The out-and-back Rim of the Valley Trail is a relatively unassuming hike that skirts the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains just north of Tujunga. However, start walking and you’re treated with some impressive and relatively low-effort views of the San Fernando Valley. And as a bonus, a lake marks the hike’s halfway point and makes for a great rest spot before working your way back to the trailhead. This trail offers a lot, especially compared to the time and energy required to hike it.
While there is no formal parking lot, there’s plenty of street parking. Just make sure you’re respectful of those living in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the facilities are lacking, with only a trash can for hikers to use, so it’s smart to pack everything you need ahead of time. Head to the end of Alpine Way turn left to find the trailhead.
The start of the trail.
The trail starts on a well-defined single-track path before almost immediately connecting with a large fire road. Turn right at this juncture to head in the correct direction. You’ll likely encounter mountain bikers since it’s a multi-use trail, but I never felt unsafe.
You’ll follow a wide fire road for most of your hike.
Soon you’ll have unobstructed views of the San Fernando Valley to your right. Take your time enjoying the expanse. This trail has very few shaded spots and can be especially hot on sunny summer days, so there’s no need to rush and burn yourself out since you’ll be gradually and steadily hiking uphill for the foreseeable future.
You’ll start to have gorgeous views almost immediately.
A bee helping pollinate a Common Cryptantha plant.
As you continue, keep an eye out for several blooming plants. I saw Black Sage, California Buckwheat, Common Cryptantha, Coast Morning Glory, and of course Black Mustard. Then, at mile 0.7 you’ll reach a sign that reads “Gateway to the Rim of the Valley Trail”. Fun fact, this trail is a part of the larger Rim of the Valley Corridor.
“Gateway to the Rim of the Valley Trail” sign.
After years of research and study by the National Park Service, Congressman Adam Schiff introduced The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act in 2017, which aimed at expanding the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 191,000 acres to preserve land encompassing the San Fernando Valley. It would include a wide array of nature spaces and corridors, such as the Arroyo Seco and the Los Angeles River, as well as parts of the Santa Monica, Verdugo, Santa Susana, and San Gabriel Mountains. Protections for local wildlife, such as mountain lions, and preservation of historical sites are included in the act as well. While there has been some progress in the House of Representatives, this corridor has yet to gain federal protection.
For more on the Rim of the Valley project, check out this informational post we put together after attending some of the early public comment meetings.
A few steps further, you’ll come across several homes and backyards abutting the trail. Fortunately, this section passes quickly, but you can expect to continue to hear sounds of civilization, such as planes humming overhead and cars honking down below, as well as people working and playing in their yards. Unlike the trails deeper in the San Gabriel Mountains, this isn’t a pure nature experience. Nevertheless, I felt that it was still peaceful and relaxing, with the unique feature of showcasing the balance between the outdoors and suburban sprawl.
At the one-mile mark, the Verdugo Mountains become visible to the south. You can see the radio towers atop Tongva Peak and Verdugo Peak.
The Verdugo Mountains in the distance.
Hiking on, the views slowly become more expansive. You’re line of sight will eventually expand to Simi Valley and the Santa Susana Mountains, where you can barely make out the outlines of Oat Mountain and Rocky Peak.
The San Fernando Valley, with Simi Valley and the Santa Susana Mountains in the distance.
At mile 1.4, a large Coast Live Oak tree will give you your first moment of shade. Then, a tenth of a mile later you’ll find a shaded alcove to your left that’s a perfect spot to rest, eat a snack, and relax.
The alcove has plenty of logs and rocks for sitting.
At mile 2.2 you will reach a high point and finally be able to see the Haines Canyon Debris Basin. This reservoir was built to help prevent flooding during large rainstorms and contains a year-round pond for visitors to enjoy.
Haines Canyon Debris Basin from the hike’s high point.
As you slowly work your way down to the lake, make sure to also look up, as you can see Mount Lukens directly in front of you. Don’t forget to still pay attention to the trail though, as I saw a rattlesnake cross the trail here.
You can see Mount Lukens in the distance as you hike down to Haines Canyon Debris Basin.
A rattlesnake crossing the trail. Luckily, it seemed unbothered as it slithered past me.
Finally, at mile 2.5 you’ll reach the lakeshore. Unfortunately, there was some litter around, but finding any decent-sized body of water in LA is pretty uncommon, so it was still a treat. I also saw several people fishing.
Haines Canyon Debris Basin up close.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can continue up Haines Canyon to the summit of Mount Lukens. Otherwise, head back the way you came to complete your hike.
Tags: Angeles National Forest, Haines Canyon, Hiking, Los Angeles, Pond, rim of the valley, rim of the valley corridor, rim of the valley trail, Tujunga, views
