View of the San Fernando Valley from the Saddletree Trail
View of the San Gabriels from the Saddletree Trail
Stetson Ranch Park/Saddletree Trailhead
- Location: Sylmar. From I-5, take I-210 east to the first exit, Yarnell. Turn right onto Yarnell and make a quick left on Foothill. Go 0.6 miles on Foothill, turn left on Glenoaks, go under the freeway and park by the signed trailhead on the left side of the road, before the entrance to the gated community. From Pasadena and points east, take I-210 to Rexford. Turn left on Rexford and make a quick right on Foothill. Go 0.5 miles and turn right on Glenoaks, cross under the freeway and park by the trail head sign.
- Agency: City of Los Angeles/Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Difficulty rating: PG
- Best season: October – June
- USGS topo map:
- Recommended gear: hiking poles
; sun hat
- More information: here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 3
; 
Start of the Saddletree Trail (Click pictures to see the full sized version)
The good news is that the Saddletree Trail Head and Stetson Ranch Park are very conveniently located to the northern San Fernando Valley, and on clear days, the views include the San Gabriels, the Verudgos, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains. The bad news is that the trail never escapes the sights and sounds of civilization nearby, and that the same rains that clear the air also make conditions less than optimum. Still, this trail is worth a visit if you’re in the area.
0:04 (Times are approximate) – If you are bringing kids, this is how you make sure they behave.
The first 0.2 miles follow a paved road that parallels I-210, which is about as inspiring as it sounds. (If the gate is open, you may be able to drive this stretch and park in the lot). At the parking lot, head right and uphill toward the mountains, passing by a fence and some equestrian rings. Turn left after the second, smaller ring, pass by it and then turn right on a dirt road. Almost immediately, look for a single-track trail heading off sharply to the left (0.4 miles from the start.)
0:08 – Turn right and head uphill past the equestrian arenas
You begin an ascent, taking in some nice views to the south, and soon you reach the official trailhead for the Marge Feinberg Rim of the Valley Trail, named for the woman who conceived it. As you make your way up along a ridge, overlooking a canyon, the noise from the freeway starts to fade away.
0:13 – Sharp left on the switchbacks
At 0.9 miles, you reach the top of the ridge, and the trail makes some switchbacks, descending to a paved road. You can explore farther along a series of service roads, but as of this writing, recent rains have made the conditions difficult. The prevalence of power lines also cuts down on the scenic appeal, although the view of the mountains to the north is impressive. Turning around here and returning by the same route provides a good workout that can be done in about an hour.
0:17 – Rim of the World Trail Head
Text and photography copyright 2012 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of
0:21 – View of the Verdugos and the Hollywood Hills
hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this
0:30 – Dirt road marking the turnaround point
trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
