Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve |
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Oak Tree at Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Preserve
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 Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Location in California
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Location in the United States
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| Area | 2,983 acres (12.07 km2) |
| Established | 2003 |
| Governing body | Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy |
The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve is a huge natural area. It's like a big outdoor classroom! This preserve covers almost 3,000 acres (about 12 square kilometers). It's located in the Simi Hills of western Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County.
The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy owns and takes care of this special place. It used to be called Ahmanson Ranch Park. In 2003, the land was bought from a company called Washington Mutual. This happened after a long discussion about building homes in this beautiful area. The preserve has many chaparral shrub forests and oak tree areas. Sadly, the preserve was badly damaged by the Woolsey Fire in 2018.
Contents
History of the Preserve
Ancient Times: Before 1963
For thousands of years, the Chumash Native American tribe lived here. They had at least one village called Huwam in the preserve's area. This village was special because Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam people all lived there together.
Near Bell Creek and Escorpión Peak (also known as Castle Peak), people believe this village once stood. Escorpión Peak is very important to the Chumash. They see it as one of nine special spots that help keep nature balanced.
There's also a cave called The Cave of Munits inside the preserve. Legend says a mythical Chumash shaman lived here. This cave has even appeared in old movies like The Canyon of Missing Men (1930) and Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927).
In 1769, the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition explored this area. This was the first time Europeans traveled through California by land. Today, the U.S. National Park Service's Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail goes right through the preserve.
From the 1920s to the 1950s, many Western movies were filmed here. This area, called Lasky Mesa, was a popular movie ranch.
From 1963 to 2003
In 1963, a company called Home Savings of America bought the land. It was then known as Ahmanson Ranch. For many years, the land was not used.
In 1989, Home Savings of America announced big plans for the 5,400-acre property. They wanted to build over 3,000 homes, two golf courses, and many shops and offices. However, in 1998, another company, Washington Mutual, bought Home Savings of America.
Finally, in 2003, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy bought the land from Washington Mutual. This made it a protected open space and nature reserve park.
From 2003 to Today
On September 28, 2005, a large fire called the Topanga Canyon Fire started. By the next day, the fire had reached the preserve. It burned a big part of the park, including El Escorpión Park. The fire was finally stopped on October 3, 2005.
A huge area of 24,175 acres (about 98 square kilometers) was burned. The fire cost over $8 million to put out. You could see the damage in the park. Much of the chaparral plants and grasslands were burned. Even some Oak tree tops were scorched.
But nature is amazing! California native plants have adapted to wildfires. From their roots, seeds, and branches, they started growing back. By the next spring, the park showed incredible new growth.
How to Visit the Preserve
Trailheads: Where to Start Your Adventure
There are two main entrances, called trailheads, where you can start exploring the park.
Victory Trailhead
This is the main entrance to the preserve. It's at the very end of Victory Blvd. in West Hills. You'll find a large gravel parking lot here. There's also a portable toilet that is cleaned regularly. The parking lot is big enough for buses and horse trailers.
Parking costs $3 for the day. You can also buy parking passes online. These passes can be for one park or for multiple parks in the area. If you don't want to pay, you can park outside the park gates on nearby streets.
At the trailhead, there's a bulletin board with information about the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. You'll also find two picnic tables and a large display. This display teaches you about the preserve's history, geography, and wildlife.
Las Virgenes Canyon Road Trailhead
This entrance is located west of Calabasas. It's north of the Ventura Freeway (U.S. Route 101), at the end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road. There's parking available here too. Just like at Victory Trailhead, you'll find a big informational display about the preserve.
Trails to Explore
The preserve has several main trails for you to enjoy.
- 1. From the Victory Trailhead, two main trails begin. One goes west directly to Upper Las Virgenes Canyon. It connects to trails in Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon Park. The second trail goes south to the Laskey Mesa area, then continues to Upper Las Virgenes Canyon.
- 2. The main trail from the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead goes into Upper Las Virgenes Canyon. From here, you can connect to trails leading to Laskey Mesa or Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon Park. You can also continue north to the Bell Canyon area.
- 3. The El Escorpión Trail starts at L.A. City's El Escorpión Park. It runs through the preserve to the Victory Trailhead. This trail goes through Moore's Canyon and past the Cave of Munits. It's a gentle path you can take in either direction. L.A. City's Bell Canyon Park is right next to these parks, with trails along Bell Creek.
These trails are perfect for walking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. They are open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. You can only be in the park after dark if you are part of a special park event. Motor vehicles and motorbikes are not allowed.
Be Prepared for Your Visit
It's important to bring basic supplies when you visit the preserve. For example, in 2007, two hikers got lost and needed to be rescued. Even though they were experienced and had supplies, they went off a path that was hard to see after recent fires. One of them started to feel very cold (hypothermia). They used a cell phone to call for help and were rescued.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers guided walks, hikes, and evening programs in the park. These are great ways to explore safely!
You can bring your dog to the preserve. Just make sure they are on a leash that is 6 feet long or shorter. Also, make sure you have full control of your dog at all times.
See More About This Area
- Plants of the Santa Monica Mountains
- Wildlife corridor
- Chumash Rock Art
