Carey Ranch Park

Updated June 4, 2026

Carey Ranch Park is a well-regarded park located in Sylmar, United States of America. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated parks in the area.

Location

You can find Carey Ranch Park at Laurel Canyon Blvd & Crestknoll Drive, Sylmar, CA 91342.

What to Expect

Carey Ranch Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Sylmar, United States of America. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a picnic spot, or simply a place to relax outdoors, this park provides a welcome green space.

Planning Your Visit

The park is located at Laurel Canyon Blvd & Crestknoll Drive, Sylmar, CA 91342. GPS coordinates: 34.288732, -118.460483. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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Carey Ranch Park is a neighborhood recreation spot tucked away in Sylmar, California. It’s mainly known for its multipurpose open field and children’s play area.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks runs the show here. You’ll find it at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Crestknoll Drive, with hours from sunrise to sunset.

This park offers a quiet place for family picnics, kite flying, and just hanging out outdoors if you want to avoid the chaos of bigger LA parks.

Carey Ranch Park works as a low-key alternative to busier spots. There’s enough open space to stretch out, whether you’re wrangling kids, planning a barbecue, or just need some air.

You’ll see picnic tables and a playground—handy for families living in or swinging by Sylmar.

If you’re driving up Interstate 5, the park is just off the freeway in Mission Hills. For nitty-gritty details about reservations or amenities, call the park office at 818-756-8189.

Key Takeaways

• Carey Ranch Park is a family-friendly neighborhood spot in Sylmar with a playground, picnic areas, and a big open field.
• The park is open sunrise to sunset and managed by LA’s Department of Recreation and Parks.
• Call 818-756-8189 for info on facilities or planning your visit.

Key Details and Quick Facts

Carey Ranch Park sits at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Aztec Street in Mission Hills, CA 91342. Some folks use Crestknoll Drive in Sylmar as the main access point.

It’s open daily from dawn to dusk, and it’s part of the North Valley service area under the LA Department of Recreation and Parks.

You get the basics here—think children’s play area with a gated playground, picnic tables, and an open multipurpose field that’s great for kite flying or just running around. There’s parking, so you won’t have to stress about finding a spot.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 818-756-8189
• Address: Laurel Canyon Blvd. & Aztec St., Mission Hills, CA 91342

The vibe is pretty mellow and family-friendly, with police patrols swinging by through the day. Early mornings, you’ll mostly run into dog walkers soaking up the peace.

One underrated thing: the valley views you get from certain spots in the park.

For questions about permits, events, or anything else, you can reach the main rec department at 213-202-2700 or email [email protected].

What to Expect at Carey Ranch Park

Carey Ranch Park is a small, family-oriented neighborhood spot in Sylmar. It’s got valley views, a gated children’s playground, picnic tables, and a big multipurpose field that’s perfect for kite-flying or tossing a frisbee.

The park is open sunrise to sunset, and it’s generally pretty chill—regular police patrols keep things safe.

The main attraction is definitely the open field. There’s enough space for all sorts of activities, and it’s rarely crowded.

Key amenities include:

• Gated playground with equipment
• Picnic tables for gatherings
• Open field space
• Valley views from higher ground

Dog walkers love it in the early morning. Getting here is easy—it’s right near Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Crestknoll Drive, just off I-5.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks handles maintenance and security, so it’s well-kept. The gated playground lets parents relax a bit while kids play.

Plan Your Visit

Carey Ranch Park opens sunrise to sunset at 15035 Crestknoll Drive in the Sylmar area. You can get there from either Laurel Canyon Boulevard or off the I-5.

This is a great spot for morning walks before 10 AM or late afternoons when it’s cooler.

Best Time to Explore

If you’re looking for the sweet spot, early mornings between 7 and 10 AM are best—especially October through May, when LA’s weather is more forgiving. Summer afternoons can be brutal since the big multipurpose field doesn’t have much shade.

Spring brings the greenest grass after winter rains. Weekday mornings are the quietest if you want to skip the weekend rush.

Summer can hit the 90s out here, so maybe plan water play or stick to the playground when it’s cooler. Even in winter, LA is pretty sunny, so it’s not a bad time to visit.

Getting There

You’ll find Carey Ranch Park at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Crestknoll Drive in Sylmar. If you’re on I-5, take the Roxford Street exit.

From downtown LA, it’s about a 35-minute drive up I-5 North. Coming from the 210, exit at Hubbard Street and head south to Crestknoll.

