The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing has generated a lot of buzz in recent years. When completed, it will span the 101 in Agoura Hills and be the world’s largest wildlife overpass, as well as an important step in combatting the currently fragmented lands that Southern California mountain lions and other wildlife roam. Those looking for impressive mountain views, as well as a glimpse into the habitats the crossing will connect should check out the Phantom Trail, just south of Liberty Canyon Road.
While many parts of this trail are overgrown, it personally made me feel more connected to the land around me. Just be sure to wear pants–your legs with thank you.
Enjoy this concrete path while you can, as the trail becomes a lot less manicured.
As you arrive at the trail, I recommend parking on Liberty Canyon Road, since several of the streets by the trailhead are private. Also, note that there are no amenities nearby, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need and are ready to go beforehand. Walk past the metal gate to start your hike.
Your first bit of single-track trail.
The beginning of the trail follows a flat concrete path past the backyards of several neighborhood homes. Soon, the road bends left. You’ll head right here along a large dirt trail that quickly becomes a single-track trail. Then, you will come across a road at around mile 0.4. Head across and slightly left to rejoin the trail. You should also see signs for Phantom Trail to Mulholland Highway.
After crossing the road, look for signs to rejoin the trail.
The hills were full of life in mid-May.
A few steps further you’ll navigate across a small creek crossing and then start heading uphill. The trail is a little overgrown here (a theme for the rest of the hike), but the hillsides were beautiful – abundantly green and full of life. In fact, throughout the hike, there were several plants in full bloom. Some of my favorite flowers I saw include Musk Thistles, Purple Chinese Houses, Coast Morning Glories, and California Poppies. Unfortunately, there are also still some burn scars from the 2018 Woolsey fire.
A patch of California Poppies.
Musk Thistle with a visitor.
You’ll have a decent amount of shade as you ascend the switchbacks, which makes the climb a little more manageable. Finally, at mile 1.1 you reach a saddle and get your first glimpse of the Santa Monica Mountains. In the distance, you can see the telecommunication antennas on top of Castro Peak. Follow the arrow left to continue hiking.
The Santa Monica Mountains and Castro Peak in the distance.
The trail continues to climb, but at a gentler grade. You’ll also start alternating between pockets of covered and uncovered trail, which strikes a healthy balance between expansive views and welcome shade. During the more exposed sections, take in the gorgeous rolling mountains, as well as birds-eye views of suburban homes and the 101. From this vantage point, it’s easy to see how these communities and the highway have fragmented the habitats of many Southern California species, including our Mountain Lions.
It’s interesting to see the dichotomy between the human-made communities and nature surrounding them.
At mile 1.6 the trail starts to get even more overgrown and dense. Luckily, several arrows are pointing you in the correct direction. Then at mile 1.8, you’ll reach the hike’s high point. Make sure to stop here for a second and truly take in all the beauty around you. Also, if you’re not dead set on making it down to Mulholland Highway, this is a great turnaround spot.
The trail is pretty overgrown but was worth traversing for its impressive vistas.
The hike’s high point offers gorgeous mountain views.
If you choose to continue, then follow the path as it begins to descend. You’ll catch your first glimpse of Mulholland Highway around mile two, although you will likely hear vehicles speeding along it much sooner. Also, with so much foliage on and near the trail, keep an eye out for wildlife. I spotted a Horned Lizard lurking in the plants.
A Horned Lizard blending into its surroundings.
Watch out for cars speeding past you.
You’ll reach Mulholland Highway at mile 2.6. A somewhat anticlimactic turnaround point, you’ll have loud cars zooming past you constantly. Head back the way you came to enjoy more peaceful vistas and complete your hike … or for a significantly longer day, consider (carefully) crossing the road and finding the Cistern Trail down into Malibu Creek State Park.
The impressive views continue as you backtrack to the trailhead.
Tags: Liberty Canyon Natural Preserve, Malibu Creek State Park, Overgrown, santa monica mountains national recreation area, View
