This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Garden of the Gods is more about exploring than hiking. The 23-acre park, most known for once being a part of the famous Iverson Movie Ranch (it set the scene for the wild west, Africa and Asia), has one small official trail and a lot of rocks to scramble and climb (not with gear, though).
The park is a nice addition to a group of open spaces in the Northwest Valley. Within a 10 minute walk is Stoney Point (that's where you can practice real rock climbing) and directly to the southwest is Santa Susana Pass Historic Park.
Street parking is plenty on Red Mesa Drive (see .pdf map) just outside the park's trail. Hours run from sunrise to sunset and dogs are allowed, provided they are on a leash.
