Rehabilitating Trailheads in Western Santa Monica Mountains

Visitor use sites in California’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area were suffering from substantial erosion, caused by inadequate storm drainage and compaction due to off-trail visitor travel. Park management realized changes were necessary to ensure the environment was protected and visitors could find the trailhead(s) and associated trail(s). First, to respond to erosion issues, the park made several improvements to each of the sites and trailheads including conducting proper grading to ensure adequate drainage and planting native vegetation to assist in soil stabilization. Additionally, to provide visitors with more effective wayfinding, new trailhead signage and amenities (i.e., restrooms) were installed. These physical site improvements transformed visitor use areas, helping them work with the environment while providing visitors with an improved experience.