Ventura County, CA
Cuesta Grade and the Channel View
The expedition traveled northwest, and descended a steep grade (cuesta) where they encountered the Chumash tribe for the first time, as well as a good-sized spring of asphalt. They continued west to the the Santa Clara River and marveled at the sight of the Channel, the sea and the waterfowl nearby. Traveling along the coast, they crossed the Ventura River and camped at the northern border of Ventura at Rincon point.
Driving Auto Route
Continuing on the route from Los Angeles County, from US 101 north, after entering the area of Thousand Oaks, take the Westlake exit east to Lang Ranch Parkway and the Oakbrook Chumash Interpretive Center. Continue north on US 101 to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Traveling onward on 101 north, look for signs to the beaches as you cross the Santa Clara River and come to the coastline in Ventura. Trails within these state parks provide an experience on the historic route of the Anza expedition. Near the Ventura marina, visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Continue north on US 101 towards the City of Santa Barbara. To continue on the route, see Santa Barbara County.
Hiking & Biking Ideas
Hikers can enjoy Point Mugu State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The latter contains nearly 17 miles of trail designated for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The coastal parks of San Buenaventura and Emma Wood State beaches, the Faria and Hobson County Parks and the recreation trail on the Ventura beach boardwalk all provide memorable ocean views.
Points of Interest
The Santa Clara River Area - Expedition Camp #74
Expedition Campsite
On February 23, 1776, camp was at the Santa Clara River, where Font describes the river area as having many geese, ducks, cranes, and other fowl. Near their campsite are the McGrath State Beach Campground and Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve, hosting one of the best bird-watching areas in California. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, at the river’s outflow to the sea, provides information on Chumash culture and the pristine islands located offshore. It is located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive. A short distance inland is the Olivas Adobe (located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive). This restored adobe was the home of Don Raimundo Olivas, husband of the great granddaughter of Ramón Borjorques, an Anza expedition member. Cyclists can get to the area via the Pacific Coast Bike Route.
Coastal Parks and Beaches - Expedition Camp #75
Expedition Campsite
The expedition traveled along the coastline, and crossed the Ventura River. A few miles further, Camp #75 (La Rinconada) was made near a Chumash village at Rincon Creek (Rincon Point) at the border with Santa Barbara County. Its Chumash name is believed to be Shuku. Several parks along the coast are directly on the historic route. These are San Buenaventura and Emma Wood State Beaches, and Faria and Hobson County Parks.
Albinger Archaeological Museum
Other
(113 E. Main St.) offering interpretation on the Chumash, Spanish and Mexican periods.
American Indian Cultural Centers
Other
Anza encountered people of the Gabrieliño-Tongva and Chumash tribes. The Satwiwa Native American Culture Center, located at the northwest corner of the SMMNRA, and the Oakbrook Chumash Interpretive Center (290 Lang Ranch Pkwy, Thousand Oaks) provide exhibits on the culture these American Indian groups.
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Other
at the river’s outflow to the sea, provides information on Chumash culture and the pristine islands located offshore. It is located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive.
Mission San Buenaventura
Other
Ventura is abbreviated from the name of the mission San Buenaventura. This ninth mission in California was dedicated March 31, 1782, long after Anza’s expedition, but, it provides a place to experience a part of the Spanish colonial heritage. It is located at 211 E. Main St. in the city of Ventura. Nearby is the Albinger Archaeological Museum (113 E. Main St.) offering interpretation on the Chumash, Spanish and Mexican periods.
Olivas Adobe
Other
A short distance inland is the Olivas Adobe (located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive). This restored adobe was the home of Don Raimundo Olivas, husband of the great granddaughter of Ramón Borjorques, an Anza expedition member.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Other
The Anza trail’s recreation route within the Recreation Area is parallel to the historic route and removed from it, but provides the visitor an experience in a landscape similar to that encountered by the expedition. Headquarters for the park is near the historic corridor at 401 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks (34º 11.25′ N, 118º 53′ W).
Resources
California State Parks Channel Coast District Headquarters
911 San Pedro St., Ventura CA, 93001
805-585-1857
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-370-2301
Ventura County Parks Department
800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
805-654-3951
