One Bike, One Purpose

For a number of years, Ahmanson Ranch was a controversial piece of land because Washington Mutual Bank wanted to build 3000 homes here, a golf course and shopping plaza. Besides the concerns about congestion from the extra traffic on the 101 freeway and Valley Circle Rd, this area is home to two endangered species. In 2004 the bank instead sold the land to the state for a park and now it is open for riding and hiking. There are a lot of oak trees in this area, but being an ex-ranch, there’s not much else growing except grass.The only legal trails for hiking, riding and equestrians are well-maintained fire roads, making this an excellent area for novice riders.

Directions: Take the 101 Freeway to Las Virgenes Canyon Rd and turn north to the end of the road. The trailhead for Las Virgenes Canyon is at the end of the road and this provides the quickest access to Ahmanson Ranch from Ventura County. Alternatively, from the San Fernando Valley, turn west onto Victory Blvd from Valley Circle Drive and drive to the end where there is a parking area (and a fee for parking), or turn west onto Vanowen from Valley Circle and go a block. The trailhead is on the left side of the road.