Vanalden Cave in Tarzana – A 2.7-Mile Hike
Gaspar De Portola Middle School in Tarzana, California
April 25, 2021
Top Of Reseda Trailhead in Tarzana, California
April 25, 2021
If you’re looking for a unique Los Angeles hike, try Vanalden Cave in Tarzana. The 2.7-mile trail is very easy to navigate and has beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
This is a great family-friendly hike with only 585 feet of elevation gain. It offers excellent views of the San Gabriel Valley to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.
The cave is a popular spot for picnicking during the summer, and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
It’s also a great place to see the sunset! There are also a lot of interesting formations throughout the cave.
You’ll also want to make sure to bring a flashlight, as it can get dark inside the cave.
There’s a little bit of a climb to get into the cave, but it’s fairly easy and is a very enjoyable experience. If you do decide to go inside, be careful with your shoes as the stairs can be slippery and uneven.
It’s also a great place to hang out with a group of friends and take a break from the bustle of LA.
You can even book a tour here if you’re really into it, although they’re usually very popular so it might be hard to find a tour time that suits your schedule.
If you aren’t interested in going into the cave, there is a souvenir shop right next door that has a fun sea cave that is accessible by land. There is a small admission fee to the shop but you will be happy that you spent it here!
This is a great hiking destination that has lots of history. The cave was a popular hangout for Jim Morrison and he even hung out here while filming his rock opera “Sweet Dreams.”
To access the cave, park in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Parking Lot near a small stream. The hike is relatively short and you can expect to encounter other people on your way up, but if you are lucky enough, you might have it all to yourself.
The pigeons call the cave their home, and you can hear them all around the cave cooing as you walk along the path. It’s a very interesting place to see and it’s definitely worth the visit!
It’s a good idea to visit on a clear day, and you should plan to arrive early to avoid being crowded. The trail is a little slippery, and the area can get a bit windy at times.
There are a few different routes to reach Vanalden Cave, so it’s important to read the directions before starting. There are several unmarked junctions and some steep sections of the trail, so it’s best to have a good map or GPS.
If you do decide to hike the entire trail, be sure to turn left at a split in the trail after 0.15 miles. This will allow you to continue up the mountainside and then visit a vista point.
