Week 249: Deervale–Stone Canyon Park, Sherman Oaks

September 05, 2021

 AllTrails Deervale Trail, 1.8 miles, out and back. 


How to get in a hike while avoiding the heat on a clear, no-shade morning with valley temps threatening to hit 100? Barbara and I usually head out to the ocean, but today we tried a different tactic and went local with an early morning, new-to-us hike on the Deervale Trail in the hills between Beverly Glen and Sepulveda. There are two ways to access this short, fun, out-and-back trail: from the top at the trailhead at Deervale Place and Fawndale, or at the bottom entrance gate next to 4141 Crisp Canyon Road. (Both residential areas, parking is tricky, and mind the signs.) We chose to start at the Crisp Canyon gate, preferring to tackle the climb up before the heat hit so we could cruise down the trail on our return. The elevation is a no-joke cardio challenge wrapped in a spectacular view north across the San Fernando Valley to the Santa Susana Mountains. At about a quarter-mile there's a sweet little bench for rest before more climbing up a clearly defined trail. Parts of the path easy, others sections steep lung-testers. Maybe halfway up, a man-made "stone town" complete with toys reminiscent of Jurassic Park (basic but, hey, trail creativity is always a treat.) We stopped at the top, the Deervale Place trailhead, for water and snacks and then retraced the trail down. High marks for the view, the easy to follow trail, and light traffic. We passed 2 dogs with their owners, 2 runners, a small family, and a bunny, and though we were in the center of Sherman Oaks, our surroundings were so quiet that we heard the wing flutter of a red-tailed hawk flying above us. Probably not worth a long drive, but if you're local Studio City/Sherman Oaks, Deervale is a terrific alternative to Fryman and Franklin. Great find!


   


   

   






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