topanga State Park and Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness via its principal trailhead at the southern end of Reseda Boulevard.
The park has several accessible loop trails and picnic tables near its entrance with excellent views of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding mountains and canyons.
WiFi and cell service are limited in this area. Plan your hike ahead of arrival and download offline maps if possible.
Highlights include natural rock formations, mature oaks, and a classic chaparral landscape of laurel sumac, white sage, chamise, and toyon (Christmas berry).
The park is open every day from sunrise until sunset. The gate north of the entrance to the paid parking area closes at sunset.
Leashed dogs are allowed in Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park but are not permitted within the boundaries of Topanga State Park.
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The bench can be reached via a short walk on a wide packed-dirt trail to the left (east) of the main fire road trail and gate. There is a Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy sign and a wood post with a bench symbol near the start of the trail.
The bench is located just off the main trail beyond a couple of mature oak trees.
The quarter-mile trail loops back to the entrance and parking area.
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From US-101, take exit 23/Reseda Boulevard. Head south on Reseda Boulevard for 3.4 miles to Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park.
The park address is 3600 Reseda Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356.
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There is free street parking north of a road gate along both sides of Reseda Boulevard. Beyond the gate, a $5 fee is required to park.
Primitive port-a-potties and a water fountain are available on the west side of the park entrance.
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Restroom: 2 Portable Toilets
Shade: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes