Los Encinos State Historic Park

Historical Information

Los Encinos State Historic Park, was the site of the village of Siutcanga, and became the hub for Rancho Los Encinos. Located in the San Fernando Valley, this California rancho includes the original eight-room de la Ossa Adobe, the two-story stone masonry Garnier building, a blacksmith shop, a natural spring, and a pond.

The natural spring provided a year-round source of water for the ancient, autonomous, village of Siutcanga. The village was home to Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam people, who later were called "Fernandeños" by the Spanish due to the enslavement of these three groups to the San Fernando Mission. An excellent description of this village was recorded as part of the 1769 Portola Expedition. This Spanish expedition reached the San Fernando Valley and named it “El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bononia de Los Encinos” (The Valley of St. Catherine of Bononia of the Oaks).
Located along a significant travel route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the property passed through many hands between the 1840s and the early 20th century. Today, the park contains exhibits related to the agricultural enterprises of Rancho El Encino’s various owners, including Mission Indian, Mexican Californio, French, and French Basque families.

The pond, constructed in 1874 by ranch owner Eugene Garnier, is fed by the natural spring that has attracted settlement in the area for thousands of years

Location/ Directions

• Take the US-101 North freeway (Ventura Freeway).
• Take exit 20 for Hayvenhurst Ave. and make a left.
• Then turn right at the first cross street onto Magnolia Blvd.
• Turn left onto Petit Ave.
• Then turn right onto La Maida St.
• Turn right at the first cross street onto Moorpark St.
• Park will be located on the left.

• Take the US-101 South freeway (Ventura Freeway).
  Take exit 21 for Balboa Blvd, and use the middle lane to turn right.
• Then turn left onto Moorpark St.
• Park will be located on the right.

Park Activities

Free guided tours of the De La Ossa adobe are offered Wednesday through Sunday by appointment. To schedule a tour, email us at losencinos@parks.ca.gov at least one week in advance to guarantee accomodations. The adobe is also open for self-guided tours pending staff availability. To ensure that a guided or self-guided tour is available during your visit, call or email ahead of time.

Join us every third Sunday of the month from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Blacksmith shop to watch live demonstrations and learn the importance of metalsmiths during the California rancho period.

Take a stroll through our park and admire the historical and natural landscape that is home to several bird species. Visitors may also enjoy the space for small gatherings such as picnics. For larger gatherings, please refer to the Special Event Reservations section.

Due to the park’s historical status, recreational activities that can cause damage to the preservation of this historical site are prohibited. For additional rules and regulations, please refer to the general provisions page.

Check out our Instagram pages @AngelesStateParks for special announcements regarding events at our park or any other California State Parks. Ask park staff about becoming a Junior Ranger by completing an Adventure Guide or learn about the other programs we offer.

For more information, contact the park at (818) 784-4849 or email losencinos@parks.ca.gov.

Special Event Reservations

Interested in reserving picnic tables for special occasions? Contact the Special Events & Picnic Reservations Coordinator at WRSHP.Events@parks.ca.gov. Visitors may also fill out our Google form for registration.

Reservation Policies & Guidelines
Picnic reservations are required for all groups of 25 or more people within picnic areas, and 15 or more people within all other non-picnic areas of the park. The maximum group size is 60 people, for groups larger than 60, you will need to apply for a special event permit.
Due to the historical significance of the park, all guests are required to abide by the picnic reservation rules and regulations. Rules that are not followed will be shut down and/or issued a citation.

Availability
All picnic requests are subject to availability. Tables can be reserved on any given day except Holidays and Holiday weekends. Reservation requests must be received by the Special Events office at least 14 days (two weeks) in advance. The picnic tables are first-come-first-served when not reserved. Picnics must occur within normal park hours: 10 AM to 5 PM. We will not make special accommodations for early arrivals and/or late departures.

Pricing
Each group of Tables are $125.00 and Non-Picnic Areas are $100.00. Reservations are not finalized until the Special Events Office has confirmed receipt of payment. No refunds will be given for cancellations or inclement weather. We will do our best to help you reschedule your picnic in the event of inclement weather, however we cannot guarantee availability.

Filming & Photography Permits

If you would like to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you must obtain a filming permit. Contact the State Park Filming Office at (818) 880-0358.

Professional paid photography or filming that is done without a permit will be shut down and/or issued a citation.

School Field Trips & Educational Visits

Interested in a Guided Field Trip?

Click HERE and Apply!

California History at Los Encinos State Historic Park.

Embark on a journey through the cultural, historical, and agricultural tapestry of Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino, California, with Los Encinos Beyond the Adobe. Over the centuries, this region has hosted diverse villages of California's original peoples, witnessed the presence of labor camps and colonies under the Spanish Crown, experienced the era of Land Grant Ranchos during Mexican rule, and ultimately became part of the urban community of Los Angeles. Discover how population surges during the gold rush and post-World War II eras led to a transformation of the land—from carefully managed natural resource to agricultural commodification and, finally, urbanization. The tour will encompass in-depth discussions about the once-expansive 4,500-acre Rancho, a detailed exploration of two of the oldest buildings in San Fernando Valley, the De la Osa Adobe and the Garnier building, geographic explanation of the park’s natural hot springs, and conversations about urban wildlife, and native plants. Contact Karen Griffin for more information
Capacity 60, Grade Tk-12

 

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Interpretive school group programs aligned to California Education Content Standards are offered Wednesday- Friday.  Schools must make advance reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the park at 818-784-4849 or emailing losencinos@parks.ca.gov.  To learn more about school tours at the park, please take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/MiblXlC8Uew

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