About the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), in cooperation with the City and County of Los Angeles, and the Army Corps of Engineers has managed the Los Angeles River Recreation Program to increase safe public access to the L.A. River and to further river revitalization. The Recreation Zones open on Memorial Day each year and are open (unless closed for safety reasons) until the end of September.

There are two segments of the Recreation Zone:

The 1.7-mile Elysian Valley River Recreation Zone

The 2-mile Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone

The public is allowed to access and enjoy the river in designated areas to walk, fish, and bird watch and to use non-steerable boats such as kayaks.  MRCA Rangers will promote public safety and regulate usage with rules established by the MRCA Ordinance. Both areas offer access to portions of the river where natural habitat flourishes and wildlife is abundant.

Access to the river in the Elysian Valley River Recreation Zone is at MRCA-managed Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive.

Access to the the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is west of Woodley Avenue on Burbank Boulevard – The approximate address is 16212 Burbank Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436. Access is also allowed at Balboa Boulevard north of Victory Boulevard. The exit point is just west of Woodley Avenue. Parking is on Woodley Avenue.