WestRIDGE

Enjoy ocean breezes and canyon-to-mountain views at this bench near the southern entrance of Westridge-Canyonback Park. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sun set – or to launch a hike through an unexpectedly large stretch of urban wilderness just east of the 405 freeway. The fire road beside the bench leads to San Vicente Mountain Park (a decommissioned Nike missile radar control site) and a network of trails connecting a 20,000-acre parcel of protected land in the Santa Monica Mountains known as “The Big Wild.”  Across Sullivan Canyon, you may spot hikers or mountain bikers on a ridge trail that eventually meets up with Will Rogers State Historic Park. There are so many options awaiting visitors to this beautiful, accessible open space. 

This is one of several benches located within Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, and is located on the fire road near the southern entrance at Westridge Trailhead. 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.

Westridge_Mandeville2.jpg
Westridge_Mandeville3.jpg
Westridge_Mandeville4.jpg

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

    • The bench is 0.2 mile from the Westridge Trailhead via a brief, gradual ascent on a wide fire road.

    • There is cell phone coverage at the trail; it becomes intermittent as you get farther into the park.

    • There is very little shade and the temperatures can reach triple digits in summer; a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water is recommended. 

    • The trails get busy, especially on weekends. Expect to share them with dogs, mountain bikers, and the occasional equestrian.

    • 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 beside the parking lot and follow the wide trail north for 0.2 mile. 

    • The bench is on your left just past a rugged spur trail that leads down to Sullivan Canyon. 

    • 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.

    • 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

Back to all benches