Sullivan Canyon - Westridge Loop

As a first hike after moving to Brentwood, a neighborhood hike starting at Sullivan Canyon is irresistable. After the first quarter mile into the canyon we will turn up the eastern ridge on a seldom used, rutted trail to the Westridge Fire Road and continue our ascent north straddling the ridgeline between Sullivan and Mandeville Canyons with spectacular city and ocean views.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/b/8/event_4281688.jpeg

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/9/4/event_11110388.jpeg

After about 3 miles we will reach the old Nike Missile base, a cold war relic converted into a park with picnic benches, water and restrooms.

After our 1100 ft ascent, this is a perfect place for a bunch of hot and hungry hikers to have a picnic. The original radar tower now provides visitors with spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Encino Reservoir, San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles Basin

Bring a sack lunch!

After our snack and some siteseeing we'll march west over to the chaparral-covered slopes of Sullivan Ridge where yuccas stand as sentries at the upper entrance to the forrested canyon floor of Sullivan Canyon.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/5/5/2/event_4281842.jpeg

The hike down Sullivan Canyon parallels a seasonal creek through a shady canyon. Alive with the singing of birds, this final segment of the hike sounds and feels like an aviary housed within huge stands of sycamore, oak, and willow trees. Total distance will be about 9.5 miles.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/1/e/3/event_24233731.jpeg

Directions to Trail Head

From Sunset Boulevard, turn north on Mandeville Canyon Road. After 1/3 mile turn left onto Westridge Road. Drive uphill on Westridge Road and turn left on Bayliss Road. Make another left on Queensferry and find a place to park. Park where it is legal, and walk down the road to the green gate.