***O’Melveny Park*** spreads over 672 acres, second on the list of largest parks within the City of Los Angeles, right after Griffith Park. Noted for its picture-perfect picnic grounds with white fences and towering eucalyptus trees, O’Melveny Park also challenges hikers with several miles of steep, backcountry fire roads and primitive trails.
Our [hike](https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ale&ti=10097&pri=2097&pw=245133&mi=10248&url=http%3A%2F%2Frei.com%2Fh%2Fcamping-and-hiking) here constitutes a comprehensive tour that includes wandering through grasslands, the highest spot in the San Fernando Valley known as ***Mission Point*** and down into steep and shady ***Bee Canyon*** *.*
Hike is about 5 miles with 1500 ft total ascent and rated ***DIFFICULT*** due to terrain. See the [Hike Rating Guide](https://www.hikingwithdean.com/hike-rating-guide/)
**Historical Note**
O’Melveny Park takes its name from the well-known family of Los Angeles lawyers who once owned a gentleman’s ranch here. John O’Melveny bought the land in 1941 and called it CJ Ranch. Cattle roamed the hills, a citrus orchard was planted, and family members enjoyed spending weekends roaming the mountains. Although areas near the ranch were oil-rich, exploration on the ranch was unsuccessful. The O’Melvenys deeded half their ranch to Los Angeles, and the city purchased the rest
**Directions**
Head for O’Melveny Park using the map pin and Google Maps. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly. Plan on parking on neighboring streets.
*Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated.*
*Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.*
*Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.*
*The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our [ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER](https://www.hikingwithdean.com/liability-waiver/) and the Meetup.com [Terms of Service.](https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252)*
