Hiking through the Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve

         At the west end of the San Fernando Valley running into Calabasas, there is a huge nature preserve that is covered in awesome, sprawling, hill rolling nature trails. Although the landscape is typical California chapparal, it is fascinating to see the differences through the seasons. In winter it is brown, dry and like a haunted martian landscape. In spring it comes alive with color and new growth.

        There are many Los Angeles hiking trails running through the huge area. Our usual spot to start out is at the end of Victory Blvd (take the 101 to Valley Circle north and then turn left at Victory). This "Victory Trailhead" has a parking lot (please pay the few dollars for parking to help support the protection of the park!) and you can head out in several directions and literally hike for days if you wanted to. Its gigantic! There are other trail heads at the southern end of the preserve, along Mureau Rd, Lost Hills Rd and Chesebro Rd., as well.    

                                                               

                                               Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, 

my thoughts begin to flow.  ~Henry David Thoreau

Victory Trailhead sights

Picnic delight

The path uphill

Flora and fauna

Turn in the trail 

Chaparral