…the other side of Big Sycamore Canyon

Rancho Sierra Vista’s part of the western side of the Santa Monica Mountains. I had to do a little history research to find out more about this place. I was wondering, what Satwiwa means or where does it come from? Turns out, the park used to be home to two Native American Indian cultures: Chumash and Tongva. According to the information I found on moutainbikeunit.com, Satwiwa means “the bluffs”; it was the name of a Chumash village of Native American Indian culture. Santa Monica’s ranching history started in the early 1800s and the place is almost “48,672” acres of land. And, “the western boundary of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa echoes the actual land grant of the Rancho El Conejo”.

Rancho Sierra Vista has a road that connects to the Big Sycamore Canyon which, leads to the PCH coast of Malibu. If you’re in the area and have plenty of time for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, you might want to visit; there are a lot of trails to explore. You’ll find enough parking space close to the entrance and decent restrooms next to it. Make sure to pack yours snacks, bring plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, wear comfy shoes, and be ready to sweat!!