Mulholland Dr. to San Vicente Mountain - Santa Monica Mountains
Hiking to San Vicente Mountain Park from Mulholland Drive is the shortest route one can take to get there. Although it is short, it still offers some stupendous views looking out over the San Fernando Valley as well as Beverly Hills and on out to the ocean.
Atop San Vicente Mountain lies one of the, now unused, Nike missile defense sites scattered throughout the mountains of the South-western Coast. Here you will find the remains of the buildings and technology that were used to detect and intersect potential missiles directed at LA. After about 10 years, long-range technology came into play rendering the Nike missiles useless. Fortunately the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has made a point to preserve some of these sites, sprinkling info panels throughout the grounds to keep this history alive.
You will begin your hike at end of the drivable section of Mulholland Drive. You will find plenty of parking along the streets and on up towards the yellow gates. If the yellow gates are open, you can even drive your car all the way up to the top of San Vicente mountain - but where is the fun in that!?
Hike on past the yellow gate and continue along the unpaved Mulholland Drive. In the distance up head you should be able to spoit the radio towers on San Vicente Mountain.
As you ascend you'll find Mandeville Canyon ,Westridge, and Canyonback Ridge to the south. As the road continues on the views will begin to open up in the opposite direction, offering gorgeous views out over the Encino Reservoir and the rest of the San Fernando Valley.
Take a moment to enjoy the views over the Encino Reservoir. We were lucky enough to be hiking on a beautifully clear day. You might notice some side trails on your right - they'll take you out over the reservoir. We had fun exploring this area and got some really amazing photos.
After you're done taking in the views continue another .4 miles and eventually you will reach and junction. Up ahead Mulholland continues across the Santa Monica Mountains all the way to Santa Maria near Topanga, where the pavement resumes. Instead of continuing on ahead, turn left instead and head up to the mountaintop where the military base lies - you won't be able to miss it.
Take your time exploring the old grounds and take in the gorgeous panoramic views. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables - even a few telescopes that overlook the canyons below. When you're done, simply return the way you came.
How to get there: On the 405 freeway take the Skirball Center Drive exit. Heading west follow the signs for Mulhollad Drive. After about 2 miles, Mulhollad Drive becomes and unpaved road and makes a sharp hairpin turn to the left. Continue .25 miles until you can no longer drive. Park behind the yellow gate where you will begin your hike.
Address: 17024 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
