Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is tucked between Chatsworth and Simi Valley. This is where the Simi Hills meet the Santa Susana Mountains. It is a dramatic tapestry of rugged ridgelines and deep canyons. The park’s rich California history is waiting to be discovered.
What Makes This Park Unique
More than 670 acres preserve both scenic wildlands and cultural memory. They include ancient Native American trade routes followed by Spanish explorers. Additionally, the Old Santa Susana Stage Road was once a critical 19th-century pathway for mail and pioneers. Visitors traverse landscapes rich with chaparral, oak savannahs, sandstone outcrops, and expansive views of the San Fernando Valley, all layered with narratives from thousands of years of human passage. This park uniquely combines archaeology, wildlife, and panoramic natural grandeur.
Top Activities and Amenities
Hiking, Equestrian Use & Photography
Multiple trails—including the Old Stagecoach Road, Upper Pond, and Waterfall Trail (occasionally flowing)—crisscross the park’s rugged terrain. These paths suit hikers, trail runners, and equestrians. They offer panoramic vistas and historic markers like the 1939 Native Daughters plaque. The dramatic geological features are ideal for nature photography and quiet contemplation.
Interpretive Exhibits & Educational Programs
There is no formal visitor center. However, interpretive exhibits and signage along trails highlight the park’s layered history. This history ranges from Indigenous pathways to stagecoach routes and early railroad ambitions. Local organizations often host guided hikes and educational programs, especially for school groups learning about California’s cultural and natural heritage.
Picnic Areas & Restroom Facilities
Restrooms are available at key trailheads such as Lilac Lane and Andora. Benches, picnic tables, and occasional shade structures invite hikers to pause for lunch or rest. Though amenities are minimal, the quiet, open landscape offers a peaceful atmosphere for picnicking with sweeping canyon views.
Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
The park is a vital wildlife corridor, supporting mule deer, coyotes, gray foxes, and ring-tailed cats, along with raptors and migratory songbirds. Spring wildflowers dot the hillsides, adding bursts of color that delight photographers and nature lovers alike.
Parking & Accessibility
Primary access points include Larwin Avenue, Lilac Lane, and Santa Susana Pass Road. Parking lots and roadside spaces provide entry, though they can fill quickly on weekends. Drinking water and trash cans are limited, so visitors should plan to pack out their waste and carry sufficient water.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset; no entrance fees are required.
- Dogs are not allowed in the park to protect sensitive wildlife habitats.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes—trails can be steep, rocky, and uneven.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection; shade is limited, and temperatures can soar in summer.
- Parking is limited—arrive early for best access, especially at Lilac Lane.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak, rattlesnakes, and ticks.
- Cell service may be spotty—let someone know your plans before you go.
- Check for seasonal trail or access closures before visiting.
Local insight: Start your day at the Lilac Lane trailhead to catch sunrise lighting up the San Fernando Valley. In spring, the chaparral slopes come alive with California poppies and other wildflowers, creating a vibrant display. For a quieter experience, hike the Old Stagecoach Road at dusk and imagine the clatter of wheels and hooves along this historic passage as the sun fades over the ridges.