There’s street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. No fancy parking lots or entrance fees—it’s a city-run neighborhood park, after all.

Public transit is possible but not super convenient; Metro buses serve Sylmar, but double-check routes since the park’s tucked in a residential pocket.

Insider Tips

Bring your own water and snacks—no food vendors or vending machines here. The field is great for kite flying, especially on breezy spring afternoons.

If you’re curious about facility availability or possible closures, call 818-756-8189 before you go. The walking paths are nice for jogging, but wear decent shoes—some areas blend into rougher, natural terrain.

For general questions, call the LA Department of Recreation and Parks at 213-202-2700 or email [email protected]. This is a local spot, not a big regional park, so don’t expect restrooms or big picnic shelters.

Nearby Attractions and Explore More in United States

Within a short drive of Carey Ranch Park, you’ve got some decent options in the San Fernando Valley. Hansen Dam Recreation Area is about 6 miles southeast and offers fishing, horseback riding, and a big lake for water activities.

Mission San Fernando Rey de España is roughly 4 miles south on San Fernando Mission Boulevard. It’s a historic Spanish mission from 1797, with original buildings, a museum, and gardens that give you a glimpse of old California.

Outdoor Recreation Options:

• Angeles National Forest is right up north of Sylmar, with hiking, camping, and mountain views.
• Cascade Canyon Community Park, about 3 miles away, has sports fields and more playground gear.
• Dearborn Park has baseball fields and basketball courts if you’re feeling sporty.

The Ronald Reagan Freeway (118) runs nearby, connecting you to other parts of LA County. Downtown LA is about 30 miles south on I-5. Six Flags Magic Mountain is around 15 miles northwest in Valencia—roller coasters galore if you’re up for it.

For food or errands, Foothill Boulevard and San Fernando Road are lined with grocery stores, restaurants, and your usual suburban LA businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carey Ranch Park is at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Crestknoll Drive in Sylmar. If you’re prepping for your first visit, here are some things to know.

Where is the park located, and what’s the best address to use for GPS versus the main entrance you’ll actually want to enter from?

Plug “Laurel Canyon Blvd & Crestknoll Drive, Sylmar, CA 91342” into your GPS—this gets you to the main entrance and parking.

Officially, the mailing address is through the LA Department of Recreation and Parks downtown, but that’s just for paperwork. The entrance you want is right off Laurel Canyon and Crestknoll.

What’s the easiest way to get there by car or public transit, and which nearby cross streets help you avoid common navigation mistakes?

By car, exit I-5 at Roxford Street, go east to Laurel Canyon, then north to Crestknoll. There are parking lots, so it’s pretty straightforward.

Public transit is a bit of a hassle; closest bus routes are on Foothill Boulevard and San Fernando Road, but you’ll have to hoof it over a mile to the park.

Which parts of the park are best for a relaxed walk versus a more scenic loop, and how long do the most popular routes usually take?

The open field is good for easy strolls or flying a kite if there’s wind. Early mornings are quiet, especially for dog walkers.

If you want a view, head to the elevated sections near the playground. Walking a full loop around the park usually takes 15–20 minutes at an easy pace.

Are there reservable areas for weddings or small events, and what permits, timing rules, or noise limits typically catch people by surprise?

Permits for special events go through the main LA Department of Recreation and Parks office at (213) 202-2700. Any organized gathering that needs exclusive use of space needs a permit—even small family stuff.

The park is open sunrise to sunset, so evening events have to wrap up before dark. Noise rules are enforced all day to keep things family-friendly.

What amenities are on-site (restrooms, picnic tables, shade, playgrounds, parking), and what should visitors plan to bring because it’s often missing?

There’s a gated playground for kids, drinking water fountains, and multiple parking lots. Restrooms are open during regular hours.

Shade is hit or miss, so bring sunscreen or a hat if you’re planning to stay a while. There are picnic tables, but they go fast on weekends—bring a blanket just in case.

How does this park compare with other community parks in the Los Angeles area for crowd levels, safety, and weekend vibe?

Carey Ranch Park tends to stay pretty quiet, especially if you swing by on a weekday or early in the morning. It’s noticeably less crowded than the big recreation spots you’ll find elsewhere in LA.

Regular police patrols are a thing here, and that seems to help families feel comfortable bringing their kids to the playground.

On weekends, you’ll see more people, but honestly, it almost never gets packed the way the city’s big parks do.

Since it’s tucked into a neighborhood, the vibe stays pretty local and chill—not like those destination parks that pull in crowds from all over the place.