Once, this land now known as Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve was nearly lost to development. Today it stands as a testament to preservation efforts. The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve spans nearly 3000 acres. It connects Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve’s story stretches back millennia. The Chumash Native American tribe called this area home for thousands of years. Their village, Huwam, thrived here as a multicultural hub. It was a place where Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam peoples lived together.
Legend whispers of Munits Cave. It is the believed cave of a mythical Chumash shaman. He met his end after a dark deed. He murdered the son of a Chumash chief. This cave even played a role in old Hollywood films.
The 1769 Juan Bautista de Anza expedition marked the arrival of Europeans. They explored Las Californias by land. The U.S. National Park Service’s Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail crosses the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. It enters from El Escorpion Park.
Later, Rancho El Escorpion emerged. This Mexican land grant took its name from Escorpion Peak. From the 1920s to 1950s, the area transformed into a movie set. Many Westerns were filmed at the Lasky Mesa movie ranch.
In 1963, Home Savings of America acquired Ahmanson Ranch. Development plans surfaced in 1989. They included over 3000 homes. There were also plans for two golf courses and commercial space. But Washington Mutual bought Home Savings of America in 1998.
The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy stepped in. In 2003, they purchased the land from WAMU. This purchase turned it into the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve.
The Topanga Canyon Fire in 2005 swept through the area. Much of the park burned. Yet, California native plants showed their resilience. They re-sprouted from their roots. The Woolsey Fire of 2018 also caused severe damage.
Today, you can access the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve via two main trailheads. The Victory Trailhead lies at the western end of Victory Boulevard. The Las Virgenes Canyon Road Trailhead is west of Calabasas.
Trails beckon walkers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians. They wind through the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. Remember to bring water. Two hikers once needed rescuing. They got lost after veering off a fire-obscured trail.
Dogs are welcome on leashes. Guided walks are available. The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve offers a vital ecological link. It connects the Santa Monica Mountains and ranges to the north.
The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve has a rich film history. The historic ranch house hosts weddings and events. As the sun sets, consider the battles fought. Consider the beauty preserved in this space. The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve stands as a haven. It is a place for both nature and history.