Chatsworth Trails Park
- Location: Chatsworth. From the San Fernando Valley, take the 118 Freeway west to DeSoto Ave. Turn left and go 0.7 miles to Chatsworth St. Turn right and go 0.5 miles to Canoga Ave. Turn right and follow Canoga 0.8 miles back toward the freeway. As Canoga Avenue becomes Mayan Drive, look for a trail head with a small dirt parking area on the right side of the road. From Simi Valley, take the 118 Freeway east to Topanga Canyon Blvd. Turn right and go 0.9 miles to Chatsworth St. Turn left and go 0.5 miles to Canoga Ave. Turn left and follow Canoga 0.8 miles to the trail head, just on the opposite side of the freeway overpass.
- Agency: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 150 feet
- Suggested time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Best season: Â Year round
- USGS topo map: “Oat Mountain”
- More information: Article about the restoration of the park here; Wikimapia entry here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 3
Not to be confused with the nearby Chatsworth Park South and North, Chatsworth Trails Park re-opened to the public in 2006, restored thanks to the efforts of community volunteers. The small parcel of land sits between Browns Creek and Michael Antonovich Regional Parks to the north and Stoney Point to the south. A large network of trails cross through and circle the park, some official and some not, making many different trips possible. The loop described here is short enough to be a convenient before or after work (or lunch break) excursion, but it also samples the area’s natural scenery, including geology, canyons and woodlands. Despite its proximity to civilization, other than some freeway noise, it feels pleasantly isolated. Adding to the appeal is the fact that this hike is one of the few in the San Fernando Valley that can be done even on hot days, due to its short distance and large amounts of shade. Chatsworth Trails Park is a great example of what happens when communities appreciate the value of public lands and come together to prioritize their existence.
From the parking area, walk past the metal gate and follow the fire road. Almost immediately, bear left on a narrow trail heading down into the canyon. There are several trails branching off but this is the only one that goes downhill. (The fire road that continues straight ahead is your return route).
The trail drops down into the canyon, reaching the stream bed. Bear right and head up canyon into a woodland, reaching a junction at about 0.3 miles. The trail that branches off to the left is an option for further exploration, but to follow this loop, bear right. You head into an attractive woodland in which the eucalyptuses play nicely with the oaks and sycamores, all working together to provide shade from the Valley’s infamous heat.
The trail climbs out of the canyon to a T-junction (half a mile from the start). Both routes head back to the parking lot, but taking a hard right provides more scenic variety. You curve around the upper edge of the canyon where you just were, taking in some views of Oat Mountain to the north and Rocky Peak to the west. The trail then bends south, providing views of Stoney Point, the northern San Fernando Valley and the distant Simi Hills before returning to the parking area.
Text and photography copyright 2014 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.