Mulholland Open Space Preserve

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Parks

California

Nearby: Orinda Oaks Park Lafayette Reservoir Recreational Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mulholland Open Space Preserve is a 2,689-acre nature reserve located in the Santa Monica Mountains of California.

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Summary

The preserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region through a variety of activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Some of the key points of interest within the preserve include the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the winding trails that lead through lush forests and rocky canyons, and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The preserve is also home to a number of historical sites, including a historic ranch and the remains of an old winery.

Interesting facts about the preserve include its importance as a habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species, including the California red-legged frog and the western pond turtle. Additionally, the preserve is named after William Mulholland, the engineer who designed and oversaw the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which brought water to the city from the Owens Valley.

The best time of year to visit the Mulholland Open Space Preserve is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the flora and fauna are at their most vibrant. However, visitors should be aware that the preserve can be quite crowded during peak season, so it may be best to plan a visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Overall, the Mulholland Open Space Preserve is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of California's Santa Monica Mountains.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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