Thanks for the advice folks. Time and luggage space were limited, so I didn't pack by boots or gear. However, I couldn't resist venturing from the parking lot a little ways. I walked up the ridge on an unmarked trail and then came back along the Beverly Canyon trail.

Interesting country. A very alien environment for me. Coming back I felt kinda weird. Then I realized my feet were dry. Back home, traveling along the bottom of a canyon like that would mean you're standing in a stream.