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 Reporter |
Summary: Fire-ravaged Devil Canyon with it's spectacular rock formations created 80 million years ago in a marine environment makes for a haunting yet beautiful and easy hike. The trail begins off a dirt parking area past an open gate on the north end of Topanga Canyon Blvd. The trail descends into the canyon below and after some water hopping the scenery improves. Live Oak and Willow trees fill the canyon and sandstone geology of the wildest kind begins to unfold. There are caves to be discovered in the tributaries along the way (Falls Creek) if you don't mind some bushwacking. At about 2.3 miles you will come to a locked gate haulting all progress. Feeling adventurous? Jump the gate and hike up the creek for awhile and you will find a neat looking old concrete dam. Be careful climbing around on it, it's a long way down from the top of the dam into the bottom of Devil Canyon. Trailhead: From the 118 Freeway exit at Topanga Canyon Blvd. Drive up the little road at the north end of Topanga past an open gate into a dirt parking area. The trailhead starts on the east side of the parking area and heads northeast down into the canyon. (Lat:34.27829 Lon:-118.60372) Trail Guides for Devil Canyon: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountains National 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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Caleb on 3/24/2008 I love this trail. I used to park on Poema and go up the drive off of Topanga. The lovely new luxury antfarm on top of the hill is officially closed off now. I tried to go this morning with my wife and a security guard wouldn't let us pass. There is the beginning of a gate there as well. Nice that all of the entrances to this beautiful public land are one by one getting blocked by ugly, tacky houses. 
Reviewed by dm on 12/7/2007 great hike with a nice stream, poison oak on both side of trail. I recommend wearing long sleaves and pants. 
Reviewed by LJ on 9/24/2007 Tons of Poison Oak, horse leavings and spectacular scenery
Reviewed by Elwood on 6/4/2007 This was my second hike in Devil Canyon. I parked unchallenged on the newly paved lot at the corner of the new development. I don't pretend to know the status of any easements for doing so. The trail was as beautiful as ever, a delightful mix of wood and sun. There was a plethora of poison oak, and some water still running in the stream bed. A coyote was drinking from a pool near the Blind Canyon crib dam. I hiked through 'Devil' and 'Ybarra' to the Browns Canyon junction at the Antonovitch Open Space. This is a great hike and a relaxing follow up to Baldy Village/Peak on Saturday. 
Reviewed by David on 6/4/2007 Had an awful time in Devil Canyon this past Sunday (June 2, 2007). My first mistake might have been trying to mountain bike it vs. hike it. The 'trail' is the stream bed for the first 2 miles. The loosest gravel and sand--impossible to cycle through and not much fun to try to hike (with or without a bike). The trail is so narrow in spots with quantities of poison oak EVERYWHERE---onboth sides of the trail. My group made a wrong turn after the first two miles and went (straight) uphill-this put us on the north edge of the million-dollar homes in the gated community. As for access, park on Poema and then walk downhill to the light, then uphill into the "Vista Townhouses" condo construction site--access is off the back.
Reviewed by Dean on 4/21/2007 Mynga went the wrong way. The original description was obsolete long ago. The alternative is to park on Poema Pl and this way has recently been undesireable by new development. I currently use the north end of Canoga and hike to Devils canyon via Deerlake Highlands. But Deerlake highlands will soon be under the bulldozder this summer. I am planning a hike there very soon. See http://hiking.meetup.com/276/
Reviewed by Mynga on 4/21/2007 This trail was interesting because of the rock formation. I prefer a trail with lots of trees/flowers, which this trail lacked, but the rocks were breath taking. When I went in March 2007 it was very windy so bring a sweater, and a cap/sun block because there are no shady areas. This is a very steep hike. The trail path is extremely wide, which allows large trucks to come through. The path is like a dirt road. I prefer a narrow trail path because it makes me feel closer to nature, therefore I can't give this trail more than 3 stars rating. I had fun.
Reviewed by Paula on 2/19/2007 They are building townhomes that will be finished in about a year. They will still leave access to the trail after the homes are built. I wnet up there about a month ago and just went through the area they have leveled out and down a steep embankment to the trail. I take this trail alot so email me if you want to check it out and I can help you find the trail. Paula pgs14@earthlink.net 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||