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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Finding your way is not always easy. But, wildlife biologists are studying the ways animals find their way in this urban mtn range.
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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Map and Site Information: Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa
The Satwiwa Native America Indian Culture Center has a native plant garden and a replica Chumash home called an 'Ap.

Welcome to the western edge of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This site was home to the Chumash, Spanish Rancho El Conejo, and modern ranching and farming operations. Stroll through serene hills, view Boney Mountain or experience Native American traditions at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center.

Satwiwa

For many years, the Santa Monica Mountains sustained the Chumash and Tongva/Gabrielino cultures. Sycamore Canyon, which cuts through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park, was part of a Chumash trade route. Satwiwa, which means "the bluffs," was the name of a nearby Chumash village. To reflect this heritage, Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and Natural Area was established by the National Park Service in partnership with the Friends of Satwiwa. A Native American guest host or a park ranger is on hand to answer questions from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Native American workshops, programs and art shows occur throughout the year. Call for information on accessibility parking.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

The view of Boney Mountain from Rancho Sierra Vista is one of the most iconic views in the park.

Rancho Sierra Vista

Local ranching history began in 1803 when former soldiers Jose Polanco and Ignacio Rodriquez were granted Rancho El Conejo by the King of Spain. Through the years, this 48,672 acre land grant was subdivided and sold to various landowners. Modern ranching began here in 1937 when Carl Beal christened the area Rancho Sierra Vista. Carl Beal constructed most of the current ranch buildings and his house and barbecue pit in Sycamore Canyon. The last private landowner of this property was Richard Danielson. For 32 years, he and his family farmed and ranched here. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1980. The western boundary of present day Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa reflects the original land grant of the Rancho El Conejo.

Trail Map and Current Weather

Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa Trail Map (PDF-164K)
Current Weather

Directions

Main entrance - cross street is Via Goleta and Potrero Road, Newbury Park, CA, 91320

Take the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Lynn Road exit. South on Lynn Road. 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park Entrance on the left.

GPS Coordinates for Entrance (Via Goleta & Lynn Road): N 34.1569 W -118.9733
GPS Coordinates for Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center: N  34.1504 W -118.9613

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This map shows the main entrance to Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa.

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Backbone trail hikes lead to views of mountains, canyons, and the Pacific Ocean.

Did You Know?
Piece by piece, a trail is forging its way along the "backbone" of the recreation area. California State Parks took the first step toward a 65-mile Backbone Trail in 1978. With 5 miles left to go, single track trails and fireroads will unite this patchwork of public parklands from east to west.
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Last Updated: January 15, 2012 at 10:30 MST