Text and photography copyright 2011 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.
Corbin Canyon
- Location: Off of Wells Ave in Tarzana. From highway 101, take the Winnetka exit, and go south for 0.7 miles. Turn left on Wells Drive and go 0.5 miles. Turn right on Corbin Ave. and drive 0.7 miles to the end and park on the street (note that along the way, Corbin makes a sharp right turn).
- Agency: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Suggested time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: “Canoga Park”
- Recommended gear: insect repellent
- More information: trail map here
- Rating: 5
Like nearby Dixie Canyon Park, Corbin Canyon serves as a quick and convenient getaway from the Valley’s notorious summer heat. There are trails on both sides of Corbin Canyon, but the one on the east side, described here, is more pleasant and better maintained.
From the end of the street, head south into Corbin Canyon along the trail. Although you can see the nearby homes on top of the ridge on your left, there are surprisingly few signs of civilization otherwise, and the sounds of the Valley are virtually shut out. A few side-trails and fire breaks branch off, but the main route is pretty obvious.
At about half a mile in, the trail dips down into the canyon, makes a somewhat tricky crossing and climbs up again, soon coming to a T-junction. This is the turnaround point for the short 1.2 mile round trip here, but you can easily extend your trip by heading left, and accessing a network of trails that eventually reaches Dirt Mulholland. If you don’t mind roughing it somewhat, you can also turn right and follow the trail on the other side of the canyon. This route eventually ends up at Queen Victoria Street, where you can complete the loop on residential roads.
I am Corbin Canyon curious. Does anyone know the nature of the cement slabs at the end of Queen Victoria? Must be some history with these. Also, does anyone know about the ancient but visible 60’s car sitting in the stream bed below Mulholland?
The cement slab was a plant nursery and green-house.My older brother said he used to play in the abandoned building in 1961 when my dad built our house at the end of Corbin Ave.I am trying to find more info myself but not having much luck.
There used to be quite a few cars in the canyon that were abandoned or they got stuck while offloading.About 40 years ago somebody came in and removed most of them but some of them could not be retrieved.
I do remember when there used to be a lot of motorcycle riders in the canyon in the late 60’s.You can still see some of the trails.
Daniel, thank you for info about the plant nursery/green house. This is the first information I have received about those sites!