Perhaps you have heard whispers of a rocky peak. It stands tall in the western San Fernando Valley. That peak is part of El Escorpion Park. This park is a treasure. It offers trails for everyone.
El Escorpion Park spans three acres. It sits in the Simi Hills. The park’s landmark is Escorpion Peak also called Castle Peak. This rocky peak rises 1475 feet high. You can see it from most of the park. The surrounding community also enjoys its views.
To reach El Escorpion Park, head to the western end of Vanowen Street. Go west of Valley Circle Boulevard in West Hills. The park welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset every day. Trails beckon for walking and hiking. Rock climbing and mountain biking are popular. Equestrian riders also enjoy the trails. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash. Remember to watch your step. Rattlesnakes live here. Motor vehicles and motorbikes need to stay out.
The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks manages El Escorpion Park.
Hiking to the summit of Castle Peak is challenging. It is not for beginners. Children should not attempt it. The final climb involves scaling boulders. A slip could lead to a fall. Experienced hikers will love the vertical challenge. The trail gains 561 feet in a short distance. The start of the trail is visible in Moores Canyon. It sits at the base of the peak. The easiest route veers left or west about three-quarters of the way up.
At the summit of El Escorpion Park, a trail leads west. It goes to a small meadow. From the meadow’s southern cliff edge, you can see a panoramic view. Look out over Moores Canyon and the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. The Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills stretch before you. You can also see the Santa Susana Mountains. The San Gabriel Mountains and the San Fernando Valley complete the vista. Another trail heads north towards Bell Creek. It leads to Bell Canyon and Bell Canyon Park.
In 1769, the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition passed through this area. It was the first European land exploration of Las Californias. Today, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail runs through Moores Canyon. It starts at the Vanowen Street end. It continues west through the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve.
Mountain bikers enjoy a small circular area. It has easy jumps near the boundary of El Escorpion Park. Several trails go northwest from this area. They connect with the trail down Bell Canyon. This leads to Bell Creek Park. You can even reach the Victory Trailhead for a full loop.
Many other trails await exploration in El Escorpion Park.
Castle Peak’s name comes from the Ventureño Chumash language. The original name was Kas’ele’ew also spelled Kas’elew.
Native Americans lived here for about 8000 years. The Tongva-Fernandeño and Chumash-Ventureño tribes called this area home. They lived in the Simi Hills. They settled near the tributaries of the Los Angeles River. A village named Hu’wam stood at the base of Castle Peak. It was near Bell Creek and the mouth of Bell Canyon. This village was a meeting and trading point. The Tongva-Fernandeño and Tataviam-Fernandeño people gathered here.
El Escorpion Park is more than just a park. It is a place where history and nature meet. It is a place for adventure and reflection. El Escorpion Park offers something for everyone. Come explore its trails. Discover its stories. Enjoy its beauty.