Vanalden Cave, Tarzana's hidden gem
Yes, there's caves in Los Angeles.
With sweeping views of the Santa Monica mountains and a short hike to a fascinating cave, this is sure to be your new favorite spot.
What you need to know
Trailhead location: 3630-3818 Vanalden Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356
Coordinates: 34.134677, -118.563010
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)
Length: ⅓ of a mile total, out and back
Parking: plenty of street parking
Cost: free
Bathrooms: none
Date visited: December 7, 2023
My experience
I first made the trek out to Vanalden cave with two of my friends, Dani and Crystal, who originally introduced me to this spot. After weaving through several small roads of Tarzana’s most impeccable homes, we arrived at the dead-end of Vanalden Avenue. This is where the adventure begins.
After about five minutes of hiking, we were greeted by this beautiful view of the city and Santa Monica mountains. This route to Vanalden cave is quite short, but is on an incline for most of the way up. I recommend inexperienced hikers take their time, as rivulets have created a gully in the middle of the path and it is easy to slip.
The trail takes a turn to the left, and we’re greeted with subtle signs that we are getting closer.
The trail declines steeply for a short period of time after you pass this marker; be aware of loose leaves and gravel. Around the bend, we were able to make out the first glimpse of the cave.
With the December chill in the air and the hills completely silent, the cave appears ominous and cathedral-like between the trees.
Vanalden is unique from other caves in the area. Composed of sandstone, it’s ceiling is much thinner than that of a typical cavern and spans only a few feet wide. The walls are brittle and dusty. Sunlight filters through the holes at the top, showing off graffiti and etchings from previous adventurers and giving just enough light to see to the back.
Now if you’re like me, and you can’t turn down the opportunity to climb whatever you can, there are ways to make it to the roof of the cave. The right side has a small path leading up past an oak tree, which is the more accessible of the two. (Though, admittedly, I didn’t see it somehow and took the harder way…either works)!
From atop the cave, you can see straight through to whoever’s inside. In the completely not weird way, of course. You can even sit down and dangle your legs through the holes while silently hoping the sandstone doesn’t decide to give out.
The journey back was pretty quick, but it is steep going back down the mountain, so just be aware of where you’re stepping. If you want a longer hike, I recommend starting from Reseda Boulevard for the 2.7 mile version.
Exploring the cave, coupled with the fantastic views and hiking through the trees, made for a great excursion. I hope you’ll check it out if you can — and if you see a girl poking her head through the holes in a Sexy rhinestone baseball cap, don’t worry. That’s just me. Happy trails!
