Wilson Canyon Park

There are two different ways to start this trail. You can park your car along sketchy Olive View Dr., just east of the hospital, and then walk up a long paved road 0.4 miles until you reach the base of the mountain where there will be a green gate marking the start of the trail. The other starting point is through the official trailhead entrance. In order to avoid the $ 5 parking fee, you can park in the hospital parking lot and then walk up the road adjacent to the east side of the hospital. If you go this way then be sure to check out the semi-​interesting abandoned mini golf course.
The trail takes you 2 miles up the south side of the San Gabriel mountains. It’s a fairly steady incline the first half of the way. The last half involves hiking up a steep and semi-​slippery narrow path. It would be okay if there were a big payoff at the end, like a plaque or bench, but in the end all you’re rewarded with is a crummy olé dead tree and some spiky plants poking your legs. You also get a great panoramic view of the San Fernando Valley topped with a nice brown layer of smog. It may not be on any top 10 lists of best hikes, but it will definitely give your thighs and calves a good work-​out.
On your way back down you can go down an opposite entrance from which you came to change it up a bit. I lost 2 pounds worth of water weight because I went on a really hot day so be sure to pack enough H2O.

This hike provided a good work out for my calves, thighs and glutes. The first half of the climb was relatively easy… as you continue your journey, the incline slowly increases and after a certain point it might was well be completely vertical.
I was happy that I brought a large water bottle. Keep in mind that there is no shade, so lots of sunscreen and a hat are needed, especially in this heat. Starting early in the am is a great choice. We saw two deer very early on… and I am pretty sure I saw a snake, however my partner was unable to locate it… he convinced me that possibly it was just a large lizard :-/​either way i quickly got over it and no other critters, or creatures made there presence obvious after that.
One of the downfalls, is that during the steepest parts the ground is not compacted… its really sandy making it more challenging. Especially on the way down. However, once you get to a certain point, you know that you can not turn around with out making it to the top of the mountain… so despite the anticipated struggle of the journey back… you venture on. It is always satisfying to reach the top… Give your partner a high-​five, catch your breathe and turn around. Sadly, falling on my butt is not unusually for me when hiking… this downward trail really gave me a difficult time… I literally fell on my bottom at least 10 times… I am sure it was entertaining to watch… don’t let this intimidate you, once you are ready to head back just tread careful
All and all the views were great. It was fun to look down on the entire valley. Not sure if it is worth repeating, but worth doing once.

I don’t know WTF these people are talking about with ‘waterfalls, trees, etc. Wilson Canyon Park is NOTHING like that. Certainly not YEAR ROUND.
As for the pictures folks have posted here? TOTALLY misleading.
Be forewarned, most of the trails DO NOT HAVE a lot of shade. Certainly nothing like the trails in the national forrest of the 2.
As for water? Maybe in the spring, right after the rains. But it was BONE DRY in the summer. For those with dogs, this is important unless you want to cart water with you.
The entrance to the place is also NOT near «14 450 Olive View Drive.» It’s actually across the street from 14 056 Olive View Drive.
BUT, you can also get there by going into the Hospital complex area, and heading towards the east side of it, which can be problematic because if you enter that way, you miss the sign to pay for the parking.
The park is east of the hospital and to the north of it.
Not a bad place, but the posters should be more accurate in their representation of this park.

Good inclines. Nice scenery. I do wish the trail was longer. This is one of those trails that you can jog, if you are up for that. The trail itself is wide. There are a few places that would make for good photos ops. Of course my phone died rendering me unable to take more than a couple. Rule number one: before you set out on a hike make sure your phone is charged. Easy to locate and parking is ample. Perfect place for a morning hike to get the blood pumping. I assume if you want to make it a longer hike you could go off trail. I personally am a bit too fearful to attempt that.

Great hike! But it was kinda tricky of where the trail was at… Also, I don’t like that it’s too sandy… It’s like you’re walking by the beach… On the way back is easy!

