Mario DeCampos Trail

I grew up hiking this trail All. The. Time. Literally, there was a point in my life where I think my dad would take me here 5 times a week to hike Mission Peak. I grew up right down the street, which makes this hike super familiar and convenient. I’ve actually experienced an earthquake from about halfway up the mountain, that was a pretty cool morning. I’ve even seen this mountain on fire a time or two, not for several years though. Despite my vast experience with it, I didn’t know it was the Mario DeCampos Trail until I happened across the listing the other day on Unilocal!How crazy is that?
On a fair weather day, you’ll see tons of people – families, bikers, trainers, dogs, perhaps even some coyotes or other wildlife – and they’re all friendly. The hike is very steady uphill, sometimes steeper than others, but once you get to the top you’ve got a great view to reward you. There’s a spot to rest on top, but the best place to have a seat and catch your breath is at the trees just before the end. How idyllic! How beautiful! Trees! Heart heart heart.
This is a great hike if you’re in a bit of shape, as it is uphill and not super short, but not super strenuous either.

Accidently hiked this. Very steep, and seems endless as each new stretch of incline comes into view. BUT very nice hike. Worth every sore muscle. Even has a view of DTLA. Walking stick was really helpful on the steepest part. Amazing views of the 818.

This is a great trail located off of Neon Way. It’s a constant incline and if you prefer to get in more of a workout there are «shortcuts» which are just steeper and more challenging. The views from the top are amazing: you can even see DTLA. There’s also a bench up there for you to rest after an epic hike and meditate. Like I said in my pic, you have to experience the view for yourself because my phone doesn’t do it any justice.
Also, don’t go when it’s super hot out because you’ll be dying. I speak from experience. There is absolutely NO shade (maybe 2 – 3 trees on the trail up, then the 3 trees by the top).
Lots of wildlife: lizards mating, tons of bugs, some cottontail rabbits, and the rare occasional deer.
Beware though, now that it’s hot out – we spotted a young rattlesnake on the trail by the very top this morning – that was a bit frightening, especially if you have dogs.

OHHHH this was a good one!
I had planned on going to the O’Melvany Park trails, but the Unilocal directions led me here. The entrance is at the end of a cul-​de-​sac right in the middle of a neighborhood, so plenty of street parking. It’s a bit of a doozie getting up to the top. I’m not going to lie, I had to stop a few times along the trail. That was fine by me, the views are beautiful.
There is no cover so I’d avoid this hike during the summertime. The people were all very friendly and it was clean. I will absolutely be coming back and tackling this trail again.
Pretty wild flowers can be seen along the trail and I spotted a baby hummingbird.

Everybody, meet my therapist. This trail has served me very well over the years. It is where my grandfather and I have spent countless hours walking and bonding. With one of the best views, this trail will never do you wrong. It’s a bit long so you should be prepared, but every second is enjoyed and appreciated.

I love this trail! It is one of my regular hiking spots and I love that it is so close to me. Not only do you get an amazing view at the top, but you get a helluva great workout. Good for those buns!
It is located in a cul-​de-​sac and is pretty hidden. The reason i found out about it was bc it came up on a hiking trails website. The cool thing about this trail is that is connects to the trails at O’Melvany Park. You can hike or bike this trail, but definitely be careful going downhill… its very steep. I have seen coyotes on a few occasions but nothing dangerous has happened. They normally run away at the sight of humans lol. If you’re looking for a good workout and fresh air try this trail!

nice little evening workout, did this one yesterday on a clear evening, with almost a full moon showing, glad I gave this one a try

I love This Trail, I try and ride it every day with my mountain bike. Its a great climb to the top There are only to break points for s breath of fresh air on the way up if you need to stop, Heading down there are many different trails. 3 of the Trails lead into O’Melveny Park the others 2 Lead down to neon way and if your feeling good you can pedal passed Mario DeCampos Trail and end up in Santa Clarita on the Back side. There is one trail that leads down to the Top of sesnon and you can take it to another trail which will take you to the back side to over look reseda and that side of the mountain.
All kinds of riding. I wish they would enforce it a bit more for residents and others coming to trash the mountain with there graffiti and trash throwing everywhere. It sucks to see this in your own back yard from people who dont appreciate nature or others.

I live on neon and yes it’s a hidden gem!
Great hike, even with kids, nice views and friendly people to say hi to along the way!

I love me some hiking. This little gem starts off on Neon Way. Definitely a longer hike, but the incline isn’t too much.
A lot of the hike is exposed, so don’t go when it’s too hot.
The fruits of your labor culminate with a beautiful view and a bench. Be exited that you walked to the peak of the second highest peak in the SFV (I think).

