Hiking Chatsworth: Santa Susana Pass State Historical Park
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A short drive from Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley you’ll find a state park with some great hiking trails and fascinating history.
Hiking Santa Susan Pass State Historical Park: (Jump To)
Entering Santa Susan Pass State Historical Park
There’s a parking lot with restroom facilities on Lilac Road near the exit from Highway 118. I recommend starting here at the top rather than from the parking lot down below. (Google Map)
As you start your hike you’ll immediately be greeted by panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley.
Below you’ll also see train tracks and the Santa Susana Tunnel. The train tunnel, built in 1904, was an engineering marvel of its time and still stands as one of the longest train tunnels in the United States.
Old Santa Susana Stagecoach Road Trail
Map: AllTrails
Follow the trail making a quick diversion to view the tiny Upper Pond.
From here you’ll be following an old wagon road that was formerly part of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route, the historic main wagon route from Los Angeles to San Francisco. As you climb down the rocky trail it’s hard to imagine pushing a stagecoach over this hill.
Continue down the increasingly steep hill.
About halfway down the hill, you’ll find a historic tiled marking sign from 1939 that is an Instagram selfie spot waiting to happen.
As you continue down the hill the steep hill will level off and you’ll intersect with the Waterfall Trail. If it’s rained recently you’ll be lucky enough to see some falls, but it’s a pretty rare occurrence. Use the Waterfall trail to create a lollypop, merging back with the Old Santa Susana Stagecoach Road Trail.
You’ll turn left then eventually return back to the trail up the hill. Tighten your laces and make the steep climb back up the hill. It’s not a bad climb, especially when you remember that you’re not pushing a covered wagon with you.
On the park map, there is a flat area labeled as the Primary Historic Area. This area can be accessed by continuing your hike further or circling around by car and entering the park again from the entrance on Valley Circle Boulevard. It is a lovely open meadow with birds and butterflies. There is, however, nothing to see of historical significance in the primary historic area.
If you’re looking for a great hike with some rich history and possibly a waterfall, Santa Susana Pass will check some boxes. It’s a lovely afternoon trip from Los Angeles.
If you’re looking for a city hike in LA, Check out our post on Runyon Canyon or our list of Waterfall Hikes in Los Angeles.
