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Shaded climb out of Sullivan Canyon to Westridge Singletrack.


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Map Key

11.5

Miles

18.6

KM

50%

Singletrack

1,968' 600 m

High

621' 189 m

Low

1,540' 469 m

Up

1,518' 463 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Westridge has many hikers, trail runners and dogs off leash, especially on the weekends. Dogs are technically not allowed off leash, but it is not enforced. Be cool, exercise caution (use a bell). More info here.

Overview

A great local ride in the Santa Monicas that is not too technical and gives a great workout with awesome views.

Need to Know

Rain causes ruts and many of the trails listed were affected by the 2016-17 rains we had. Sullivan Canyon has smoothed out, but Westridge Singletrack still has some decent sized ruts, so use caution.

Description

Park on Queensferry near the Horse Trail and descend the steep paved grade into the Canyon.The first four miles of climbing are relatively easy (3-5% grade) along some doubletrack on Sullivan Canyon. There's singletrack off to the sides (colloquially known as the Goat Trail) that parallel the doubletrack on the way up.

At roughly the 3.5-mile mark, you'll start hitting the steeper part of the trail where it goes up to Sullivan Fire Road (8-12%). Once you hit the concrete pad at the top of the first steep section, make a left up towards Sullivan Fire Road. This part is 8-15% for about half a mile but features a lot of loose rocks making it pretty tough.

Once you hit Sullivan Fire Road at the top, hang a right towards Mulholland Drive Fire Road. Once you hit Mulholland, hang a right towards Westridge Singletrack. Descend for about half a mile and turn right at the yellow gate into the Nike Missile Base Site. Once you reach the scenic overlook, stay to the right: there are bathrooms and a high arching water fountain that can easily refill bottles or a reservoir.

Continue down Westridge/Mandeville Fire Road about a quarter mile until you see the Westridge Singletrack off to your left. This is where the fun begins!

Westridge Singletrack will intertwine with Westridge/Mandeville Fire Road at several points. You can hop on or off as you see fit as there are three tough grades to climb to get over the ridges on the singletrack (+15%) but they are easily hike-able, too.

Head all the way down to the parking lot and continue back down to Bayliss and Queensferry to get back to your car. Enjoy a cold beverage!

History & Background

The Nike Missile Base has military history behind it. If you have time, feel free to climb the towers and take some awesome pics of the cities and ocean below.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Canale

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 55 votes

#362

Overall
  3.9 from 55 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
4%
Recommended Route Rankings

#50

in California

#362

Overall
111 Views Last Month
17,734 Since May 11, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Trying the new GoPro Hero4 Session on the Sullivan Canyon singletrack.
Dec 14, 2015 near Topanga, CA
2/18/17 - Riding after the heavy rains led to probably 50+ water crossings in 4 miles of climbing.
Feb 25, 2017 near Topanga, CA
Westridge Climb to Sullivan Canyon Singletrack Downhill
Jan 28, 2021 near Sherman…, CA
Here are some fun obstacles along the in out singletrack along the main trail.
May 25, 2015 near Topanga, CA
Start from the bottom on Sullivan Fire Road
Apr 15, 2015 near Topanga, CA
Riding Sullivan Canyon Trail
Nov 26, 2021 near Topanga, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 46 days ago
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