Sullivan Canyon Trail [CLOSED]

Trail is closed for Gas Company construction till July

So many different landscapes in one trail. There were lush green forests, vibrant patches of wildflowers, small streams throughout, terra-cotta colored paths...the trail seemed to go on and on through the canyon and then wrapping around the side of a mountain. This was perfect for a small group. We encountered minimal people, some on mountain bikes-everyone super friendly and respectful of the space and each other. I will for sure come back.

Currently closed due to the 'rona. There are signs that encourage property owners who live nearby to report violators. I've met a few locals who are totally the kind to report you. Sad, because this is an absolute gem and the path is wide enough to social distance and then some. That said, this is my one of my 2 favorite hikes with my dog. (the other fav is Stunt Ranch in Calabasas) Impossible to get lost. No car traffic. So quiet. Lots of trees, brush and stream for him to play in. Tree cover the whole time. And since the steep canyon walls line the path, I don't fear coyotes or mountain lions. l prefer to take the swtichbacks that weave in and out with the main path. An earlier comment was right- the air is different. You feel like a fae or a hobbit. BUT. That's also where bikers rip through and there are dangerous blind spots. (Leash or no, hikers dogs and bikers can all get hurt this way) But I also prefer the switchbacks because the pavers on the main trail are brutal on the ankles. So I guess everyone watch out for each other. Oh and the tics can be plentiful, as are knats. Depends on the season. Still worth it. Never yet made it to the top. Always get tired or out of sunlight. One day.

Good trail for walking and biking. Giving it a 2 stars rating cause of careless dog owners having their dogs off leash. Even before the trail, 2 big signs stating “keep your dog on leash” Also, a lot of bikers in full speed up and down trails

This was my second hike on this trail in a month or so. I like it because it goes through large trees and various vegetation. It is not exposed as many other trails in Santa Monica mountain. It invites people but not enough so that it does not feel crowded. You have to share the trail with bikers and some of them go really fast, so you have to pay attention to them. There seems to be another path that runs parallel to the trail which is narrower. I feel the air in the path is different, that of more from deep soil. At the end of the trail, the trail become steep hill but if you try it, you get magnificent views of the canyon!

One of my favorite hikes thus far! Perfect for hiking or mountain biking. COVERAGE - Partial covering which is very nice so you don't get direct sun. SCENERY - Beautiful scenery throughout the hike and when you get to the top you get a great city view. DIFFICULTY/GRADE - For the hike, the elevation increase is gradual until midway through before it increases significantly. A semi-challenging hike but still very enjoyable. TRAIL - The trail/path is wide and clear, however recommend shoes with ankle support (lots of rocks/loose gravel). DOGS - Dogs are allowed on a leash; make sure to bring poops bags. FYI - no poop disposal trash cans onsite, so bring a trash bag or something to carry poop bags in until you get to a trash can after your hike. Thanks in advance for picking up after your dog(s).

An easy, basically flat fire road up a sycamore-shaded canyon. Since the views don't change much as you hike, just more of the same, we turned back so we could get to the car comfortably before 7pm, when no parking is allowed on the street. There are a few single track trails running parallel to the fire road, but only interesting on a MTB. Kind of dull hike, but at least it's well shaded.

Phone read 9.88m in 2:22:37 with 1226ft of gain. Elevation gain is so mild you can hardly tell you are going uphill until the final mile where steepness increases. Trail is an extremely docile fire road for the entire length. It is shaded for the vast majority of the trip with decent vegetation the whole way.

it was a beautiful canyon but has been severly bulldozed, unfortunately. there is a fire road that runs the length of the canyon. portions of the original singletrack have been preserved but not uninterrupted so it's a mix of fire road and singletrack. it's a tough workout for a trail run. I won't go back because I'm too disappointed they bulldozed the canyon.

Love doing this trail when I don't have a ton of energy but still want to get out. I see a ton of off-leash dogs here and haven't had a problem with my dog off-leash either. There's no formal trash can anywhere on or near the trail head though - the only problem I have with it.

This is a pretty easy trail but fun. On a Monday afternoon it had a few hikers and mountain bikers. Sort of dusty and last third has some rocks. I did see a snake which was on the trail going in and coming out. So keep your eye out.

not moderate hime its easy if your use to rough moderate hike. other wise beautiful.

Great (wide) single track trail; for its proximity to Santa Monica, and Los Angeles in general. Don’t tell everyone ;). I love this out and back, which ends up being about 9-miles, when ended at the Sullivan ridge fire road (there are many, many miles of fire road and single track accessible from the ridge). Getting there is a gradual climb though; that sort of gets steeper as you go. Enjoy the cooler shade of the canyon; and turn around whenever you burn out, or run out of time. Knowing that your return time will likely be 1/4 of your climb time (at least by bicycle); and may have considerably less light, as you return to the canyon floor tree cover, and possible lengthening shadows of the pm hours. There are several seasonal creek crossings to navigate (and consider for anyone concerned about mud and/or water); though minor, they help keep this trail exciting and dynamic. For a quick work out, I usually turn around as the trail tops out on the Ridge; and it’s all down hill from there baby! Just be cognizant and considerate of hikers, and their dogs; which should be, but aren’t always on a leash.

Great trail for nature lovers and is dog friendly. The trail starts off Queensferry road. You hike down a paved hill to the trail head. The trail consist of a flat fire road with an offshoot that will take you up to the Sullivan canyon ridge trail. If you miss the offshoot you have to hike to the end of the canyon trail which will take you uphill to Sullivan canyon ridge where you can access the backbone trail or Sullivan canyon ridge trail. On your way back you can either take the ridge or canyon trail. If you do take the ridge trail look for the offshoot that will bring you back down to the canyon trail once you hit the paved road. You don’t want to miss the offshoot or else’s it’s a LONG walk back to your car. You can see tons of wildlife on this trail like bobcats, coyotes, deer, owls, hawks, falcons, parrots, and the occasional golden eagle. After a fresh rain this trail turns into a river and it’s 100% worth checking out.

Pretty trail. I’ve only done the start but plan to dig in further.

Parking is sparse in neighborhood with lots of no parking signs. Trailhead is at big wooden gate; go around it on left side. Trail is a gradual, consistent uphill for first 3.75 miles (advanced beginner level). Then 0.5 miles of more steep trail to get to the fire road that leads to the ridge. Overall, lots of gravel makes the trail harder to pedal but is do-able. Canyon is woodsy and I was in shade at noon almost the whole time. This portion of trial: 4.25 miles, 950 ft elevation gain.

There was a short, very steep elevation gain. After that, the rest of the trail has very little elevation. There were lots of bikers!!

A solid climb to the top will make you work especially near the top. Keep an eye out for single track of the side or the road on the way down.

We went on this trail around 11am .. nice and wide but not enough shade for furry friends. Lots of bugs and dog poop that irresponsible owners didn’t pick up after their dogs. Lots of gravel and speeding cyclists speeding down the hill. We did see a rattlesnake crossing the path .. Would I go back, prob not.