Wilacre Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority - Studio City, CA
Wilacre Park: Dog-Friendly Hiking in Studio City, California
Wilacre Park, nestled in Studio City, offers one of the most scenic pet-friendly trail experiences in Southern California. Known for its vast network of well-maintained hiking paths, lush wildflowers, and breathtaking mountain views, this dog-friendly park is a favorite among local pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The trails offer a mix of shaded pathways and sunny stretches, making it a comfortable spot for both you and your pup throughout the year.
While visiting Wilacre Park, you and your dog can enjoy moderate loop trails, connect to longer routes like the Betty Dearing Trail, and explore serene natural surroundings—including seasonal streams and iconic photo spots. Dog owners should keep in mind that there are restrooms available near the parking area and at the top of the first hill, but the park does not offer fenced, off-leash play areas. Please be sure to keep your dog leashed on the trails and pick up after your pet to help keep the park beautiful and clean for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain on leash while exploring the hiking trails of Wilacre Park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are two restrooms: one at the parking lot and one at the top of the first hill near Tree People.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Wilacre Park features multiple interconnected hiking trails, including the option to join the Betty Dearing Trail.
- Is there shade available? Many stretches of the park’s trails offer shade from tall trees, making them comfortable for walks on warm days.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The trails are generally tidy and well-maintained, though visitors are reminded to pick up after their dogs to help preserve the park’s cleanliness.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is parking provided at the entrance to Wilacre Park.
Reviews
When I hiked here years ago, I went from a size 14 to a size 8. Now I’m back enjoying the multiple trails. I mean multiple! I just discovered a new one near Tree People. But I didn’t explore it very well because on one part it had so many spiderweb along the side of the mountain. I love the views, the flowers, and the maintained paths. I hiked over 3 hours and still didn’t hit all the trails. I am so happy I started hiking again, and so will my tight pants. Lol. I’m looking for them to get loose again. Oh, and now they have 2 restrooms! One where you park and the other at Tree People top of first hill near parking. Hiking is for the body, soul, and camera. If you are anything like me, you are going to have to add more space on your phone. Challenge… can you find the swing? Hint: The sound of the stream is calming when using it.
When I hiked here years ago, I went from a size 14 to a size 8. Now I’m back enjoying the multiple trails. I mean multiple! I just discovered a new one near Tree People. But I didn’t explore it very well because on one part it had so many spiderweb along the side of the mountain. I love the views, the flowers, and the maintained paths. I hiked over 3 hours and still didn’t hit all the trails. I am so happy I started hiking again, and so will my tight pants. Lol. I’m looking for them to get loose again. Oh, and now they have 2 restrooms! One where you park and the other at Tree People top of first hill near parking. Hiking is for the body, soul, and camera. If you are anything like me, you are going to have to add more space on your phone. Challenge… can you find the swing? Hint: The sound of the stream is calming when using it.
When I hiked here years ago, I went from a size 14 to a size 8. Now I’m back enjoying the multiple trails. I mean multiple! I just discovered a new one near Tree People. But I didn’t explore it very well because on one part it had so many spiderweb along the side of the mountain. I love the views, the flowers, and the maintained paths. I hiked over 3 hours and still didn’t hit all the trails. I am so happy I started hiking again, and so will my tight pants. Lol. I’m looking for them to get loose again. Oh, and now they have 2 restrooms! One where you park and the other at Tree People top of first hill near parking. Hiking is for the body, soul, and camera. If you are anything like me, you are going to have to add more space on your phone. Challenge… can you find the swing? Hint: The sound of the stream is calming when using it.
This park is a decent place for a small workout. The trails are nicely maintained and the views are okay. Eventually you can even connect to the Betty Dearing Trail, a trail better than this park.
This park is a decent place for a small workout. The trails are nicely maintained and the views are okay. Eventually you can even connect to the Betty Dearing Trail, a trail better than this park.
This park is a decent place for a small workout. The trails are nicely maintained and the views are okay. Eventually you can even connect to the Betty Dearing Trail, a trail better than this park.
