Upper virgenes vista
The peaceful parkland surrounding this bench in north Calabasas is defined at once by modern history and a centuries-old past. The Chumash and Tongva tribes moved through this area and established routes connecting inland valleys with the coast. Later, in the 1770s, Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza followed those routes on his colonizing expedition between Mexico and what is now San Francisco. Today, the land is protected open space used for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
The bench, one of two within the area known as Las Virgenes View Park, provides a place to rest and reflect amid the multilayered landscape of chaparral and fields of native valley grasslands. In late winter and spring, random bursts of wildflowers – purple sage, coast morning glories, golden mariposa lilies – create brilliant, fleeting mosaics amid wheat-colored wild oat grasses.
Bench coordinates: 34°06'56.2"N 118°42'06.5"W
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This moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back hike follows a dirt trail with steady elevation gain to a bench with views of Calabasas and a surrounding landscape of chaparral hills and valley grasslands.
The majority of the trail is exposed; a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water are recommended. WiFi and cell service are intermittently available.
The trail becomes muddy and sometimes impassable after heavy rains. In the spring, keep an eye out for snakes sunning themselves on the trails, especially on hot days.
A barbed-wire fence separates public property from private along the upper parts of the trail. Do not attempt to cross it.
Highlights: rare valley grasslands, seasonal wildflowers, chaparral-covered hills.
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There is a large paved parking lot at the Calabasas Bark Park near the trailhead. Port-a-potties are available.
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The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot. Look for the small wooden sign for Bark Park Trail and follow it east alongside a chain link fence by the dog park.
Follow the dirt path on a steady ascent 1.2 miles to a trail intersection with a bench sign and signs for the New Millenium Loop and Juan Bautista de Anza trails.
Just past the memorial at the trail intersection, follow the arrows for the bench sign and turn right. It’s another 0.5 mile of moderate climbing to the bench, which is just off the trail on the right side.
From here, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot for a total 3.4-mile round-trip hike.
For a longer hike, continue south on the trail another half-mile to an unmarked intersection near a barbed-wire fence. The trail to the right is overgrown and challenging to navigate. The single-track trail to the left connects with Las Virgenes View Trail and Mulholland Highway. It is a moderate hike of 1.3 miles from here to another bench within Las Virgenes Open Space.
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From U.S. Route 101:
Take exit 32 (Las Virgenes Road) in Calabasas and follow Las Virgenes Road south 1.2 miles.
Turn left at the Calabasas Bark Park (4232 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302).
Park in the large lot (no fee or pass required); the trailhead is located at the north end of the lot.