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Hiking The Lush Green Hills of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon (Open Space Preserve)

(Temporarily Closed)
Okay, this place is seriously one of the most beautiful places I've ever been too. It is unbelievably green and lush after winter / spring time rains, before the weather becomes too hot, and kills it all off.  It's almost like you are transported into the Shire of the "Hobbit", someplace in New Zealand (where it was actually filmed, I believe). If rolling green hills and spectacular views of the city sound appealing to you, come on by. I fantasize about living near the entrance of this park and riding my horses through it. To that thought, it would be amazing to live on the outskirts of any of these magical parks: Yosemite, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Balboa Park in San Diego, or to simply live in Mammoth, or Lake Tahoe (Two of the most beautiful places I've ever visited). 

I highly recommend you park in the actual parking lot. Although there is plenty of free parking outside the main entrance, it can be a grueling walk up, especially in warmer weather. Upon entering the preserve you will see there are several different trails you can take that will loop you around the park. It's pretty expansive, so don't expect to explore the entire park in one day. Come back next spring and take a different trail. This time of year yellow and purple wild flowers are normally in bloom throughout. It can be a wee bit muddy after recent rains, so wear hiking boots / shoes please. My first time here, while attempting to cross over a large muddy puddle, my hiking boot got stuck. It is very difficult to clean muddy hiking boots.

Please enjoy the following pictures from my last visit: By Dahlia Acevedo















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