The best shorter trail, cardio hiking in Los Angeles is that which starts at O’Melveny Park in Granada Hills, and winds up the mountain to a local peak called Mission Point. Due to multiple sections of steep terrain, this one will work both your cardio system, and further offers some resistance training to your legs, if you’re carrying a 10+ pound day pack, like I do.
Trail Features
- So Cal dry, baked dirt with powder and variable sized gravel that can cause slippage in areas.
- Steep sections that require balance and strength to traverse.
- Grass fields towards the top with multiple, single files paths off the main trail.
- Unmarked turns, which combined with all the grass field paths, makes it easy to get lost. Use the free Gaia GPS app, or your other phone based navigation to guide you back to the park.
- Sun exposure throughout, with not much shade. Use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen for this trail.
Elevation Profile
O’Melveny Park to Mission Point is a relentless climb of 1,505 feet over a distance of around 1.6 miles. This is more severe than anything found on the mega trail, the John Muir Trail, over its 200+ mile span, just to give some perspective (though if you’re not used to the altitude, the JMT is still going to hurt just as bad). At about 1.25 miles in there is some leveling off, to give your cardio system a break, but once near the border of the park, you’re stuck climbing again at the same grade as before.
Trekking poles are recommended
The last few times I’ve gone up to Mission Point, I’ve used trekking poles. They’ve made for easier climbs, and less slipping on the way down, in the steep sections. If you want to check out the poles I’ve successfully used on this trail, click here to read my review of the Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock Trekking Poles. And if your not convinced you need them, click here to read my 8 reasons you need trekking poles when day hiking.
Wildflowers
The best wildflowers to be seen on this trail are near the top. Right around Mission Point there’s a mini-Garden of Eden made of So Cal varieties of Common Sunflower, Jimsonweed, Buffalo Gourd, Curlycup Gumweed, Scotch Broom, California Buckwheat, Chaparral Mallow, and Caterpillar Phacelia.
Trail FAQ
How Many Calories Will This Hike Burn?
Using my Day Hiker’s Calories Burn on the Trail Calculator, a 30 year old man that is 5ft 9in, and weighs 154 pounds will burn around 680 calories for a 1 hour climb and 45 minute return. A 30 year old female hat is 5ft 4in and weights 119 pounds will burn around 500 calories. Older hikers will burn marginally less calories, while taller, heavier hikers will burn more than these numbers.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Trail?
Yes, as long as they are on a leash.
Are You Allowed to Fly Drones in the Park?
No. According to LA County Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations Code 17.04.630, which regulates model aircraft, you cannot fly a drone in parks under LA County authority, without permission.
Is There Parking Near the Trailhead?
Yes, there is parking at O’Melveny Park but the parking lot is small so it’s best to come at less popular times, both for the parking and the cooler temperatures.
Set your navigation to 17300 Sesnon Blvd, Granada Hills, CA 91344 and watch for the parking lot entrance that sits below a set of large rolling hills, north of the road.
Do I Need Hiking Shoes for This Trail?
Yes. You need dedicated hiking shoes or trail running shoes; otherwise you’ll slip in areas that are dangerously steep.
Further Reading
Thanks for checking out my article on hiking at O’Melveny Park. Check out my Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley hiking page for info on more hikes around Los Angeles. See ya out there.