Rancho Enchanto

Hiking Peter Strauss Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains

SoCal was once a land of Spanish ranchos, whose rancheros brought along cows, horses, wheat, mustard seed, oats, and other nonnative species to the Santa Monica Mountains, forever reshaping the landscape that we see today. An example is Peter Strauss Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Long before it became the home of the famous actor, it was part of 18,000-acre Rancho Las Virgenes. Today it’s a quiet oasis in Agoura Hills that features a lovely stone house, a concert area where the likes of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash once played, and some curious remnants of days gone by.

Upon entering the Ranch, you’ll notice a fantastic tower, a seating area, and the old ranch house, built by automobile magnate Harry Miller in the 1930s. As you sweep right past the house you’ll encounter a huge empty swimming pool with a stage in the center that was once a part of an amusement park called Lake Enchanto. This pool held a whopping 3,000 people. Beside it stands a magnificent oak that marks the original land grant issued by the Mexican government. The land grant carvings are still visible in the bark. Sweeping back around the front of the house, you’ll notice the giant aviary where Harry Miller once kept his birds. It now hosts seasonal art exhibits.

Now it’s time to hike! The Peter Strauss Trail makes a 0.6-mile loop through stunning oak trees and golden chaparral. Easy to follow and incredibly scenic, this narrow dirt path begins past the aviary and makes a decent uphill climb, mediated by wooden steps. The trail meanders but remains fairly clear. You probably won’t have much company on the trail, but you’ll sense the spirit of the ranch’s amazing string of former occupants.

Comer y Beber: Finish by swinging by nearby Adobe Cantina Situated on the same grounds that once operated as hunting land for Chumash Indians and near what was a stagecoach stop and café, this authentic Mexican restaurant is home to one of the best happy hours in town—Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring house margaritas and their famous tacos!

Take US-101 to the Kanan Rd. exit in Agoura Hills. Go south on Kanan for 3 miles, then left on Troutdale Dr. Continue 0.5 mile and turn left on Mulholland Hwy. The parking lot is directly across from The Old Place, another popular local eatery. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Ernie's Walk

    Stretching 51 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach, the Los Angeles River has no shortage of walkways to enjoy. One segment that is particularly special is Ernie’s Walk in Sherman Oaks, a 0.3-mile stretch that is a delight to visit, and pay respect to its inspiration.

    View