01
Best overall pick
Bell Canyon Trail via El Escorpión Park
Bell Canyon / West Hills Border • Rugged Neighborhood Canyon And Ridgeline Trail • Closest Trail To The Neighborhood
A direct, no-fuss way to leave the suburbs behind and climb into Bell Canyon’s namesake landscape right from the edge of West Hills.
Starting from El Escorpión Park off Valley Circle, this route follows dusty singletrack toward the craggy outcrops and rolling hills that define the mouth of Bell Canyon. It’s close enough for a quick pre-work hike but offers enough elevation and views to feel like a real escape. Expect exposed stretches, so go early or late and bring plenty of water on warm days.
02
Best for long rambles
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
South Of Bell Canyon • Expansive Chaparral And Grassland Preserve • Wide-Open All-Day Playground
Just over the hill from Bell Canyon, this former ranchland opens into a broad network of dirt roads and singletrack that you can tailor to almost any distance.
From the Victory Boulevard trailhead, you can wander mellow canyon floors, climb to breezy ridges, or link loops for a half-day outing. Spring brings green hillsides and wildflowers, while cooler months are ideal for longer explorations without worrying about the heat. It’s popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists, so expect friendly traffic on weekends but plenty of room to spread out.
03
Best for views
Sage Ranch Park Loop Trail
West Of Bell Canyon Above Woolsey Canyon • Compact Loop With Dramatic Rock Formations • Top Choice For Sunset And Photography
A short drive up Woolsey Canyon rewards you with a rim-top loop, sandstone boulders, and sweeping views over the Valley and toward the Santa Susanas.
The main loop here is relatively short, but the scenery punches above its weight with quirky rock gardens, cliff-edge vistas, and big skies. It’s an excellent pick when you want a rewarding hike without committing half the day. Aim for golden hour to catch the city lights flickering on below as the sun drops behind the western ridges.
04
Most versatile network
Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyon
Northwest Near Agoura Hills • Interconnected Oak Canyon And Ridge System • Best For Mixing Easy And Challenging Routes
Miles of mostly gentle dirt roads branch into steeper side trails, giving you the choice of relaxed valley walks or more ambitious climbs.
Starting from the Cheeseboro Canyon trailhead, you can stick to the wide, shaded main canyon for a family-friendly out-and-back or peel off onto steeper connectors toward Palo Comado’s higher ground. The area feels surprisingly remote given its proximity to the 101, with old oaks, seasonal creekbeds, and long sightlines up the canyon. It’s a dependable go-to when you want flexibility in distance and effort without driving too far from Bell Canyon.
05
Best classic day-trip
Malibu Creek State Park
Deeper In The Santa Monica Mountains • State Park With River Gorge And Volcanic Crags • Iconic Weekend Destination
A bit farther from Bell Canyon but worth the drive for creekside trails, swimming-hole-adjacent walks, and famous rock scenery.
With routes to the Rock Pool, Century Lake, and higher viewpoints, Malibu Creek offers a range of options from relaxed family hikes to more strenuous outings. The canyon’s steep walls and year-round water give it a different feel from the drier inland hills right around Bell Canyon. Go early on weekends for easier parking and cooler temperatures, and plan to linger—this is the kind of place where a ‘quick hike’ easily turns into a full morning.