Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa is a part of National Park Service (NPS)- Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area (www.nps.gov/samo). Adjacent to it, on the South is Point Mugu State Park. In this area you can find multiple hiking opportuities. During 2007, we explored these hikes and here on these pages, I am giving you some details so you can also enjoy them.
Here are some hikes in this area (color coded in the map above):
(In Yellow) Hidden Valley Overlook Trail (around 5 miles,
700 feet (best guess)
(In Red) Hiking to the Waterfall (round trip around 3 miles- 300 feet
or so elevation gain)
(In Green) Waterfall, Boney Trail, Sycamore Canyon Trail Loop ( 5 miles,
700 feet)
There are two parking lots/Starting points for these hikes:
1. The official NPS parking lot can be reached by turning Left on VIA
GOLETA from Lynn Road (after driving around 3 to 4 miles from 101 freeway).
The problem with parking lot is it open around sun-rise time so for
early morning hikers, the main entrance may be closes at times.
2. Wendy Rd entrance:
Take 101 and exit on Lynn Road. Go South on Lynn Road (toward the hills)
Then take left on Wendy Dr and park at the end of the road where it
meets Potrero Rd.
Or
From 101, exit on Wendy Rd and go south till it ends into a dirt parking
lot.
Satwiwa
For many years, the Santa Monica Mountains sustained the Chumash and
Tongva/Gabrielino cultures. Sycamore Canyon, which cuts through Rancho
Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park, was part of a Chumash
trade route. Satwiwa, which means "the bluffs," was the name of a nearby
Chumash village. To reflect this heritage, Satwiwa Native American Indian
Culture Center and Natural Area was established by the National Park
Service in partnership with the Friends of Satwiwa. A Native American
guest host or a park ranger is on hand to answer questions from 9am
to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Native American workshops, programs
and art shows occur throughout the year.
Rancho Sierra Vista
Local ranching history began in 1803 when former soldiers Jose Polanco
and Ignacio Rodriquez were granted Rancho El Conejo by the King of Spain.
Through the years, this 48,672 acre land grant was subdivided and sold
to various landowners. Modern ranching began here in 1937 when Carl
Beal christened the area Rancho Sierra Vista. Carl Beal constructed
most of the current ranch buildings and his house and barbecue pit in
Sycamore Canyon. The last private landowner of this property was Richard
Danielson. For 32 years, he and his family farmed and ranched here.
The National Park Service purchased the property in 1980. The western
boundary of present day Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa reflects the original
land grant of the Rancho El Conejo.
Satwiwa Loop Trail
1.5 miles, easy-Stroll through grasslands and chaparral of the Satwiwa
Native American Indian Natural Area. Equestrians and bicyclists are
not permitted on this trail. The Natural Area was set aside for the
preservation and celebration of Native American cultures.
Wendy Trail
1.2 miles, easy-This multi-use trail provides access to Rancho Sierra
Vista/Satwiwa from the Wendy Drive Trailhead. A connector trail provides
access to the Los Robles multi-use trail across Potrero Road (an additional
0.5 mile).
Trail to the Waterfall
1.5 miles one way, moderate; no bikes-From the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail,
travel east on the Boney Mountain Trail. This trail will descend into
a canyon as you enter the Boney Mountain State Wilderness. After you
cross over a streambed, the trail ascends and then makes a sharp right
turn. There will be a trail at this bend with a sign reading "No Horses."
Follow this trail for 100 yards to the waterfall.
Big Sycamore Canyon Trail
8 miles, moderate to strenuous-Enjoy this trek from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
through Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park to the sea.
Please exercise extreme caution when traveling on the steep hill which
leads from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa into Point Mugu State Park. Be
alert for the occasional service vehicle on the road.
Other trails:
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa provides access to many trails located in
Point Mugu State Park. Maps may be obtained at the National Park Service
Visitor Center in Thousand Oaks and at the Satwiwa Native American Indian
Culture Center. Campsites in Point Mugu State Park may be reserved by
calling 1-800-444-7275. Dogs are not allowed on state park trails.8
miles, moderate to strenuous-Enjoy this trek from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
through Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park to the sea.
(Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails. Dogs are not allowed on state park trails.)