With a bounty of all of the reasons people come to Southern California, it’s easy to take our geography for granted. Our coastline boasts quality beaches and mountain hiking trails paralleling the the Pacific Coast Highway and the 101 freeway. It took Japan’s upcoming “Mountain Day” (August 11) to prompt my reflection. “Mountain Day” is Japan’s way of celebrating their geography and culture. In Japanese writing, the number 8 looks like the shape of a mountain. The number 11 looks like two trees. It feels fitting to enjoy this celebration too.
Here in Southern California we have several notable mountain ranges – San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, San Jacinto, Sierra Madre, Santa Monica and more. We see them everyday as we navigate the freeways from Ventura County all the way to Riverside County. I grew up around the Santa Monica Mountains. Originally home to the Chumash and Tongva peoples, this vast range has been inhabited for over 8,000 years. Paleocoastal archaeologists are finding evidence on the nearby Channel Islands that possibly extends the earliest inhabitants to 13,000 years ago with the earliest migrations of peoples from Asia to the Americas. It is the jeweled necklace adorning the Pacific coast from Los Angeles to Ventura County.
Of the many trails, the original Chumash and Tongva trails are guarded secrets. But one trail is thought to date back to the ancient peoples: The Chumash Trail . This trail was used to reach the Pacific Ocean, It starts at Point Mugu State Park and can be quite steep in parts. Geologists believe part of the Channel Islands are an extension of the Santa Monicas into the Pacific Ocean. The view of the Channel Islands is one of the best parts of this trail. Although a very temperate area, during the summer the heat can creep up on you. Stay hydrated and be prepared for some steep areas. The Woosley Fire of 2018 burned nearly 97,000 acres of land. Although things are starting to regenerate, it is best to check the National Parks Santa Monica Mountains website to check which trails are open before you visit. https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm