Thanks largely to the work of the National Park Service, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, it’s now possible to ride horseback from Malibu to Pt. Mugu on (mainly) park land and public trails. To celebrate this fact, I propose that we organize a two-day trail ride from the Malibu Equestrian Center to the Danielson Ranch in the Pt. Mugu State Park. The ranch, which is operated by the State Park, has corrals in which the horses can be kept overnight, as well as camping facilities for the riders. We can arrange for a crew to serve us a Santa Maria-style BBQ the evening of the first day and breakfast the next morning.
Ultimately, I would like to see such a ride become an annual event, maybe the “Malibu Annual Spring Roundup.” There are miles of new trails that have opened up in the Santa Monica Mountains in the last few years, and with Palo Camado Canyon and the opening of the Ahmanson Ranch, the local opportunities for long distance trail riding are becoming very inviting.
I’m looking for some volunteers who are willing to help get the ride organized, and for riders who would like to participate. It’s a long day’s ride to the Danielson Ranch and there’s a considerable elevation gain. Horses and riders should both be in good shape, and at least the horses should be well shod. If you’re interested in helping out or going along, leave me a message at 456-1400, and we’ll see if we can get this put together.
Jeff Jennings