Urban Escape Route

It’s a sunny, crisp morning and Alonzo Weeden is packing his horse, J.R., for a long ride in the canyon near his Chatsworth-area ranch. He adjusts his cowboy hat, fastens spurs to his snakeskin boots and zips up a pair of brown, leather chaps.

Weeden wants it to be the total cowboy experience for his visitors, an escape from hectic city life and the stress that comes with it.

He and his guests are about to embark on an adventure that combines the Wild West with tranquil forests and panoramic views.

The best part is that to reach this oasis, you drive a maximum of 15 minutes from most Valley locations. The accessibility prompted Weeden to start a business called Great Pacific Southwest Adventures, which specializes in guided tours through the scenic Chatsworth mountains.

“These rides aren’t far from the city and yet you feel hundreds of miles away,” said Weeden, who is also a registered nurse. “A lot of people who live in the area don’t even know they exist. It’s a wonderful thing to see and it’s in our backyard.”

Morning

The journey begins with an orientation at Weeden’s two-acre ranch, which houses 10 horses. He covers the basics of maneuvering the horse with the reins, then allows riders to become acquainted with riding the animal inside a large ring.

After the brief session, it’s time to hit the dirt trails; there are more than 200 miles of them surrounding Weeden’s ranch.

Devil’s Canyon is one of the shortest and most popular for novice riders. It winds down into a stream surrounded by large trees and an array of exotic plants. For the most part, it’s relaxing, though you must dodge large tree branches at times.

The trail ascends to lush, rolling hills sprinkled with colorful wildflowers. This is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Lunch

Weeden provides a blanket and light lunch or snack. You can also pack your own. The food is the least important since the scene is incredible and remarkably serene, making it easy to forget you’re a short distance from both the 118 Freeway and the pollution of the city.

After Lunch

When the relaxing break ends, it’s off to the best part of the trail, an elevated stretch of endless green hills overlooking the entire valley.

Cattle graze on the high grass, and snow-covered mountain peaks sit to the east. On a clear day you can see Topanga Canyon and other main streets clearly. It’s a breathtaking sight.

“It’s a whole different world,” Weeden said. “The thing people like most is the peace and tranquillity.”

Wildlife is often spotted on many of the trails. There are mountain lions, deer and snakes but Weeden says he’s never encountered any problems.

For protection, Weeden carries a knife instead of a gun because a horse not accustomed to gunfire can react violently when startled and can easily throw a rider.

Afternoon

At the end of the day it’s back to the ranch for drinks and a snack or maybe even a barbecue. After hours on a hard saddle, it feels good to walk around.

Weeden also offers moonlight rides and overnight excursions to more desolate locations.

On the trail, he will cater to most requests, but for safety reasons never allows riders to go off on their own.

“I’ve had couples that want a romantic wine and cheese getaway and groups of 10 that just want to ride,” Weeden said. “I would say the full-moon ride is the most popular. It’s so incredible.”

The rides under the sun aren’t bad either.

BE THERE

Great Pacific Southwest Adventure, 22545 Fern Ann Falls Road, Chatsworth. Take Topanga Canyon Boulevard north to Poema Place. Turn left and go about 3/4-mile. Guided tours are $25 an hour, overnight excursions are $150 per person, including all camping gear. (818) 700-8006.