Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve - Victory Knoll
This 5,600-acre preserve in the Simi Hills is part of a critical ecological and wildlife corridor that links the Santa Monica Mountains with mountain ranges to the north. Its gently rolling hills and open space evoke Old California and the early westerns that were filmed here by a fledgling movie industry that included Cecil B. DeMille and Errol Flynn. Targeted for residential development on and off for a century, the land is now a hiking and mountain biking hub and home to the endangered San Fernando Valley spineflower, red-legged frogs, and rare native grasslands.
The Victory Knoll bench can be reached via an easy two-mile hike from the preserve’s parking lot, or as a final rest stop after an energizing trek through the preserve’s wide network of trails. Whichever you choose, the 360-degree views will leave you with a mighty appreciation for the treasure of natural resources before you.
Bench coordinates: 34°10'56.6"N 118°40'06.6"W
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There is very little shade; bring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water.
Wildflowers and grassland blanket the hills in late winter and spring; summer and fall brings a paler landscape interspersed with chaparral and occasional shade from mature oaks.
There is WiFi and cell phone service in parts of the preserve.
Highlights include panoramic mountain and valley views, seasonal wildflowers and rolling hills with gentle elevation gains.
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Victory Trailhead: western end of Victory Boulevard, Hidden Hills 91367. Park in the lot for $3; there is also limited free street parking on Victory Boulevard.
There are picnic tables and 1 port-a-potty near the trailhead.
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From Victory Trailhead, take the main trail southwest to a three-way unmarked intersection and follow the wide trail on the far left as it winds uphill.
After about 0.6 mile, a small post with a bench symbol will appear on your left. Make a left on the trail beside it and follow it uphill past a single ancient oak tree to the bench next to a flat clearing.
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From the I-405 freeway, head north on the US-101 freeway 11 miles to Exit 29/Valley Circle Drive.
Turn right on Valley Circle Drive and follow it north 3 miles to Victory Boulevard. Turn left on Victory and continue 1 mile to the Victory Trailhead parking lot.