Exploring Vanalden's Secret Cave

One of the best aspects of living in Calabasas is being on the edge of Los Angeles while still living in close proximity to nature.

But even when travelling on the concrete-locked side of the San Fernando Valley, a surprising number of paths exist to whisk one away to a more natural state of being. One of my favorite escapes is the Vanalden Trail in Tarzana, mostly because it leads to a large cave.

Made of sandstone, the large cave is reminiscent of a primitive dwelling and beckons the visitor to spend some time lounging within its soft, supple walls. Yes, many a passerby have left a visual memento here, and numerous faces and images have been carved into the interior.

While many denounce these actions as vandalism, some consider the art to be modern-day pictographs. Graffiti or not, the evidence of human presence has been etched into the annals of time here, a testament to locals who have enjoyed this spot for years. If you’re looking for a pristine place to ponder and immerse your soul in all that is unspoiled, Vanalden Cave is not for you.   

Large enough for a dozen people to sit in, the sandstone chamber’s dirt-padded floor is both cool and comfortable, and the 20-foot high ceiling that crests far above the heads of occupants is punctuated with a few holes. Locals who visit this area at night—often a youthful crowd—are known to have fires and the holes at the top effectively funnel away the smoke.

In the daytime, the hieroglyphs of high school kids may appear whimsical or even eerie, a residual of spirits who filled the room nights long passed, but in the evening glow of flame, the illustrations come to life to dance in their earthen abode.

It’s relatively easy for a sure-footed adventurer to climb on top of the cave. Peering down into the holes provides a different perspective of both the cave’s interior and surroundings.

Nestled in a grove of trees a mere half-mile from the city, the view from the vantage point reveals only nature and a surprising amount of it. One time while walking the final 30 feet to the cave’s mouth, I felt a pair of eyes and looked up to see they belonged to an owl, who watching me intently from a nearby tree.

Although bird watching is not the cave’s biggest draw, I have always found myself gazing up to the branches to catch a glimpse of the local owl. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is only about five miles away and is a known stopping ground for a variety of bird species, including Canada Geese, herons and egrets. However, the reason for the area’s popularity among the human population is probably its proximity to civilization.

To get to the cave, go south on Vanalden Street in Tarzana until it dead ends at the back of a residential neighborhood. Park here and follow the path that slopes up straight ahead for about a third-of-a-mile and turn left on a side trail before fully ascending the hill. The trail twists through various scrubs and turns right, veering toward the cavern’s mouth.

The total distance is only about a one mile, but this can be lengthened by journeying back out onto the first trail and following it up the hill. There are several trails here and I have heard that the remnants of a wayward Volkswagen Beetle with a tree growing through it can be found somewhere, but I have never seen it.

Staying on the main trail will lead one up to Mulholland Drive, where hanging a left takes one to San Vicente Mountain Park in just over three and a half miles in under two hours.