O'Melveny Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

O'Melveny Park is located in Granada Hills, California, and is the second-largest park in Los Angeles.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park provides a great escape from the bustling city and offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and beautiful views of the San Fernando Valley.

One of the main attractions at O'Melveny Park is its extensive hiking trails. The park features over 5 miles of trails that wind through hills and canyons, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Another point of interest is the park's wildlife. O'Melveny Park is home to a variety of animals, including rabbits, coyotes, bobcats, and various species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy the park's picnic areas, playgrounds, and basketball courts. The park also has a historic stone cabin that was built in the 1920s and is now used for special events.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was once owned by oil baron Henry O'Melveny, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In 1941, O'Melveny donated the land to the city of Los Angeles, and it became a public park.

The best time to visit O'Melveny Park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild, and the park's wildflowers are in bloom. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season.

Overall, O'Melveny Park is a great destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy nature. With its hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views, it's a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References