Few People Know There's A Beautiful State Park Hiding Between These Southern California Towns
By Natasha Kayes|Published May 03, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
On the boundary line of two counties and tucked into a mountain landscape between two residential communities is a place of historical, cultural, and archaeological importance. Having grown up just a few miles from this state park in Los Angeles County, I can attest to the fact that this little piece of rugged wilderness is relatively unknown, even among Southern California locals, but it is worth discovering.
The Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is located in the rocky hills of Los Angeles County, between the suburban towns of Chatsworth and Simi Valley. Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park consists of approximately 671 acres of land where the Santa Susana Mountains meet the Simi Hills.
A stretch of the Old Santa Susana Stage Road runs through a large portion of the park. The stagecoach road was a major route used by travelers and mail carriers between Los Angeles and Northern California until the railroad took its place.
In 1972, the old stage road became a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. The park’s irregular perimeter reflects multiple parcels being acquired by the State of California at different times.
There are several hiking trails traversing the park. Keep in mind that the trails, while often clear, are quite rugged and often without shade. If you plan to explore, wear good hiking shoes and bring water and sunscreen, particularly during the summer months.
From many places along the park’s trails, visitors enjoy expansive views of the historic park sitting above the highly developed communities around it. It is an interesting contrast that is unique to this park.
The park is an archaeological resource area with a 174-acre portion of the park on the National Register of Historic Places. Trading routes and village sites of the Chumash and Fernandeno indigenous people can still be found on the property.
Within the park is an interesting site known as Spahn Movie Ranch, which began as a homestead in the 1880s. In the 1940s, movie sets were built on the site, with more being added by owner George Spahn in the 1950s. In the late 1960s, Spahn’s main source of income was horse rentals and the now-infamous Manson family moved in, lived rent-free on the property, and helped run the business. The sets and structures were destroyed in a 1970 wildfire.
In this part of what is known as the Traverse Ranges, you will find deep-cut canyons surrounded by high ridges, massive rocks and boulders, a waterfall and natural pools, small caves, and a vast array of wild plant life. This rock formation is part of what has been nicknamed The Labyrinth.
Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is a fascinating and beautiful place to explore. Have you heard of this state park in Los Angeles County? Find out more information about this little-known park by visiting the California Department of Parks and Recreation website. Do you love finding little-known treasures in this state? If so, check out several more hidden gems in Southern California.
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