Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is located in the northwest area of the San Fernando Valley in Southern California, spanning the communities of Chatsworth and the Santa Susana Mountains. The park preserves the historic Santa Susana Pass route, which served as a vital link between the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando Valley during the 19th century, used by stagecoaches, traders, and Native American peoples. Its rugged terrain of rocky outcroppings, rolling chaparral-covered hills, and oak-studded canyons provides habitat for a diverse range of wildlife including coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and many native bird species. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, including portions of the historic Old Santa Susana Stage Road, which provides insight into early California transportation and settlement. The park is also home to remarkable rock formations and offers spectacular panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and the surrounding mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and photography here, given its blend of historic significance and natural beauty. Trailheads connect to larger regional open space areas such as the Chatsworth Nature Preserve and Rocky Peak Park. The park retains a rugged, undeveloped character, making it a peaceful retreat near the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. Interpretive signage and maintained pathways help visitors appreciate both the geographic challenges faced by early travelers and the native ecosystems preserved within this state park.
