los angeles, mountains, foothills Kyle Hanson los angeles, mountains, foothills Kyle Hanson

#269 Mentryville

Mentryville Boomtown was named after Charles Alexander Mentry who drilled California's first successful oil well here in 1876. It was the world's longest continually operating well that lasted until 1990. Today, it is a park run by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy where Charles' historic home and barn still remain beneath the Santa Susana Mountains. Trails lead to historic ruins as well as canyons of chaparral and coast live oak.

 
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ventura, los angeles, mountains Kyle Hanson ventura, los angeles, mountains Kyle Hanson

#138 Rocky Peak Park

Rocky Peak Park is a great way to escape the bustle of the city without traveling far. Shared by Los Angeles & Ventura Counties, giant sandstone boulders dominate the landscape among chaparral and oak woodlands. It is also a great place to see spring wildflowers. The parkland has been used by the Tataviam, Tongva and Chumash Native Americans for at least 8,000 years.

 
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