Where Are the Trails?

The website LAMountains.com has matured into an excellent on-line resource to find equestrian and hiking trails managed or co-managed by the Santa Mountains Conservancy throughout Los Angeles County and City. The Conservancy website is a portal to trail maps and information to access the thousands of acres now reclaimed and protected for recreation and conservation.

Reprinted from the Conservancy website, "The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy was established by the California State Legislature in 1980. Since that time, it has helped to preserve over 55,000 acres of parkland in both wilderness and urban settings, and has improved more than 114 public recreational facilities throughout Southern California."

"Through direct action, alliances, partnerships, and joint powers authorities, the Conservancy's mission is to strategically buy back, preserve, protect, restore, and enhance treasured pieces of Southern California to form an interlinking system of urban, rural and river parks, open space, trails, and wildlife habitats that are easily accessible to the general public."

"Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: The Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a voting member of the Conservancy. In 1978, Congress established the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) as part of the National Park System. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a cooperative effort that joins federal, state and local park agencies with private preserves and landowners to protect the natural and cultural resources of this transverse mountain range and seashore. In the Santa Monica Mountains, the SMMNRA extends from Point Mugu east to the Cahuenga Pass, including the Mulholland Scenic Parkway. The territory also includes the principal wildlife corridor between the Simi Hills and Santa Monica Mountains. Comprised of more than 153,075 acres, the SMMNRA is the world’s largest national park. NPS Parks include Solstice Canyon Park in Malibu, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Paramount Ranch, Peter Strauss Ranch, Franklin Canyon Park, Circle X Ranch, and Zuma/Trancas Canyons."