Hiking the Diverse Arroyo Sequit Loop

Lying outside the city limits of Westlake around some twists and turns into the mountains is the Arroyo Sequit Trail, a short loop that is not to be underestimated.

Remote, rugged, rustic—the 1.5-mile trek takes one on a journey as varied as hiking trails four times its length. Beginning as a paved road that turns to dirt near a ranger station after about a quarter mile, which is also where the loop ends, the path passes a bathroom facility and small house on the left before reaching the Nature Trail on the right. Indicated by a signpost, the loop veers into the rough terrain that is synonymous with the Santa Monica Mountains.

Winding away from the flat, open expanses of the valley dusted with golden wild grass, the trail ascends slowly and steadily, leading one up past towering yucca plants and the shorter, crimson knobbed bushes of buckwheat. Open to the sun, this portion of the trail is hot, but fairly easy-going. Soon, a small grove of oaks appears ahead like a portal, with one open hole of light beaming through the foliage, beckoning one up to its shady corridor.

Although short-lived, the canopy provides a respite from the sun and marks an increase in vegetation, trees and birds. In the early morning and evening hours, rabbits sprint along the sides of the path and a variety of bird species can be glimpsed scurrying through the scrub, darting from tree to tree and can be heard making a general ruckus in the leaves as they warn their friends of the human who has wandered into their territory.

As the switchbacks tighten and the trail twists into the hillsides, the outlying view grows in scenic beauty. The higher one goes, the more distant mountains come into view looming over the valley where the journey originated. Surrounding hillsides hold the occasional home, satellite dish or other man-made structure, yet the feel of the area remains wild.

In this part of the trail, one can see a placard on the ground to the right indicating a manzanita tree. Shining, sturdy branches of mahogany flanked by rigid, bright green leaves, the beautiful tree belonging to the genus Arctostaphylos blooms in the winter and early spring. Meaning “little apple” in Spanish, it produces edible berries, which were used by the invading Spanish to make wine. The berries were also harvested by natives and are a favorite food of hummingbirds.

The path soon descends to a creek bed that is dry this time of year, but the wetter area means a change from desert-like flora to ferns and wide-leafed, green water-loving plants. This is also where the path gets a little tricky, overgrown and under-maintained, delving directly into a dried, rocky creek bed thick with thriving greenery. It‘s easy to lose the trail here, but it continues directly ahead up the other side of the creek bed.

After traversing this, another crossing follows except the way up is a little more steep, a little more crumbly and there is also a bit of barb wire, so be careful not only in your footing but where you place your hands. This is also a good place to watch out for poison oak, which is supposed to grow here, although I saw none.

After the creek crossing, the trail transforms significantly again, from overgrown into a sparse, mountainous climb under the full force of the sun. Gone is the greenery, replaced by dirt, the needle-like appendages of agave and tightly wound switchbacks. The climb is relatively short, but can be intense, especially depending on the outdoor temperatures.

After successfully completing this portion, the path meanders to a fork in the road, marked only by a sign that reads “end of Nature Trail.” To continue on the loop, go right. Left will lead one out onto a road in a short distance.

It’s not long before the path dips back into the grassy valley near the ranger station and bathroom. For an added (albeit small) distance, continue past the Nature Trail on the right and instead go straight for a short trek up to a water tank.

The Arroyo Sequit Loop is a surprising trail that while traversable in less than an hour, provides a stunning measure of picturesque views, varying habitats and rugged terrain. Remote and far away from it all, it packs the hallmarks of a lengthy trek into a short sojourn. Dogs, horses and mountain bikers are welcome, and picnic tables are available, perfect for family outings.

To get there, take the 101 north to exit Westlake Boulevard/CA Highway 23, turning left to go south. Continue out of the city to Mulholland Highway, and turn right. At roadside mile marker 5.6, turn left into a narrow entrance to a small parking lot marked by the address 34138, which lies at the bottom of a hill. Parking here is free. Don’t forget to grab a map at the trailhead.

A word of caution: bring plenty of water for this hike, don’t underestimate it due to the short distance, and be aware that it’s mountain lion country. Enjoy your journey on the wild side and as always, be safe.

Click here for a map.

Trail Quick Facts:

• Usage: hikers, horses, dogs OK on leash
• Distance:  1.5 miles loop
• Elevation gain: 430 feet
• Terrain: chaparral, oak woodland, aquatic geology
• Trail: narrow to wide
• Nearby: Westlake Village