Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Stroll Through Serene Hills
Welcome to the western edge of Santa Monica
Mountains National Recreation Area. This site was home to
the Chumash, Spanish Rancho El Conejo, and modern ranching
and farming operations. Stroll through serene hills, view
Boney Mountain or experience Native American traditions at
the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center.
Satwiwa
For many years, the Santa Monica Mountains sustained the Chumash
and Tongva/Gabrielino cultures. Sycamore Canyon, which cuts
through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park,
was part of a Chumash trade route. Satwiwa, which means “the
bluffs,” was the name of a nearby Chumash village. To reflect
this heritage, Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center
and Natural Area was established by the National Park Service
in partnership with the Friends of Satwiwa. A Native American
guest host or a park ranger is on hand to answer questions
from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Native American
workshops, programs and art shows occur throughout the year.
Call for information on accessibility parking.
Rancho Sierra Vista
Local ranching history began in 1803 when former soldiers
Jose Polanco and Ignacio Rodriquez were granted Rancho El
Conejo by the King of Spain. Through the years, this 48,672
acre land grant was subdivided and sold to various landowners.
Modern ranching began here in 1937 when Carl Beal christened
the area Rancho Sierra Vista. Carl Beal constructed most of
the current ranch buildings and his house and barbecue pit
in Sycamore Canyon. The last private landowner of this property
was Richard Danielson. For 32 years, he and his family farmed
and ranched here. The National Park Service purchased the
property in 1980. The western boundary of present day Rancho
Sierra Vista/Satwiwa reflects the original land grant of the
Rancho El Conejo.
Trails
Satwiwa Loop Trail 1.5 miles, easy—Stroll
through grasslands and chaparral of the Satwiwa Native American
Indian Natural Area. Equestrians and bicyclists are not permitted
on this trail. The Natural Area was set aside for the preservation
and celebration of Native American cultures.
Wendy Trail 1.2 miles, easy—This multi-use
trail provides access to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa from
the Wendy Drive Trailhead. A connector trail provides access
to the Los Robles multi-use trail across Potrero Road (an
additional 0.5 mile).
Trail to the Waterfall 1.5 miles one way,
moderate; no bikes—From the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail,
travel east on the Boney Mountain Trail. This trail will descend
into a canyon as you enter the Boney Mountain State Wilderness.
After you cross over a streambed, the trail ascends and then
makes a sharp right turn. There will be a trail at this bend
with a sign reading “No Horses.” Follow this trail for 100
yards to the waterfall.
Big Sycamore Canyon Trail 8 miles, moderate
to strenuous—Enjoy this trek from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
through Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park to the
sea. This is a multi-use trail. Please exercise extreme caution
when traveling on the steep hill which leads from Rancho Sierra
Vista/Satwiwa into Point Mugu State Park. Be alert for the
occasional service vehicle on the road.
Other trails: Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa provides
access to many trails located in Point Mugu State Park. Maps
may be obtained at the National Park Service Visitor Center
in Thousand Oaks and at the Satwiwa Native American Indian
Culture Center. Campsites in Point Mugu State Park may be
reserved by calling 1-800-444-7275. Dogs are not allowed on
state park trails.
Information & Safety
- Natural and historic features are protected by law and
may not be collected.
- Dogs must be on leash at all times. For the consideration
of others, please clean up after your pet.
- Firearms are not allowed on public lands in Santa Monica
Mountains National Recreation Area.
- Water from streams is not safe to drink due to possible
contamination or the presence of the giardia protozoan.
- Wasps and bees are plentiful during the summer months.
Please cover foods and sweet beverages while picnicking.
- Trail closures will be in effect during and following
significant rainfall to protect park resources. Trails
will be re-opened when dry enough to sustain public use.
- Hikers must yield to horseback riders.
- Stay on established trails and avoid ticks, poison oak
and rattlesnakes. Please respect private property.
- Fire is a constant danger. Open fires are prohibited.
Charcoal and gas stoves are allowed in designated picnic
areas only.
- Smoking is not permitted while traveling on trails.
|
