Honestly, most people drive right past it. They see the rocky crags of the Santa Susana Mountains and think about the 118 freeway or maybe the old Western movie sets nearby, but Chatsworth Park South in Chatsworth CA is something else entirely. It’s weirdly quiet. You’ve got these massive, orange-hued boulders that look like they were dropped there by a giant, and yet, half the time the parking lot is practically empty.
It’s tucked away at the very end of Devonshire Street. Literally, you just keep driving west until the road stops and the mountains start.
For years, this place was actually closed. People forget that. From about 2008 to 2017, the park was a ghost town because of concerns over lead contamination from an old skeet shooting range that used to operate there back in the mid-20th century. The city spent millions—somewhere in the ballpark of $18 million—to haul out tons of soil and cap the area to make it safe again. When it finally reopened, it felt like the neighborhood got its soul back.
What’s Actually Happening at Chatsworth Park South
If you’re looking for a manicured lawn where you can play soccer in pristine white shorts, this isn't the spot. Go to Mason Park for that. Chatsworth Park South is rugged. It’s basically the gateway to the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. You’re standing on land that has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Ventureño Chumash. You can feel that history. It’s in the air.
The playground is surprisingly high-tech now, which is a funny contrast to the prehistoric-looking rocks surrounding it. They’ve got these rubberized surfaces and modern climbing structures. It’s great for kids, sure. But the real draw is the trail system.
You can hop on the Stagecoach Trail. This isn't just a clever name; it’s the actual path where horse-drawn carriages used to struggle up the "Devil’s Slide" back in the 1860s. Imagine being a passenger in a wooden box, praying the brakes hold while you navigate these sandstone inclines.
The Geology is the Real Star
The rocks here are part of the Chatsworth Formation. We're talking Upper Cretaceous sandstone. Roughly 65 to 70 million years ago, this whole area was underwater, part of a massive submarine fan system. If you look closely at the rock faces—please don't climb the vertical ones without gear—you can see the layering of silt and sand that settled in the deep ocean.
It’s grippy. Rock climbers love it.
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You’ll see "bouldering" enthusiasts carrying those big foam pads on their backs, looking like giant turtles. They head toward spots like the "Stoney Point" area nearby, but Chatsworth Park South has its own little nooks and crannies that are perfect for a low-stakes scramble.
Why the 2017 Reopening Changed Everything
The remediation project was a massive headache for the community, but the result is a park that feels safer and more intentional. They didn't just dump some dirt and call it a day. They installed a massive multi-purpose building that hosts recreation programs and serves as a community hub.
There are also:
- Lighted outdoor basketball courts (which get lively around sunset).
- Plenty of picnic tables under actual shade.
- A jogging path that doesn't feel like you're running on a treadmill because the views keep changing.
- Rec programs ranging from yoga to seasonal camps for kids.
Dealing with the Local Residents (The Wild Kind)
Let’s be real for a second. You are in the foothills. This means you are sharing space with coyotes, rattlesnakes, and the occasional mountain lion.
Don't freak out.
Rattlesnakes generally want nothing to do with you. They’re hanging out near the rock piles, soaking up the heat. If you stay on the marked paths and keep your dog on a leash—seriously, keep the dog on a leash—you’ll be fine. Most "scary" encounters happen because someone decided to go off-trail into the tall mustard grass where they couldn't see their feet.
The coyotes are mostly vocal at dusk. It’s a haunting, high-pitched yapping that echoes off the canyon walls. It’s beautiful, actually. Just don't leave your sandwich unattended.
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The Hollywood Connection
You can’t talk about Chatsworth CA without mentioning the movies. This park is adjacent to the old Iverson Movie Ranch. Back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, this was the most filmed location in history. The Grapes of Wrath, Stagecoach, Lone Ranger—they were all shot right here.
When you’re walking the trails at Chatsworth Park South, you’re essentially walking through a film set that nature built. The "Garden of the Gods" is just a stone's throw away. It’s easy to see why directors loved it. The light hits those sandstone boulders at 4:00 PM and turns everything gold. It’s cinematic without even trying.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out there, don't just wing it.
First off, the wind. Chatsworth is notorious for the Santa Ana winds. If there’s a wind advisory, maybe skip the park. The dust kicks up, and it can get gnarly. On a clear day, though? You can see across the entire San Fernando Valley.
Parking is free. That’s a rare win in Los Angeles. The lot is decent-sized, located at 22360 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311.
- Water is non-negotiable. Even if it’s only 75 degrees, the sun reflecting off the rocks makes it feel ten degrees hotter.
- Footwear matters. Leave the flip-flops in the car. The dirt is loose and decomposed granite is slippery. You want something with lugs.
- The Rec Center hours. The park is generally open from dawn to dusk, but the building has specific hours. If you need a real restroom instead of a portable one, check the LA Parks website before you go.
A Nuanced View of the Park
It’s not perfect. Like any urban-adjacent wilderness, you’ll sometimes see a bit of graffiti on a rock or some litter near the trailhead. It’s a constant battle for the park rangers and local volunteer groups like the Friends of Chatsworth Park South.
Also, the "remediated" areas mean there are some fences you shouldn't hop. Those fences are there to protect the cap that keeps the old lead fragments buried. Respect the boundaries. It keeps the park open for everyone else.
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The hiking isn't "easy" if you go deep. It’s steep. If you take the trail up toward the Topanga Ridge, your calves will be screaming. But the payoff is a 360-degree view that makes the 118 freeway look like a toy set.
Actionable Steps for a Perfect Afternoon
If you want the best experience, arrive about two hours before sunset.
Park in the main lot and head toward the back of the park where the pavement ends. Take the trail that veers toward the right. It’ll lead you upward into the rock formations. Find a flat boulder, sit down, and just watch the shadows stretch across the valley floor.
Bring a pair of binoculars. The bird watching is underrated—red-tailed hawks and Cooper's hawks are constantly circling the thermals over the ridges.
Once you're done, head back into town. Chatsworth has some of the best "mom and pop" spots left in the Valley. Munchers Bakery is a local legend for a reason. Grab a donut. You earned the calories.
Summary of Key Details:
- Location: 22360 Devonshire St.
- Vibe: Rugged, historic, quiet.
- Best for: Hiking, bouldering, photography, and local history buffs.
- Safety: Stay on trails, bring water, and watch for snakes in the summer.
This park is a reminder of what the Valley looked like before the suburban sprawl took over. It’s raw. It’s rocky. And honestly, it’s one of the few places in LA where you can still feel like you’ve actually escaped the city without having to drive for three hours.
Keep your eyes open for the old Kiln remains nearby too. There’s so much history buried in this dirt, from the pioneer days to the atomic age (the Santa Susana Field Lab is just up the hill, though that’s a whole different story for another day). Just stick to the park, enjoy the rocks, and leave no trace.