SANTA SUSANNA MOUNTAINS
Santa Susanna Mountains
The Santa Susanna Mountains are Los Angeles' forgotten mountains, or at the very least, neglected. Marking the northern boundary of the San Fernando Valley, this transverse range doesn't have the ocean views of the Santa Monica Mountains or the quick access of Griffith Park or the Verdugo Mountains, and it lacks the soaring peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains. What it does boast are some significant historical features and lots of solitude in a gorgeous rocky and rolling landscape. In fact, it is possible to hike an entire day on the trails of the Santa Susanna's and not see another living soul. There is also a quietness that is not available in the Verdugo's or Hollywood Hills with all their nearby highways.
Like much of Southern California's mountains, the southern slopes of the Santa Susanna's are covered in Chaparral scrublands and oak savannas. There are also a number of areas given to grassy balds, such as those around Oat Mountain, which is somewhat unique for this geographic location. The northern slopes, by contrast are host to large tracts of oak and conifer woodlands, some of which fall under the protection of the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park. These trees include the Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak and Coastal Scrub Oak. The Santa Lucia Fir, of the Douglas Fir family, can also be found throughout the region. Wildflowers abound in the Santa Susannas during the spring months and include the Redbush Monkey Flower, Mariposa Lily and Canyon Sunflower. The mountains are also home to the endangered Santa Susanna Tarweed, a perennial subshrub in the aster family. This yellow flowered plant grows in the crevices of sandstone bluffs and rocky outcrops across both the Santa Susanna Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains. According to the Center for Plant Conservation, there were over 20 known occurrences of this plant in the mountains, but one-fourth of these plants have not been seen for several years.
Like much of Southern California's mountains, the southern slopes of the Santa Susanna's are covered in Chaparral scrublands and oak savannas. There are also a number of areas given to grassy balds, such as those around Oat Mountain, which is somewhat unique for this geographic location. The northern slopes, by contrast are host to large tracts of oak and conifer woodlands, some of which fall under the protection of the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park. These trees include the Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak and Coastal Scrub Oak. The Santa Lucia Fir, of the Douglas Fir family, can also be found throughout the region. Wildflowers abound in the Santa Susannas during the spring months and include the Redbush Monkey Flower, Mariposa Lily and Canyon Sunflower. The mountains are also home to the endangered Santa Susanna Tarweed, a perennial subshrub in the aster family. This yellow flowered plant grows in the crevices of sandstone bluffs and rocky outcrops across both the Santa Susanna Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains. According to the Center for Plant Conservation, there were over 20 known occurrences of this plant in the mountains, but one-fourth of these plants have not been seen for several years.
Santa Susanna Tarweed
Turkey Buzzards, Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels can often be seen riding updrafts above the rocky landscape with an ever keen eye for prey or carrion on which to scavenge. While walking the trails you may also hear the rummaging of the California Towhee or Rufous-sided Towhee in the leaf litter. Late afternoon hiking may also provide glimpses of California Mule Deer and Coyotes on the prowl. Bobcats, badgers and mountain lions also call the range home. In the extreme reaches of the backcountry, a small population of black bears has managed to carve out an existence.
Historically, oil was first discovered in California in Naco Canyon on the north side of the range. Chevron, originally known as The California Star Oil Works, drilled the famous Pico Well No. 4, the first commercially successful oil well in California and the longest producing. Drilled in 1876, the well produced oil for 114 years before being capped in 1990. Mentryville Historical Park operates an "oil ghost town" with docent led tours. Oil is still produced in the area, and oil pumps can be found scattered throughout the mountains quietly pumping black gold from the earth.
Nearby Santa Susanna Pass State Historic Site offers insight into the Chumash, Tongva and Tataviam peoples who lived in the region before arrival of the Europeans. The park also includes sections of the Old Santa Susanna Stage Road that was the primary route for travelers and mail between Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and points north.
Historically, oil was first discovered in California in Naco Canyon on the north side of the range. Chevron, originally known as The California Star Oil Works, drilled the famous Pico Well No. 4, the first commercially successful oil well in California and the longest producing. Drilled in 1876, the well produced oil for 114 years before being capped in 1990. Mentryville Historical Park operates an "oil ghost town" with docent led tours. Oil is still produced in the area, and oil pumps can be found scattered throughout the mountains quietly pumping black gold from the earth.