Waterfalls, trees, open fields, rocks to climb and nature to see. This is one of the prime examples of what a hike would need to be fun and relaxing. I don’t ever realize how far I have actually walked until I check my «MapmyRun» app.
This is one of my top saved trails and I would go back day after day if I didn’t work a day job. Even on hot days, there is enough trees to keep you fairly cool but don’t forget water! Rule #1 of hiking, don’t go off the trail. I never listen to this rule, which is one reason, if I ever go missing, look on a hiking trail I just checked into. =]
This park is wide enough to wonder off and I find my way back to the car somehow. I recommend this place if you want a short or long outdoor moment. Worth the trip.

As long as I’ve lived in the valley I cant believe I’ve never seen this trail until very recently. It was a nice workout I was able to run some of it and some places had a nice incline. A great late-​find.

I haven’t been here in years but it’s a great place for a hike. Don’t expect a nice manicured park as it’s been left more or less in it’s natural state. Hike up into the canyons and you’ll find some nice places to relax and enjoy the view.

To call this place a park is a stretch. It’s really a preserve which is probably why they charge $ 5 to park a car. There are two picnic tables just north of the dam in an oak stand. You can’t park near the picnic tables and need to hike in by going through the gate and take the trail to the left. The restrooms (just outhouses) are not in the location indicated on the parks department map.
The hiking trails are not marked — not a good for those who get easily lost. I’ve seen a young deer, rabbits, tracks from a large mountain cat, and many different flowering plants. On the downside, there was plenty of horse poop and the view is usually hazy due to pollution. Despite finding small dams at the end of two separate canyons, I never found the waterfall — much like the other Unilocalers. In fact, there was no water. No water in the creeks and no drinkable water.
There are multiple trailheads.
— From the parking lot, go through the gate and continue straight. This moderate loop goes along a dry river to one of the dams, goes past the dam, cuts up a ridge to the right, and returns back on a wide firebreak down a ridgeline.
— Starting from the right side of the picnic area, there is an easy trail that also runs along a dry creek to another small dam. The formal trail ends here. There is a moderate unmaintained trail that leads to the other small dam, but I would avoid doing this because the trail isn’t much fun because it’s narrow and hard to follow.
— For a difficult hike that leads to the top of the mountain range, start at the picnic area and wander left. Turn right and then left up a trail that goes up the ridgeline. Knobby shoes are needed to handle the steep grade.

Not a bad trail especially when considering how close it is to the valley.
Wilson Canyon Park is literally right next to Olive View Hospital. There is street parking or lot parking which cost $ 5 and is enforced through the honor system. I’ve been to this park twice and the first time we parked inside which was a bit confusing because it isn’t clear where to exactly park but you do save yourself the trouble of hiking up the paved road. Then, the second time we went we parked on the street.
At first we only found one trail but it did seem to venture off into others. The trails aren’t too shaded so I wouldn’t recommend going on a hot day, the trails have nice views if you manage to get high enough, and it also seems like the trails are used to walk horses because there was quite a bit of poop on it.
Overall
Not a bad little hike if you’re looking to stay close to home. I’ll definitely be back to explore a little more, lets hope I find something a bit more appealing to it.

OH MY GOD!!! I nearly died… pure INCLINE!!! My ass is still cussing me out but the view at the very top after it was all said and done was breathtaking. If you want to get fit and ready, here you go and it’s local; another 10 minute hiking location from my house which I love. This hike really isn’t for the faint of heart and you should really bring a buddy to keep you motivated and so that the two of you can help push each other up the mountain, while begging for mercy (or maybe I’m really out of shape, either way bring a friend).
Beauty feels no pain is a damn lie!!! but I know after a few more times up this sucker when Summer hits I’ll be thanking Wilson Canyon for my plump behind.
In the photos I see a waterfall, have no idea how to get there but I would love to find out because it looks so pretty :]

Just went up there on Thursday March 22, 2012. The water level was O.K. took some new photo’s too!

Good place to hike of you live close by. Try to go before the sun sets because there are rattlesnakes and other creatures …

This is a beautiful place to take a stroll any day of the week. Wear pants as trails aren’t very groomed. The trees, creeks and flora will keep you smiling. Bring your dogs, a packed lunch and a camera and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Amazing place to hike in Sylmar! I love it:)