Great trailhead to a lovely park trail. Get there early to ensure you get parking because there aren’t great public transit options. (One day studio city will get light rail on Ventura I hope)
Weekends there are often vendors in the Parking lot selling fresh fruit cups and a pop-up espresso cart.
The bathrooms sadly are well loved and can get a bit gross.
There is a small bench area for eating and picnicking, but it’s right next to the bathrooms which, again, get kinda stinky and would not recommend it.
I would instead trek up the hill to tree people for the real picnic spot. It’s about a 30 min hike. There are a few shaded benches, but the hill is not easy and run-off makes it difficult for non mountain bikes. Not wheelchair or mobility challenged friendly. Instead I would drive to tree people up the hill if you want to do a more accessible experience, but still want the beautiful nature.
Wilacre Park offers a beautiful hiking trail that is both challenging and rewarding. The park is well-maintained and features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, there are a few downsides to the trail that hikers should be aware of.
The trail starts off steep for the first 10 minutes, which can be challenging for some hikers. However, once you get past the initial climb, the trail becomes relatively easy and enjoyable. If you stick to the simple loop, the trail is rated as an easy hike. The loop is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers that add to the beauty of the hike. The view from the top of the loop is stunning and definitely worth the climb.
However, one downside to the trail is the presence of dog droppings. It seems that many dog owners use the park and do not pick up after their pets. This can be quite unpleasant and detract from the overall hiking experience. It is important to watch your step and be mindful of the droppings on the trail.
Another downside to the trail is that it is easy to get lost if you choose the wrong track. This happened to us and ended up taking us 2 hours to complete the trail instead of the anticipated hour. It is important to bring a map or use a hiking app to avoid getting lost.
Overall, the hiking trail at Wilacre Park is worth exploring. The stunning views and beautiful wildflowers make it a worthwhile experience. However, it is important to be mindful of the dog droppings and just stick to the main road to avoid getting lost on the trail.
Wilacre Park offers a beautiful hiking trail that is both challenging and rewarding. The park is well-maintained and features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, there are a few downsides to the trail that hikers should be aware of.
The trail starts off steep for the first 10 minutes, which can be challenging for some hikers. However, once you get past the initial climb, the trail becomes relatively easy and enjoyable. If you stick to the simple loop, the trail is rated as an easy hike. The loop is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers that add to the beauty of the hike. The view from the top of the loop is stunning and definitely worth the climb.
However, one downside to the trail is the presence of dog droppings. It seems that many dog owners use the park and do not pick up after their pets. This can be quite unpleasant and detract from the overall hiking experience. It is important to watch your step and be mindful of the droppings on the trail.
Another downside to the trail is that it is easy to get lost if you choose the wrong track. This happened to us and ended up taking us 2 hours to complete the trail instead of the anticipated hour. It is important to bring a map or use a hiking app to avoid getting lost.
Overall, the hiking trail at Wilacre Park is worth exploring. The stunning views and beautiful wildflowers make it a worthwhile experience. However, it is important to be mindful of the dog droppings and just stick to the main road to avoid getting lost on the trail.
Wilacre Park offers a beautiful hiking trail that is both challenging and rewarding. The park is well-maintained and features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, there are a few downsides to the trail that hikers should be aware of.
The trail starts off steep for the first 10 minutes, which can be challenging for some hikers. However, once you get past the initial climb, the trail becomes relatively easy and enjoyable. If you stick to the simple loop, the trail is rated as an easy hike. The loop is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers that add to the beauty of the hike. The view from the top of the loop is stunning and definitely worth the climb.
However, one downside to the trail is the presence of dog droppings. It seems that many dog owners use the park and do not pick up after their pets. This can be quite unpleasant and detract from the overall hiking experience. It is important to watch your step and be mindful of the droppings on the trail.
Another downside to the trail is that it is easy to get lost if you choose the wrong track. This happened to us and ended up taking us 2 hours to complete the trail instead of the anticipated hour. It is important to bring a map or use a hiking app to avoid getting lost.
Overall, the hiking trail at Wilacre Park is worth exploring. The stunning views and beautiful wildflowers make it a worthwhile experience. However, it is important to be mindful of the dog droppings and just stick to the main road to avoid getting lost on the trail.