Nearby Santa Susanna Pass State Historic Site offers insight into the Chumash, Tongva and Tataviam peoples who lived in the region before arrival of the Europeans. The park also includes sections of the Old Santa Susanna Stage Road that was the primary route for travelers and mail between Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and points north.
LA-88 Launch Pad Base
Of more recent historical interest are the remains of LA-88, a Nike Missile installation that served as part of a ring of 16 such stations surrounding Los Angeles as part of an air defense system during the height of the cold war. Many of the site's buildings were destroyed in wild fires after the installation's closure, but several buildings remain along with the supporting structures of several launch pads. The former missile installation is located below the summit of Oat Mountain and is used today by the LAPD for SWAT training exercises.
All-in-all, there are plethora of activities to explore in the Santa Susanna Mountains. It seems a shame more people don't take advantage of the opportunities this quiet range of mountains offers, but then again, perhaps it's best if we keep it our little secret.
All-in-all, there are plethora of activities to explore in the Santa Susanna Mountains. It seems a shame more people don't take advantage of the opportunities this quiet range of mountains offers, but then again, perhaps it's best if we keep it our little secret.
SANTA SUSANNA MOUNTAINS TRAILS - Click the green buttons below for hike details
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For a decidedly different view of Los Angeles, consider this 6.4 mile roundtrip hike to summit of the highest peak in the Santa Susanna Mountains. The trek is steep and strenuous, but along the way you will be treated to rolling hills of grass with great views of rocky outcroppings and narrow canyons in all directions. There is also the added bonus of walking though a bit of Los Angeles history when you pass the former LA-88 Nike Missile Base used for air defense of the city during the height of the cold war. Once on the summit there are grand and sweeping views across the whole San Fernando Valley to the tops of Cahuenga and Burbank Peak.
Situated on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in the Santa Susanna Mountains is Rocky Peak Park, a 4800 acre expanse of jumbled sandstone boulders and rugged oak savannahs. The park is located just off the 118 west of Chatsworth and roams northward for five miles to Las Llajas Canyon. A number of trails and fire roads crisscross the park, allowing you to explore the deepest reaches of this wilderness area. The most prominent feature is the titular Rocky Peak, a series of craggy outcroppings, the tallest of which rises to 1,715’ and provides stunning views of The San Fernando and Simi Valleys and the majestic grassy bald of Oat Mountain.
Located on the northern slopes of the Santa Susana Mountains in Ed Davis Park, this easy 2-mile roundtrip hike features some impressive views of the interior Santa Susana Mountains and panoramic views of the Sierra Polena Mountains and the Newhall Pass. There is one good climb from the valley floor to the lower ridgeline, but nothing that kids and beginner hikers can't handle. In addition, the park features a lovely grassy picnic area shaded by a stand of cottonwoods, a nature center, lodge and backcountry mountain biking. The park is easily accessible from the 5 at Exit 166 and makes for a quick day trip if you need to get your wilderness fix. If you're up for it, there is a more challenging and longer hike around Towsley Canyon on the Towsley View Loop Trail.
Take an extended trip into the backcountry of the Santa Clarita Woodlands with this challenging 5.1 mile loop trail. The trail begins and ends on flat, level and easy paved and dirt roads, but the middle section features a leg-burning climb of just over 1,000'. You can be easily distracted from the burn, however, by the stunning panoramic views that extend across the Newhall Pass to the San Gabriel Mountains to the east and across the Santa Clarita Valley to the Sierra Polena Mountains in the north. The trail passes through meadowlands, oak woodlands, high chaparral and a riparian gorge. You may also have to trek around a few bubbling tar pits that will remind you this wilderness area was once the site of heavy oil production in the 20th Century.
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View from the Summit of Oat Mountain
Rocky Peak
Towsley Canyon at Ed Davis Park
Grassy Bald on Towsley View Loop Trail
Santa Susana Mountains Links |
