With a name like Garden of the Gods, I had high expectations for this 23 acre patch of Chatsworth. I heard that the Garden was within a stone's throw of the 118 Freeway and residential neighborhoods, so I was naturally skeptical of whether it would be the paradise that its name suggests. But as soon as I caught sight of the Gods' rocky thrones--thousands of beautiful sandstone rock formations jutting out from the earth--I was in heaven.
The park is best known as the film site of numerous old Hollywood films such as The Lone Ranger and Tarzan the Ape Man. As part of the historic Iverson Movie Ranch, this majestic park is purported to be the most photographed location ranch in film history. In 1987 it was turned into a public park by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
The Garden of the Gods is located just south of the 118 Freeway and is bordered by suburbs. While hiking, you may hear the distant drone of cars and catch glimpses of the houses nearby, so don't expect a hike that will "take you away from it all."
Regardless of the sights and sounds of nearby civilization, however, the Garden feels like a secret oasis. There was hardly a soul when we went. The main attractions of the Garden of the Gods are all the amazing rock formations and the abundant wildlife (we saw rabbits, a small snake, and lizards). There are numerous paths to take, so this was more of an "exploration" than a hike for us.
Street parking is free and plentiful. You will turn onto Red Mesa Drive from Santa Susana Pass Road. Park on the street right before Red Mesa Drive intersects with Horizon Place on the left. See this map for more details.
Do you have a sweet spot for rocks? I am in love with them--especially large oddly formed ones. The mere sight of rocky outcroppings stops me dead in my tracks, and overwhelms me with an urgent kid-like desire to climb all over them. If you love rocks as much as I do, check out some of my favorite rocky places to hike: Vasquez Rocks (#179), Red Rock Canyon (#151), Eagle Rock (#156), and of course Joshua Tree (#181). Oh, and if you really want to experience some amazing rock formations, check out Escalante, Utah's rocks (#166), which are forever etched in my dreams.
Have you been to Garden of the Gods? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!
This is being added to my list of places to check out this spring. Thanks for the great report.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. You have given my husband and I many a fun trip. Your directions are easy and we've enjoyed most everything we've tried from your blog. Keep it up!!! :)
ReplyDeleteare dogs allowed there?
ReplyDelete@ actor's diet: yes, dogs on a leash
ReplyDelete@april and debi: glad you are enjoying reading my blog! there are actually lots of interesting parks around the chatsworth area. stay tuned for a review of another one soon...
I live walking distance from there. It's also very near Stony Point where you can do a bit of rock climbing. The rock climbing can be anywhere from beginner to advanced levels and you can bring kids and dogs. I have never run into any snakes out there, but it sure does look like rattle snake country there. Be wary.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Lee! Lucky you get to live so close!
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