O'Melveny Park wilderness guide
City Park · CA

O'Melveny Park

O'Melveny Park is the second-largest public park in Los Angeles, offering extensive hiking trails and scenic views in the Santa Susana Mountains. It provides a peaceful outdoor escape with rolling hills, native wildlife, and picnic areas.

City Park6724+ Trails

Designation

City Park

Total Wilderness Area

672

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About O'Melveny Park

O'Melveny Park is the second-largest public park in Los Angeles, offering extensive hiking trails and scenic views in the Santa Susana Mountains. It provides a peaceful outdoor escape with rolling hills, native wildlife, and picnic areas.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

O'Melveny Park spans roughly 672 acres in the Granada Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The park is situated in the northern reaches of the Santa Susana Mountains and provides an expansive natural area within the city limits. The landscape includes grassy fields, oak and sycamore woodlands, and chaparral-covered hillsides that support a diverse array of wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. Originally part of a large ranch acquired by Henry W. O'Melveny, who later donated it to the city in the 1970s, the park has since been a vital green space for urban residents. Visitors can enjoy over 8 miles of interconnected hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, which traverse ridges, valleys, and seasonal creeks. Key recreation areas include the Los Liones Viewpoint, picnic groves, and an off-leash dog park. The park’s moderately challenging terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts who seek quiet solitude and panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and distant mountains. It is also a popular spot for bird watching and photography, especially during wildflower season in spring. O'Melveny Park combines natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and easy accessibility, making it a valued destination for both local families and nature lovers.

Field Guide · City Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near O'Melveny Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Los Liones Viewpoint with panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley✦ Diverse flora including oak woodlands and native wildflowers✦ Well-maintained multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding✦ Off-leash dog park offering a dedicated space for pets
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in O'Melveny Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in O'Melveny Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in O'Melveny Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in O'Melveny Park
Park Recreation

Dog Walking

Available in O'Melveny Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in O'Melveny Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in O'Melveny Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in O'Melveny Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near O'Melveny Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Granada Hills, California
⌖ 0.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Granada Hills, California

Granada Hills offers easy access to scenic hiking and mountain biking in the Santa Susana Mountains, with family-friendly parks perfect for picnics and bird watching. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking accessible nature near Los Angeles.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Northridge, California
⌖ 2.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Northridge, California

Northridge offers outdoor enthusiasts quick access to rugged trails, scenic parks, and the Angeles National Forest. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, the town makes a convenient base for exploring Southern California’s natural foothills.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Porter Ranch, California
⌖ 2.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Porter Ranch, California

Porter Ranch offers outdoor travelers access to scenic Santa Susana Mountains trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Enjoy peaceful natural escapes with charming suburban comforts just outside Los Angeles.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Chatsworth, California
⌖ 4.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chatsworth, California

Chatsworth offers rugged sandstone cliffs, serene trails, and open spaces perfect for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding. Its natural parks provide a quiet outdoor escape just within reach of Los Angeles.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Sylmar, California
⌖ 4.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sylmar, California

Sylmar, California, is an underrated outdoor destination offering hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding near the Angeles National Forest. With scenic trails and panoramic valley views, it’s great for adventurers craving nature close to Los Angeles.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Canoga Park, California
⌖ 6.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Canoga Park, California

Canoga Park offers outdoor enthusiasts easy access to hiking, biking, and nature within the Santa Monica Mountains. With urban parks and nearby protected areas, it’s a convenient spot to explore Southern California’s varied terrain year-round.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in O'Melveny Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.