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Hiking to the Kobe Crash Site
It’s been nearly four years since Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a tragic helicopter accident in Calabasas, California. The NTSB concluded the helicopter pilot became disoriented in thick fog and crashed into a hillside. The victims were killed instantly. Since then, it’s become a rite of passage for Lakers fans to make a pilgrimage to the site. I made mine in August, 2023.
It was a hot and humid day and the bugs were out in droves. I stopped at Trader Joe’s for flowers then exited the 101 Freeway at Las Virgenes Road. I parked at a dog park just south of the freeway and took the Bark Park Trail into the mountains. The hike is nearly two miles long and ascends to 350 feet. The crash site is located near the junction with the New Millennium Trail.
The hills were dry and barren with sharp brush on either side of the trail. Knowing this was prime tick and rattlesnake territory, I kept my eyes glued to the path. About halfway up I reached an Oak Tree appearing like a sentry. To the north, there was a scenic view of the high-end homes of Calabasas.
Ten minutes into the hike, I passed a young Latino couple coming down the trail. The man wore a #24 Kobe jersey while his girlfriend, dressed in black, looked like she’d been crying. We greeted each other with fist-bumps, no words necessary. A mountain biker passed me…
