“Windy” is what the Chumash people called this valley. That’s “Shimiji” in their language. We’re standing at the foot of Rocky Peak. This peak is a landmark steeped in history and natural beauty. Rocky Peak stands tall at 2715 feet. It marks the Los Angeles County–Ventura County line. Look closely and you might spot a large railroad spike driven into the rocks. This spike marks the exact spot where the county line changes direction.
Rocky Peak gets its name from the many large, craggy boulders that dot its surface. For thousands of years, this area was a homeland and a crossroads. The Tataviam, Tongva, and Chumash people lived and traded here. The Chumash Burro Flats Painted Cave is just to the west in the Simi Hills.
Rocky Peak Park surrounds the peak. This park includes the Runkle Ranch, once owned by entertainer Bob Hope. The park stretches five miles northward from the Simi Freeway to Las Llajas Canyon. The 4800-acre regional open space preserve includes the 4400-acre Rocky Peak Park. This park is a critical wildlife habitat linkage. It connects the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills to the Santa Susana Mountains. Interestingly, the highest elevation in the park is slightly higher than Rocky Peak itself at 2717 feet.
Rocky Peak has also played a role in Hollywood history. Its landscape was prominently featured in many classic Western films. This is due to its proximity to three major movie ranches: Iverson, Spahn, and Corriganville.
As you explore Rocky Peak Park, you will find miles of trails. These trails are part of the Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians enjoy these trails. They offer panoramic views. The trails connect with other preserves in the Santa Susanas. Sage Ranch Park, with its trails and camping, lies to the west.
You can view Rocky Peak from Topanga Canyon Boulevard. You can also see it from California State Route 118. This is also known as the Ronald Reagan Freeway. The nearest neighbor to Rocky Peak is Oat Mountain. It is the highest mountain in the Santa Susana Mountains range. Oat Mountain lies east of Rocky Peak.
Today, Rocky Peak Park is managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It provides critical wildlife habitat. It offers great hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The views from the park are stunning. You can see the surrounding valleys, the San Gabriel Mountains, and even the Pacific Ocean. Remember the railway spike, the old Western films and appreciate the windy peak.