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 Reporter |
Summary: "Beware of Mountain Lions" is the greeting you get at the trailhead of this favorite local climb to the summit of Mission Peak. I'm thinking....one should be so lucky to see a mountain lion up here! In the mood for a hike with dramatic panoramic city views at every turn? Try this one after a rainstorm like I did and you will be rewarded aplenty as the Sulphur Spring Fire Road meanders along the northeastern rim of the San Fernando Valley. You will be following a well maintained fire road that climbs steadily up to a little grove of four oak trees just below the summit of Mission Peak. This is a great spot to have a snack before making the final ascent. There are two ways to go up: you can follow the obvious steep trail on the eastern side or you can keep following the fire road around the next bend to the left and then up a another moderate trail to the left again. Mission Point can also be reached more commonly from a trail out of O'Melveny Park on Sesnon Blvd. Trailhead: From the 405 fwy heading north get on the 118 fwy going west and exit Balboa Blvd and turn right going north. After a few blocks make a left on Jolette Ave and take it all the way up past Sesnon Blvd. and then make a left on Doric St. Turn right on Neon Way and soon it will dead end into a culdesac. This is the trailhead. (Lat:34.30494 Lon:-118.51436) Trail Guides for Mission Point from Neon Way: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area (805) 370-2301 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Dennis on 12/3/2009 I hiked from O'Melveny Park to the peak. This trail is steeper than the trail (old Gas Company service road,wide with a tiny bit of asphalt peaking through from time to time)from Neon Way, but more scenic. You get different views of the valley as you are ascending this peak.I hiked it in late November, so there wasn't much in the way of growth or wildlife,but the air was cool,crisp and clear and could see for miles and miles. Descending the road that leads to Neon Way is easier on the knees and footing, but I wouldn't have done that if I hadn't met someone that parked on Neon and gave me a ride back to my car at the park (less than a mile). 
Reviewed by William on 10/11/2009 hiked 10/4/09 This was an easy hike to find, and was really easy to follow. It was a nice little challenge with a steady climb the entire way. You get some nice views when you get to the top. But be sure to pack a light jacket for this fall weather, it got pretty chilly with cloud cover the entire time and the wind gusting. The scenery was not the best, but it's nice for what it has to offer. More of a work out hike rather than a scenery hike.
Reviewed by AH on 7/19/2009 I agree with the last reviewer, this is definitely a night hike in the summer. Use a headlamp for the way down so you don't wreck an ankle. I went last night and was treated to the yaps of coyotes, a family of quail, and a well-earned view from the top of the sea of light that is the SFV at night.
Reviewed by EN on 7/10/2009 Nice view from the top, the hills side are mix of green brown and black (fire damage), Good afternoon workout or a short weekend hike, try it on full moon night, hike to the top early enough to see the sun set, enjoy the quit, watch your steps on the way down, it is worth the try.
Reviewed by Viewer on 4/27/2009 Right now the wild flowers are in full bloom!! Beautiful! 
Reviewed by Danielle on 3/25/2009 I hiked this trail over the weekend, just after the rain had stopped, and the sky cleared. The entire hillside is covered with tall green grass, and spirals of yellow and purple flowers. The poppies have yet to fully bloom due to the chill in the air, but you can make out the orange petals that dot the hillside. Los Angeles is truly beautiful in the Spring, and if you catch this hike on a clear day you can see the outline of downtown between Hollywood Mtn and the Santa Monica Mtn Range. Mt. Baldy (I think) can be seen to the East, and the entire valley sprawls out in front of you. This is personal favorite of mine and recommend getting out there now before the vegetation melts in the hot summer sun
Reviewed by RSD on 11/6/2008 So, the fires came through this trail BIG time. Not much left along the trail, but it's beautiful in it's own way. I hiked this on Nov 1 in the rain. Near Three Trees So. Gas had the fire road fenced off. I was able to hike up a fire break along side the fence to reach the trees. I don't know if it was closed due to the recent fire as the lock on the gate looked brand new.
Reviewed by DDC on 9/14/2008 My kids and I hiked this trail in mid-September, on a Saturday late afternoon. The kids were bored and tired two-thirds into the hike, but as we got closer to the summit I felt a sense of relief and excitement from everyone. There were alot of flys along the way, which was very annoying. I suggest you bring a bandana or extra t-shirt to swat the flys away from your neck and head. We came accross only four other hikers during the entire excursion. Overall the hike was very rewarding. At first the kids were disinterested, but by the time we completed the trail everyone was happy about the hike and the time "QUALITY TIME" we spent together. Don't forget the sunblock, water, bandana (for the flys)and moleskin (for your toes). Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||