Cheeseboro Canyon
Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 6.5 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Difficulty: 2 (highest 5)
Season: All year round
Recommended rating: 4 (out of 5)
Outline
- Cheeseboro Canyon Hiking Trail Guide: Explore the Rolling Hills of Northern Calabasas
- Getting To Cheeseboro Canyon
- The Cheeseboro Canyon Trail: A Scenic Hiking Trail
- The Balin Wall Trail
- The Cheeseboro Ridge Trail
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Links
Cheeseboro Canyon Hiking Trail Guide: Explore the Rolling Hills of Northern Calabasas
Located in the Simi Hills of northern Calabasas, Cheeseboro Canyon is a popular outdoor destination for hikers, joggers, bikers, and horseback riders. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails, the canyon offers breathtaking scenery that changes throughout the year. From green grassy hills to stunning oak forests, there is something for everyone at Cheeseboro Canyon.
If you plan to visit this beautiful canyon, this hiking trail guide will help you explore the most scenic trails. The trails introduced here pass through the canyon’s center, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk amid nature. Keep reading to learn more about the trails and how to get there.
How to Get to Cheeseboro Canyon
If you’re coming from downtown LA, head north on Fwy 101 for approximately 30 miles. Get off at Cheseboro Road at the border of Calabasas and Agora, then follow the road to the right for 0.7 miles to the right. The entrance to the park comes out with a sign. If the sign says Cheeseboro TH, it marks the starting point (Trail Head).
Cheeseboro Canyon has several roads across a vast area. The difficulty and distance can vary depending on which route you enter. First-time visitors can be easily confused. Still, the park map provided on the information board at the park entrance is beneficial. You can refer to it to find your way around the canyon.
A Scenic Hiking Trail
To access the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail, take the broad road to the right, half a mile from the parking lot, when the road splits in two. After another 0.6 miles, the road splits into two again. This time, take the left-hand trail, the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail. From here, you will walk on a trail through an oak forest. You may suddenly feel far away from the city because of the squirrels and birds chirping everywhere.
The Balin Wall Trail
After about a mile at the second fork, look carefully to the right and see the Balin Wall Trail sign. This is a narrow hiking trail reserved for climbers only. If you go up, Balin Wall appears in front, which looks like a castle wall. The trail is challenging, but the view from the top is breathtaking.
The Cheeseboro Ridge Trail
You will encounter the Cheeseboro Ridge Trail before reaching the summit of the Balin Wall. A wide road comes up from the front, and you can follow it back down. On the way down, pass a substantial white-painted water tank and continue downhill until you arrive at the split point as you start climbing.
Conclusion
Cheeseboro Canyon is a breathtaking outdoor destination in the Simi Hills of northern Calabasas, offering more than 20 miles of hiking trails with diverse difficulty levels. It is perfect for hiking, jogging, biking, or horseback riding while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. With its oak forests, green grassy hills, and a vast area to explore, Cheeseboro Canyon offers something for all types of visitors.
FAQ
- What is the best time to visit Cheeseboro Canyon? A: The best time to visit Cheeseboro Canyon is during the fall or spring when the weather is mild and the hills are green. Summers can be too hot, and winters can be too chilly.
- Are dogs allowed in Cheeseboro Canyon? A: Dogs are allowed in Cheeseboro Canyon but must be kept on a leash.
- Is it safe to hike alone in Cheeseboro Canyon? A: It is generally safe to hike alone in Cheeseboro Canyon. However, hiking with a partner or a group is always recommended for safety purposes.
- What should I bring with me when hiking in Cheeseboro Canyon? A: It is essential to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat when hiking in Cheeseboro Canyon. Also, wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
- Are there restrooms available in Cheeseboro Canyon? A: Restrooms are available at the parking lot and some points along the trails.
Links
If you want to learn more about Cheeseboro Canyon or plan your visit, here are some helpful links:
- Cheeseboro Canyon Official Website (https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/cheeseborocanyon.htm)
- National Park Service – Cheeseboro Canyon Map (https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/upload/cheeseboro.pdf)
- Friends of the Santa Monica Mountains (https://www.samofund.org/cheeseboro-canyon/)
