At this point, I think everyone's awake to California's iconic natural beauty. From the redwoods to Socal's sun-drenched beaches, The Golden State attracts millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year. No kidding, in 2023 alone, over 11 million people visited our national parks. All this traffic can throw a wrench in our plans for back-to-nature solitude. That's why I love Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. Despite being just 45 minutes from Los Angeles, this stunning slice of shrubland remains remarkably serene. On a Friday morning hike, you might encounter only a couple of other adventurers and you're sure to see wildlife, historic sites, and breathtaking views.
Comprising over 670 acres of sandstone rock and arid grassland, the Santa Susana Pass isn't just a hidden gem of Los Angeles County. This unique destination — nestled where the Simi Hills meet the Santa Susana Mountains — is a site of fascinating history. For 23,000 years, the Chumash peoples called this landscape home, making the most of the abundant natural resources and leaving behind artifacts that continue to inspire archeological research. In later chapters of local history, the region gained significance as the primary throughway linking San Francisco to Los Angeles. You can still hike this old stagecoach road, called the Cuesta Vieja trail, today!
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Being a tapestry of human stories doesn't mean the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park isn't bursting with natural beauty. On the contrary, a diverse wildlife community resides among the sweeping vistas, sandstone rock, seasonal waterfalls, and sculptural brush. Animals, big and small, use this park as a corridor, making it a fantastic place to spot native species. Some residents will be easier to see, like birds. Others, like the ten to fifteen cougars who call the Santa Susana Mountains home, are far more elusive.
If you're more fascinated by flora than fauna, this park will still be of interest. Dotted throughout the sandstone formations are Santa Susana Tarplants, an endangered California species. Depending on the time of year, the slopes are painted with native wildflowers. Several species of oak shield shade-loving plants from the hot sun, and the acorns you see are likely the relatives of the trees that fed the Chumash long ago.
If you're looking for a small-town state park that offers abundant natural beauty without the crowds, I can't recommend Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park highly enough. Boasting rugged views, unique wildlife, and evocative history, it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles County. Throw on your hiking boots and knock this underrated gem off your bucket list!
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