The San Gabriel Mountains from Wilacre Park

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Wilacre Park/Dearing Trail Loop

• Location: Hollywood Hills near Studio City.  From highway 101, take the Laurel Canyon exit and head south for 1.4 miles.  Bear right at Fryman, and park in the lot on the right side of the road.  Parking is $3, or park for free on the street if you can find it (watch out for the no parking signs).
• Agency: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
• Distance: 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Best season: Year round
• USGS topo map: “Van Nuys”
• More information: here
• Rating: 5

This loop is a great getaway for tired commuters stuck on the 101 freeway in the Valley.  Anybody who’s driven this stretch of highway 101–especially at rush hour–knows what it can be like.

Named for silent movie star Will Acres, who used to own this estate, the loop through Wilacre Park combines fire roads, single-track and residential streets, and despite being close to both Hollywood an the San Fernando Valley, provides a surprisingly quiet retreat.   From the parking lot, follow the Dearing Mountain Trail, a fire road, west as it ascends above the nearby homes.  You will get nice views of the San Fernando Valley and the summits of the San Gabriel Mountains front range, including Strawberry Peak, Mt. Wilson, San Gabriel Peak, Mt Disappointment and Mt. Lowe.

At 1.4 miles, arrive at a junction where a spur to the right leads to Tree People Park.  Visit the park if you like or continue on the fire road, which arrives at residential Iredell Lane after about half a mile.  Complete the loop by heading right on Iredell Lane, right on Iredell Street (yes, they are different streets) and left on Fryman.