The Bluff Creek Trail is a mostly flat, partially paved path that traverses the bluff just below LMU, on the border between Westchester and Playa Vista. It works best as a 4-mile loop — a couple miles on the trail, then a couple miles walking back through Playa Vista past Oberreider park. Accessible from three points: the end of Dunbarton Avenue, across from the Annenberg PetSpace on Bluff Creek Drive, and near the fountain on Lincoln Boulevard. Views include snow-covered mountains on one side, the ocean on the other, and at one spot the Hollywood Sign. The lower trail through the wetlands is closed to foot traffic year-round.

About This Trail

Distance: ~4 miles (loop) Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly flat, partially paved/dirt Dog-friendly: Yes — connects to multiple off-leash dog parks in Playa Vista Access points: Dunbarton Avenue (Westchester), Bluff Creek Drive (PetSpace), Lincoln Boulevard (Sports Park) Parking: Free lot on Bluff Creek Drive across from Annenberg PetSpace; Sports Park lot off Lincoln; street parking on Crescent Park Drive as backup Best time: Any morning; the Bluff Creek Drive lot fills by 9am on weekends

AKA LMU Trail, AKA Westchester fireroad trail

The Bluff Creek Trail is a 4-mile loop that can be accessed from three locations:

1. Dunbarton Avenue: At the end of Dunbarton Avenue in Westchester, where it dead-ends into a cul-de-sac.
2. Bluff Creek Drive: Across the street from Yahoo and the Annenberg PetSpace Adoption Center.
3. Lincoln Boulevard: Near the fountain, although there is no parking near this entrance. However, you can usually park easily at the Sports Park next to Playa Vista Elementary, just down the hill from the trailhead.

Explore the Neighborhood on Foot

The Bluff Creek Trail connects naturally into Playa Vista’s parks below the bluffs. If you want to make a longer day of it, I put together a self-guided walking tour covering the best stops in Playa Vista — starting near the Bluff Creek Drive trailhead. It also covers parking in more detail.

→ Playa Vista Parks Walking Tour

Trail Options

This trail can be completed in various ways:

• As a Loop: Walk along Bluff Creek Drive for half of the loop and then back along the upper trail. This can be started and finished at any point.
• Out and Back: From Dunbarton to Lincoln, Dunbarton to Sepulveda, or any combination thereof.

Restrictions

There is a lower trail that is closed due to the bird migration season. While it had limited access at times in the past, restrictions have recently been increased, and it is not advisable to enter this area.

Scenic Highlights

This is a classic Southern California trail with diverse scenic views:

• Snow-Covered Mountains: Visible on one side with The Ocean visible on the other side.
• Hollywood Sign: Can be seen at one point.
• Mount Wilson and the Radio Towers: Possibly visible with a zoom lens or very good eyesight.
• Landmarks: Various parts of Miracle Mile, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, and even Downtown Los Angeles (though Playa Vista is very close by).

Along the trail, you will pass by notable sites such as:

• The Spruce Goose building of Google headquarters.
• IMAX headquarters.
• Yahoo office.
• Annenberg Pet Space.
• Multiple dog runs: Playa Vista Bluff Creek Dog Run and Oberrieder Dog Run.

Bluff Creek Trail offers a little slice of heaven, located on the border between Westchester and Playa Vista, just below the bluffs of Loyola Marymount University. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a neighborhood loop, or a place to enjoy with your furry friends, this trail has something for everyone.