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Panoramic view from Chumash Trail lookout, featuring dry grassy hills, suburban neighborhoods, and distant mountains illuminated by warm sunlight.
Lookout from Chumash Trail. Credit: Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District.

Ventura County Landmark No. 89: Chumash Park (Indian Hills)

Landmark No. 89: Chumash Park (Indian Hills)

Landmark No. 89 is a public park situated on land once inhabited by the Chumash. It features sandstone outcroppings, shallow caves, pictographs, and bedrock mortars that illustrate both everyday and ceremonial activities and are estimated to date to around 1,000 A.D. (Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2021).

Historical and Archaeological Context

The sandstone caves in the Indian Hills area were used by the Chumash for shelter and ceremonial purposes. Many contain pictographs created with natural pigments and are protected today due to their cultural significance and to defend against vandalism. Although the precise meanings of these images are not fully understood, they remain significant expressions of Chumash spiritual traditions. (Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2021). Bedrock mortars carved into the sandstone reflect traditional Chumash food processing, such as grinding acorns and seeds. (Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2026).

Public Park Features and Use

As a public historical park, Chumash Park offers visitors access to sandstone outcroppings, shallow caves, and natural areas once used by the Chumash. Interpretive signage provides information about historic Chumash settlements, including Shimiji and Ta’apu. Visitors can explore the park’s formations while enjoying opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and cultural education. (Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2026).

The Chumash Trail

The Chumash Trail begins at Flanagan Drive and follows sandstone ridges and caves similar to those found within Landmark 89. Managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the 2.6‑mile trail offers broad views of Simi Valley and passes through a landscape historically used by the Chumash for travel and gathering. (Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2021; Visit Simi Valley, 2026).

Preservation and Stewardship

Chumash Park is maintained through the stewardship of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. These agencies preserve cultural landscapes, support public interpretation, and ensure long‑term conservation of archaeological features throughout the Indian Hills area. Their efforts protect the landmark’s historical integrity while providing continued public access. (Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, 2026; Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, 2026).

Additional Reading

References

Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. (2021). Chumash Trail. https://www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R11.php.

Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. (2026). History of Chumash Trail at Chumash Park. https://rsrpd.org/parks/simi_valley/historical_parks/history_of_chumash_trail_at_chumash_park.php.

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. (2026). Who we are and what we do: History, mission, and accomplishments. https://smmc.ca.gov/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do-history-mission-and-accomplishments/.

Visit Simi Valley. (2026). Chumash Park & Trail. https://www.visitsimivalley.com/directory/chumash-park-and-trail/.

Date Designated: February 1983

Location: West of Douglas Corp. White Oak Park and southeast of current housing development known as “Indian Hills”, Simi Valley

Photos:

Beige stone entrance sign for Chumash Park (3200) displays "RANCHO SIMI RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT" text and a tree icon, flanked by stone pillars with a road, hills, and blue sky in the background.
Chumash Park entrance. Credit: Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District.

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