Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Rocky Peak Park is a 4,300-acre regional park located in the northwestern corner of Los Angeles County, California, spanning parts of Newhall and Simi Valley areas. The park features steep volcanic ridges, rocky outcrops, and rolling grassy hills characteristic of the Santa Susana Mountains. It provides panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Ecologically, the park supports coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, and riparian habitats, creating a refuge for numerous species such as mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, and a variety of raptors including red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.
The park's history includes use by the Tataviam people as well as significance during the ranching era, with some old homesteads and mining remnants still found on site. Today, Rocky Peak Park is prized by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians for its well-maintained multi-use trails. It is home to the challenging Rocky Peak Fire Road Trail and the scenic Rim of the Valley Trail, giving outdoor enthusiasts opportunities to connect to other nearby preserves.
Visitors come to enjoy rugged terrain, expansive vistas, wildlife viewing, and accessible outdoor recreation just outside urban Los Angeles. The park's large size and diverse ecosystems make it a popular destination for solitude and nature study. Rocky Peak itself, the highest point in the park at around 2,715 feet, offers climactic views and a rewarding destination for visitors. The park is managed with efforts to preserve native habitat while providing a natural escape from city life.
