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     According to Westways Magazine, published by the Automobile Club of Southern California,  Las Virgines Canyon Park, just opened by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, was discovered by the De Anza expedition in 1776.  Before that the Chumash lived there.  .  I decided it was time for the Magic Raven to do a hike through and see for itself what was going on there.  The Magic Raven must admit it got lost some where in the wilds of this Ventura County open space and had to ask directions to get out.  The Magic Raven, being masculine, never likes to admit he's lost.  The Magic Raven doesn't need maps or compasses or GPS guides.  But the Magic Raven's feet were getting tired after hiking an hour on an unfamiliar trail and he was getting hungry. Even though the Magic Raven had to ask directions to get back to the parking area,  he never the less  took the pictures below and highly recommends this easy hike in an area easily accessible to people who live in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.  Simply take the Las Virgenes Road off ramp off the 101 freeway in Calabasas, go about 2 miles north to the end of the road, park and hike.  You'll see the signs.  Warning; Take some water.  Take your compass.  Take your GPS guide.  Take a boy scout with tracking skills. The Santa Monica Conservancy hasn't marked the trails very well.  Since this is a relatively new area I'm sure they will make that improvement in the future.  Oh, by the way, there are no "facilities" on the trail, and no water so be prepared, if you get my drift.

 

     

The Trail starts here.

 

 This is what the canyon might have looked like over 100 years ago.  I took the liberty of digitally taking out the road so we could see how this area might have appeared to the early explorers. 
                   

      

These two bees were more than accommodating when I asked if I could take their pictures.  By the way, I have never taken the time to learn the names of plants or flowers so I'll just identify them as small  purple flowers.                                                                                            Blue Berries?   

 

 

     

Again, I found an eager bee willing to pose in this nicely formed yellow flower.

 It was a bit discouraging to find this pipe line running through this pristine nature trail, but I suppose civilization comes with sacrifices.

   

        

Reddish Leaves   

Dead tree on hill side
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