Like the below review said, this is definitely a hidden gem of the SFV. If you only have a few hours for a half-​day hike this is definitely it.
It’s a moderate workout; nothing too crazy but it is 2.56 miles (over 5 miles roundtrip) according to my GPS. On a clear day, like after wind/​rain, you can definitely see downtown LA — and if it’s after a rain, you’re rewarded with So Cal greenery. Even on a day not so clear, it still has rewarding views and despite the fact that it is on the crest of a Valley in which 1.7 million reside, you feel very removed from the city and it is incredibly relaxing.
Also, if you go past the top of the peak (the peak is where the past splits to the left — so continue on the trail/​stay to the right) you will start to descend a bit into some gorgeous oak tree forests with small meadows interspersed. Because of the shade, regardless of the time of the year this area is nearly always green. Definitely worth tagging on an extra mile or so; from my understanding this path actually extends into Santa Clarita.

Great trail. Set out before daybreak to catch the sunrise. Our five year old did great although we only went about three quarters of the way. There were several coyotes on the near ridge, flanking us on the way down. I wouldn’t say that it is killer or too difficult unless you take the shortcuts that lead directly up. If you stay on the main trail it’s not too bad. Don’t miss the koi pond about 100 yards in on the right. It’s hidden under a small thicket of trees.
Have fun

This is a killer hike but the reward is so worth it. A lot of the hike is incline but once you get to the top the view is awesome. I would recommend going in the early morning when it’s not too hot since most of the hike is exposed to the sun. Good luck making it to the top!

We happened upon the trail when we took the wrong way back down the mountain from the O’Melveny park trail, this way going down is very steep but it’s a fast way down that lets you out in a little cul-​de-​sac which is about ½ mile from the O’Melveny park entrance.

This is a nice hike which is kind of nestled into a neighborhood. You park at the beginning basically in a neighborhood but then quickly find yourself in a pretty strenuous hike. The views are worth it – mostly of the valley with a view of Lake Balboa. My only thing I didn’t like was the amount of bees that come precariously close to you as you trek past the paths lined sign pretty yellow flowers. I was constantly scared of getting stung!

Best view of the valley. On a clear day you can see downtown la. If you are up for it and get there early you can hike all the way to Santa Clarita and back.

This hike is really a hidden gem utilized mostly by locals. It starts at the end of Neon Way and meanders up to Mission Peak, aka «Three Trees» at the very top. The views are amazing and it is especially pretty in the spring with the blue and yellow wild flowers. It is a pretty good workout so take your time if you are not in shape and be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. If you are in really good shape and want an extra challenge, look for the narrow trails shooting off the main trail. Some people call this the «Express Trail» and it cuts off some of the switchbacks but it is VERY STEEP, so hike with extreme caution.
In the Spring and Summer there have been rattlesnake sightings, so just pay attention to where you step and you should be fine. The snakes will get out of the way if you let them.
For Mountain Bikers like me, this is a fantastic workout and will test your fitness. Please be courteous to the hikers and have a bike bell on your bike.
Enjoy!

I’m not much of a hiker, but I’ve probably hiked this trail all the way to the summit a dozen times. It never gets easier. And as I’m on a conditioning kick right now I’ve been doing this trail once a week. The trail is fairly difficult and is a tough uphill climb. It would probably take about an hour to get to the top at a slow/​moderate pace without taking any of the shortcuts. If you take some of the steep uphill shortcuts and walk fast you can get to the top in 45min and back down in 20.
The views are amazing. 360 deg views of LA, mostly of the valley but you can see the buildings of downtown LA, as well as north to Santa Clarita and Magic Mountain. Whenever I get to the top I do a little meditation on one of the concrete slabs and fire up Pink Floyd’s «Echoes». 20 minutes later my mind is clear and I’m ready to return to civilzation.
Challenge yourself sometime, bring plenty of water and a hiking stick if you plan on hitting it hard. Otherwise take your time and enjoy the workout and view. I’ve been told that the top of the this trail is the highest most point you can hike to in the San Fernando Valley. You almost feel like you can reach out and touch the private jets all lining up for the final approach into Van Nuys.
If you are or are not a hiker… you have to at least check this trail out once, simply for the sick sick views of the valley and the LA Basin.
One final plus is that this place is not crowded. It’s not a place to be seen like Runyon Canyon or any of the other trendy spots. This trail is very peaceful.
Just a note… there is wildlife on this trail. I’ve encountered coyotes, rattlesnakes, and there are many poisonous plants. Wear long pants, and bring some kind of protection (not talking about prophylactics you perverts) because there are mountain lions up there.

Excellent trail!

This hike is a favorite for many reasons. One of which is amazing views you can see of the San Fernando Valley and on a clear day all the way to downtown Los Angeles.
I Must Warn you though. This Hike is one heck of a workout. We use to not be able to reach the top so I considered it a big accomplishment whenever we did. They use to tell me that it was the highest point in all of the San Fernando Valley. The views are gorgeous with the lush rolling hills and the flowers blooming.
You park at the end of the Culdesac and climb. When you reach the top you are rewarded with this plaque dedicated to Dr Mario A. DeCampos.
Give it a try. Its Hard but totally Worth It.