Secret and Surprising

Secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike in Los Angeles

{MARCH 29, 2023 UPDATE: Due to the most recent storm, please be aware that there may be sudden trail closures and poor and hazardous conditions; check official websites before visiting, and exercise good judgement and caution.}

Short and sweet, this secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike is LA’s best. Deervale–Stone Canyon Park has a 2-mile out-and-back that’s a good workout and rewards with incredible views, and a one-of-a-kind surprise!

Park along Crisp Canyon Road and find the trailhead on the west side, just past the intersection with Lacota Place. Be respectful of the residents as you find a narrow trail (marked by a sign) that starts ascending through a quaint open meadow. The views are spectacular right away: an array of hills, canyons, and the expansive San Fernando Valley. Before the trail turns sharply to head south, find a bench—perched along a ridge facing north—to enjoy those fantastic vistas.

The trail continues ascending north through the 80-acre green space of chaparral classics, from oaks to laurel sumac to toyon. But the real highlight is the man-made spectacle after passing a large oak at a clearing facing east. You’ll find a wood sign naming “Cairn City.” It’s what it sounds like, loads of rock cairns fashioned by hikers alongside a large number of interesting figurines.

The trail rolls up and down through hills for a great workout (400 feet of gain) as you head south. Enjoy views on both the east and west sides of the ridge into the canyons below and look for a spur trail heading east at the half-mile mark for some extra mileage. Otherwise, at the 1-mile mark, you reach Deervale Place and the turnaround point. This hike is beautiful later in the day before sunset, when the panoramas are golden. 

BONUS TREAT: Post-hike, head to Creme Caramel LA, a quaint cafe specializing in Filipino custards, upside-down pies, and pandesal (we love the savory sweet buko pandan creme caramel, but everything is good!). This is also the spot where the legendary Starry Kitchen sells its garlic noodles (and sometimes crispy tofu balls) on weekends—place a pickup order for hot “noods” to eat on-site or frozen to take home. Either way, they’re truly the superstar noodles of LA!

To get to the Deervale–Stone Canyon Park and trailhead, take the US-101 to the Van Nuys Blvd. exit and head south. After 0.7 mile, turn right onto Valley Vista Blvd., and after 0.4 mile, turn left onto Crisp Canyon Rd. The trailhead will be on your right after about a block, just past the Lacota Pl. intersection. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View