Planet Explore

The Foundation for Preservation of the Santa Susana Mountains (the Foundation) was formed in May, 1974 as a charitable organization qualified under IRC §501(c)(3) to support the acquisition of land identified as ideal property for a state park in the Santa Susana Mountains and Simi Hills.  The Foundation very successful in acquiring land, and ultimately facilitated the purchase of 670 acres for what is now the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. 

Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park (SSPSHP) is uniquely situated adjacent to a major population center, Los Angeles, CA.  The park is in Chatsworth, and therefore primarily is within the City of Los Angeles.  A small portion is under jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles, and a small portion is within Ventura County.

What to bring to the Park

There are no visitor services in the park.  Make sure you bring water and wear sturdy footwear.  Long pants are recommended due to thorny brush on segments of some trails. Trail signs are not yet up so keep track of how you have come in so you can backtrack out of the park.  Except in the coolest months, watch for rattlesnakes and always watch for poison oak – although neither is frequently seen in the most accessible parts of the park, they are part of it and need to be considered.  No motorized vehicles are allowed in the park. While your dogs are welcome, keep them on a leash at all time for their safety and to comply with park rules.  California State Parks has created a brochure for the park, including a map at the last page, which is accessible through this link http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/611/files/SantaSusanaPassSHPFinalWebLayout2010.pdf

We recommend that you print a copy of the map to help guide you as you travel in the park.

Park Access

The main entrance used today is at the Larwin gate.  From the 118 freeway, take Topanga Canyon South approximately 3 miles to Devonshire, turn right.  Devonshire Street ends at the entrance to Chatsworth Park South, which presently is closed.  The last street before Chatsworth Park South has a left turn lane but no stop sign, this is Larwin, turn left.  The park entrance is about 200 feet to the right, just past the large electrical transmission lines.  Alternative park entrances are near 9860 Andora Avenue near Lassen and Valley Circle, and at 7700 Lilac Lane.

Please Protect our Park

Our park is a historic park – and as a State of California park, all plants, rocks, and structures are to be preserved.  Please leave everything you find in the SSPSHP. Leave only footprints – and take only memories or pictures with you of this local treasure.

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