Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Cheeseboro Trail Bridge

National Recreation Area
1978
 
Park Size
156,671 acres
 
Annual Visitors
759,000
 
Park Fee
none
 
Superintendent
Jody Lyle
 
Park Partner
Santa Monica Mountains Fund
 
Location
Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, CA

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a welcome respite to the inhabitants of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, with an abundance of hiking trails, beaches, picnic areas, and viewpoints. There are an estimated 1.8 million residents with disabilities in the greater Los Angeles area, but until now, the park has not had an accessible trail for people with mobility challenges.

A generous donation from a local visitor allowed the National Park Service to construct Santa Monica Mountains' first wheelchair-accessible trail in the popular Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon Unit, and government funding was made available to construct an accessible trailhead and parking lot.

To complete the trail, a bridge across a seasonal creek drainage was needed. The Fund for People in Parks  provided a grant to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund to support the purchase of bridge materials.

It was completed in Spring 2025, providing an enjoyable loop hike, including excellent views, shaded oak savannas, and a safe experience for all abilities.
 
Project Cost:  $111,210                                                                   Project Completed: 2025
     National Park Service: $8,710
​     The Fund for People in Parks: $37,500
     Santa Monica Mountains Fund: $65,000

This project will directly benefit visitors by providing the first ever 1.1-mile ADA trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. Users will be able to take advantage of views into Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon and Morrison Ranch via overlooks, as well as along the creek in shaded oak savannas. An enjoyable hiking experience can be had without having to walk too far. A clear destination and a shorter hike can encourage trail use by people with mobility challenges or families with young children."
     -Deanna Armbruster, Executive Director, Santa Monica Mountains Fund