If you love hiking and you want something different and special in Simi Valley, the Corriganville hike trail is a more than average hike through the park. This place is a great combination of nice views, local history, and Hollywood memorabilia. This was the site of the Corriganville Movie Ranch in Simi and was one of the leading locations for filming hundreds of Westerns, action serials, and TV shows. Today, the ruins stand quietly among hills, beckoning trekkers to visit and wonder about the past.
Whether you reside there or are a visitor, this trail is one of the musts to trek in Simi Valley.
To fully appreciate your hike, it's well worth learning some history about the Corriganville Movie Ranch in Simi. In the 1930s, stuntman and actor Ray "Crash" Corrigan bought a huge tract of land in the Simi Valley foothills. His idea was to build a ranch that would also serve as a Hollywood backlot for Western movies. The ranch became popular during the 1940s and 1950s, staging thousands of productions from cowboy movies to jungle adventures.
At its height, the site was not only a filming location for the movies, but it was open to the public as well. Tourists could drive down the same dirty streets as Hollywood legends, observe simulated gunfights, and take in live entertainment. Eventually, as the cinematic style changed and city expansion crept out this way, the ranch changed hands and much of it deteriorated. But the remnants of this thriving filming location remain, and they're still standing in a public park.
Today, the remains are a fascinating reminder of the Simi Valley movie ranch history that contributed to Hollywood's Golden Age of Westerns.
The Corriganville hiking trail is readily found in Simi Valley with parking at the terminus of Corriganville Drive off of Rocky Peak Road. There is usually plenty of parking but holidays and weekends are a different story. From the parking area, there are good signs that take you right onto the trail.
There are also maps and point-of-interest panels at the trailhead indicating sites to see on the trail. A map of the Corriganville trails will outline historic sites sprinkled around the area, plus primary and secondary loops available to the hiker.
The Corriganville hiking trail itself is an easy-to-moderate loop with some side trails available for extra altitude or a peek at some ruins. Most visitors complete the main loop in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on frequency of stopping to admire the views or shoot photos.
The landscape is a combination of dirt roads, gravel, and rock where once there were old buildings. It is not uncommon to see exposed remains of old buildings, saloon rock wall foundations, and remnants of old movie ranch artificial mines. Interpretive signs along the path allow you to know what you are seeing.
Although it's no longer filled with cowboys and movie crews, the location still has a unique feel. The peaceful hills and scattered remnants of ruins give a physical connection to an earlier era of filmmaking and much more than a standard nature walk.
Perhaps the best part of hiking to Corriganville ruins is seeing the broken pieces of what was, at one time, a complete operational motion picture set. From the worn stone steps to the remains of building foundations, the ruins speak for themselves in a quiet but vivid manner.
You will walk past important landmarks along the hike:
Due to its mix of scenery and history, this trail is one of the best places to hike in Simi Valley.
To avoid missing any major features, a Corriganville trail map is critical. The maps can be found at the trailhead and online from local park info. All major ruins and natural landmarks are marked on this map. The map divides the landscape into accessible loops and spur trails so you can organize your hike simply based on the amount of time you have or the distance you can hike.
Some of the trails climb onto ridge tops for fine vistas of the larger valley, but some of them wind through groves and creek crossings. Following the map will prevent you from passing by the most intriguing ruins or vistas.
When you set out on the Corriganville hiking trail, preparedness is key. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to ensure that your hike is safe and enjoyable:
While it's simple to be in awe of the natural landscape, Simi Valley film ranch history at Corriganville adds something unique to this hike. There are few places with as distinctive a connection between Hollywood history and large outdoor space.
Thousands of productions utilized this ranch because of its rugged, "Old West" appearance, which could be modified by moviemakers to suit their needs. Westerns dominated American entertainment, and Corriganville helped make that type of film a reality. Today, it is both a recreation facility and a cultural landmark.
Whether you’re fascinated by old films or just appreciate local history, walking through this space offers a rare opportunity to experience firsthand the intersection of storytelling, entertainment, and nature.
Of Simi Valley hiking sites, Corriganville provides something in addition to exercise and vista. It provides an avenue by which to connect and touch history, feel nature, and bask in the peace of open space without having to stray far from urbanized amenity.
Other regional trails do not compare to Corriganville since it is one trail that combines natural scenic views with history. There isn't any other trail where you can walk in the steps of Hollywood stars, visit old Western sets, and view amazing scenery all in such a tight space.
The trail is ever open, yet some seasons are easier to visit than others. Autumn and spring bring mild temperatures and lusher foliage. Summer is unbearably hot, so morning hikes are best. Winter rains occasionally turn the trail into mud, but also bring the creek to life, providing a serene waterway to accompany your walk.
Whenever possible, scan local park news for temporary closure or trail work.
Hiking to Corriganville ruins is not just a walk in the hills—a walk through history. The Corriganville hiking trail has an unusual mix of natural beauty, history, and Hollywood nostalgia that sets it apart as a number one destination among Simi Valley things to hike.
If you are a local in search of a new trail or a visitor wanting to discover a forgotten slice of Southern California’s cinematic history, Corriganville provides a unique opportunity. With a Corriganville trail map in hand, enjoy exploring the tales found in the stone and the hidden paths of this intriguing place.
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