Nose Droppings: Hiking: Los Angeles, CA: Chatsworth

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Hiking: Los Angeles, CA: Chatsworth

Chatsworth Park is my favorite. It feels like home. You must seek out and find the tough trails, but they are there. Otherwise, this beautiful rouged land will take you on a stroll where you overlook the Valley, hear the trains, count the oak trees and watch the Red Tail Hawks fly.

The shortest loop is half-an-hour but I have roamed the hills for hours and climbed the main attraction of this park, "Stagecoach Trail". Even if you don't climb the huge boulders that make up the old Trail this place is worth a peak.

We use to go to the train tunnels and watch the trains barrel through. The trails have lots of alcoves for a shady picnic and even some boulders you can practice your free hand rock climbing.

Dogs on leash and be prepared to come across horses! This is where the horse riders go and they do! Make sure your dog is equine friendly and let riders have the right-of-way.

The paths lead to perfect rest stops under oak trees. While there isn't much shade on the paths, the oaks will provide! Bring water.

Word of warning: If you get the hiby-geebies about a cemetary being "next door" to the park, you might be looking around for graves. There aren't any, but you can hear the church bells ring every hour. In some places, you can see dearly departed plots.

Stagecoach trail is a historic place of interest and a fantastic rock climbing experience. If you get the chance, definitely go!

To the west, there are trails that will take you up--way up to the 118 and Simi Valley.

Stagecoach is to the east of my regular entrance. You should bring a guide or be prepared to wander if you want to find Stagecoach. How do you know you're on it? Half-way up you'll have figured it out, but there's a plaque claiming Indian land. You'll see it! Don't worry.