Vast Valley Views From Bell Canyon’s Castle Peak

On the border between the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills, between Los Angeles and Ventura counties, between Rockwell International’s Santa Susana Field Laboratory and the pricey West Hills suburbs, is rarely visited Bell Canyon Park.

The hiker may opt for a peaceful stroll among the park’s valley oaks or an assault on Castle Peak, which offers a commanding view of the Simi and western San Fernando valleys.

Castle Peak was an important astronomical observation site for the Chumash people, who for many centuries lived in the Simi Hills. When you gaze up at Castle Peak’s stone ramparts, it becomes obvious how it got its current name.

Directions to the trail head: From the Ventura Freeway (Interstate 101) in Woodland Hills, exit on Valley Circle Boulevard and head north all the way to Vanowen Street. Turn left and drive a short way, parking near where the street curves to meet Sunset Ridge Drive and Castle Peak Estates. At the west end of Vanowen is Bell Canyon Park.

The hike: You head west along a dirt road and soon come to a junction; two parallel tracks penetrate Bell Canyon Park. If you intend to meander among the oaks, take either fork; however, if you’re bound for Castle Peak, go right, then turn right again when you see an extremely steep path angling toward the summit.

After pausing several times to catch your breath, you reach the castellated summit. From Castle Peak, the Simi Valley seem sto be merging with the San Fernando Valley. The Simi is developing a skyline, you notice, as you observe the high-rises around Warner Center and elsewhere.

After your valley views, carefully descend the precipitous path back to the park flatlands. Follow one of the two flatland trails westward among the valley oaks until you run out of parkland. Alas, a chain-link fence blocks further exploration of the delightful Simi Hills.

Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center: Tucked away at the western end of the San Fernando Valley is a delectable slice of valley history, served up in the prettiest of surroundings amid a rose garden and ancient oaks.

Orcutt Ranch began as the vacation retreat of Los Angeles residents William and Mary Orcutt in 1914. Orcutt, a well-respected geologist, is remembered not only for his considerable contributions to modern geology, but for his discovery of a fossil ground sloth in the La Brea Tar Pits. His discovery prompted great public and scientific interest, to say the least.

The Orcutts built a beautiful Spanish-style home and planted hundreds of acres of citrus and walnut groves. Many of the valley oaks and coast live oaks on the property were preserved.

In 1966, the Los Angeles City Parks Department purchased the estate and gardens and opened them to the public. Much of the “1920s look” still is evident.

The large adobe house, the former Orcutt residence, is surrounded by several gardens, decorated not only by interesting collections of varied plant species but by attractive fountains, statues and sundials as well. The public is invited to cultivate the community garden plots and to participate in several events, including the annual rose-pruning demonstration in January and citrus pick in July.

Hikers can follow ranch paths for a look at an enormous valley oak--33 feet in circumference and estimated to be 700 years old. Gravel nature trails wind a half-mile or so through the lushly vegetated estate, leading to a small creek with a bridge and a romantic rose garden.

Orcutt Ranch is open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; it is closed major holidays. To get there from the Ventura Freeway, exit on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and head north to Roscoe Boulevard. Turn west and drive to the park entrance at 23600 Roscoe Blvd.

West San Fernando Valley / Bell Canyon, Castle Peak Trails Where: Simi Hills Distance: 2 miles round trip, with 700-foot elevation gain. Terrain: Fragments of once-pastoral grazing lands preserved in parks. Highlights: Grand views from atop Castle Peak. Orcutt Ranch remains a haven for ancient oaks and groves of oranges. Degree of difficulty: Easy walk in Bell Canyon Park. The climb of Castle Peak is short but srenuous. For more information: Bell Canyon Park and the Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center are administered by the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Dept., (213) 485-5555.