Laskey Mesa loop

You have a couple of options for parking. The

Victory Trailhead offers paid parking and has porta-potties available. Alternatively, you can find off-street parking at the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead. Both provide access to the preserve where the loop is located.

Yes, the Laskey Mesa loop is very dog-friendly, making it a popular spot for joggers who like to bring their canine companions along. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

The best time to jog the loop is during the spring, when the landscape is vibrant green and wildflowers are in bloom. In drier months, the hills can appear brown. Early mornings are generally best to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquility.

There are no general entrance fees or permits required to access the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve itself. However, if you choose to park at the Victory Trailhead, there is a paid parking fee.

The terrain on this loop is varied, featuring wide paths that were once old ranch roads, as well as some single-track sections. You'll encounter rolling hills, descents into canyons, and ascents up hills. The ground is primarily dirt, which can become muddy after rain, and some descents may have slippery sandstone steps.

For jogging, the loop typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete, covering a distance of about 9.1 kilometers. This duration can vary based on your pace and any stops you make.

You can expect diverse and scenic views, including vast rolling grasslands, oak-studded hills, and sycamore-lined canyons. The trail offers breathtaking vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and Las Virgenes Canyon. In spring, the area is lush and green.

Yes, the area features a network of trails. This route specifically passes through sections of the East Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, Ahmanson Ranch House Trail, Dean's Loop, Gates Canyon, and the Mary Weisbrock Loop Trail, among others.

Porta-potties are available at the Victory Trailhead, which is one of the access points for the preserve. It's always a good idea to bring your own water, as sources on the trail itself are limited.

Yes, Laskey Mesa holds a fascinating place in Hollywood history. During the Golden Era of film, its rugged scenery served as a production set for classic movies like "Duel in the Sun" and TV shows such as "Bonanza," recreating the Old West.

While the overall difficulty is rated as moderate due to rolling hills and some elevation changes, parts of the loop can be considered easier. If you're a beginner, be prepared for some uphill climbs and descents, but the wide paths make it manageable. You can also choose shorter variations within the preserve's trail network.