Valley Overlook
The concept of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing at Liberty Canyon began three decades ago, when scientists attached radio collars to mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes and began tracking their movements. The resulting maps identified the Ventura Freeway (US-101) at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills as a primary crossing point for the animals. Much of the surrounding land was privately owned, and local agencies worked together to acquire it and permanently protect it from development. Now in the finishing stages, the bridge – which stretches across 10 lanes of freeway and an access road -- is the final link in the process and will connect the Santa Monica Mountains with the Simi Hills to provide a safe vegetated passage for animals between two critical inter-mountain range habitats.
The bench appears when you need it most – after a series of steep climbs up a dirt and gravel path or a bike ride through dense canyon terrain. It’s the third bench on a challenging one-mile trail that begins near the base of the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
Take a moment to breathe and recover, then let the top-of-the-world views sink in. On one side you are nearly eye level with an undisturbed series of peaks and ridges in the Santa Monica Mountains. On the other, the US-101 freeway is a distant sight amid a patchwork of rolling hills and suburban development. Meanwhile, all around you is the core habitat that sustains these mountains – hardy chamise, buckwheat, sagebrush, flowering lupine. A melding of beauty and fragrance.
Bench coordinates - 34°07'55.2"N 118°44'16.2"W
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The last 0.3 mile of the hike to Bench 3 is a strenuous climb on loose dirt and gravel. It is only recommended for experienced hikers with sturdy boots. The distance to this bench is 1 mile from the parking lot trailhead.
Highlights include unfiltered views of the Santa Monica Mountains and native plants and flowers such as California buckwheat and sagebrush, showy penstemon, and giant wildrye grasses.
The trail is identified as the Abrams Open Space loop on some maps and hiking applications. It connects with the Phantom Trail, a rugged north-south trail that crosses Mulholland Highway near Malibu Creek State Park.
The majority of the trail is exposed; bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Long pants are also recommended. Temperatures can reach triple digits in the summer.
WiFi and cell service are intermittently available.
The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is still under construction, with an expected completion date of December 2026. You may encounter delays or closures along Agoura Road.
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There is free parking in a graded dirt lot at the trailhead off Agoura Road.
There are no toilets or other amenities at the trailhead.
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The trail begins just beyond the dirt parking lot off Agoura Road.
Follow it past the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy sign and uphill through a briefly shaded area of oak trees.
At about mile 0.3 you will reach a clearing on the right and the first bench along the trail.
Continue along the single-track trail another 0.2 mile to a clearing with the second bench. It faces south toward the interior of the mountain range.
To reach the third bench, follow the trail south as it continues to ascend for another half-mile. The last 0.2 mile requires a steep ascent on loose dirt and gravel. Only experienced hikers should attempt to hike it.
The third bench sits along a ridge at a trail intersection. From here, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot for a 2-mile round-trip hike. You will encounter loose dirt and gravel on downhill stretches of the return hike. Wear sturdy hiking boots and proceed at a slow, careful pace.
The trail that continues southeast of the bench eventually connects to Phantom Trail and Mulholland Highway to the south. It is overgrown in parts, especially in spring, and extreme caution is recommended.
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From the US-101 (Ventura Freeway), take exit 34 (Canwood Street/Liberty Canyon Road).
Follow Liberty Canyon Road south to the first intersection at Agoura Road.
Turn right on Agoura Road and follow it about 0.3 mile to a wide parking pullout on the left. The trailhead is just beyond signs for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
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Skill level 4; moderate to challenging
While not hard from a way-faring perspective, this well-designed trail is very steep
Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, extra jacket, closed toe shoes and printed map
No shade
