Recently, while recovering from a lunch at Las Fuentes (18415 Vanowen street in Reseda) we decided to take a spontaneous hike. About 15 minutes later and after seeing a random accident involving a boat and car (yes you heard me right: a boat smashed into a car), we ended up around the Rocky Peak area (118 east, exit rocky peak). This brings us to the first installment of things to do...people to see.
The area around Rocky Peak is an unbelievable hiking area. The actual trail/mountain called "rocky peak" is not for the faint of heart but there a
re plenty of surrounding trails that are just as beautiful and that won't kill you. one area i've always been interested in is the area around where the old Spahn Ranch used to stand. The ranch burned down a while ago and in its place is a lush, green meadow overlooking a small spring and rugged hiking paths. the area is peaceful - not too
popular and perfect for explorers who aren't ready for 100 miles uphill with no shade (if that sounds like your thing then by all means go for it). the Spahn Ranch area was once made famous by the Manson family. they allegedly befriended the owner of the ranch who used his property as a movie set for production companies. Episodes of Bonanza were filmed here as
were episodes for The Lone Ranger. the owner (George Spahn) let the family stay here as long as they looked after the place and ran the rental business. The documentary about the Manson family was filmed here in 1969. In November of the next year a wildfire burned the ranch down. The state of California is the current owner. The only way to really comminicate just where this area is, is to tell you that the Church at Rocky Peak stands directly across from it. If you drive along topanga, you'll turn right at santa susana pass road. you'll see an uphill drive. directly across from this is where Spahn Ranch once stood. there will be a California State Park sign on the property. other than that, there isn't any sign that reads something like 'former home of helter skelter' or anything like that.
again, the area is pretty peaceful. use caution. i've never run into any trouble myself but always, ALWAYS bring someone else with you on ANY hike. bring comfortable shoes. perhaps a flashlight. some areas get dark with the shade. the trails are a bit rugged so handy man gloves might be a good idea. bring some water with you too. THE AREA IS DECEPTIVE. on the surface this little meadow looks harmless but it isn't. once down into the running spring you've entered the vortex. you could easily spend a few hours here.
I am coming to La for my birthday. As a treat, I thought I would take my girlfriend to Spahn and get some video footage. I've been once many years ago, but was unsure where to park. Ended up just peaking at the front of the ranch. This time I intend to hike around it. There are conflicting opinions on who owns the land. I'm with you in thinking/knowing the land is owned by the state. Iverson Rd seems to be the best bet for parking without irritating the church folk. Is that where you park? Have you had any unpleasant encounters with animals/people on spahn? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I've read in some forums of people being booted off the property, but it is state owned, right? what's that all about? Thanks
ReplyDelete- Jono
as you can see, i am great about getting back to people on my blog. SORRY about that Jono. hope you had a pleasant experience here without my help. as far as your question: never had any unpleasantness. we park at the church after church hours (but during the day). there are a few cars parked there. if anything, i would be careful with other hikers you find visiting. never know who is interested in the land and for what reason.
ReplyDeletefor anyone that's reading and thinking of going: this is a beautiful but pretty SECLUDED place so keep that in mind when you run into other "hikers".