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
101 Northbound
- 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.
101 Southbound
- 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.
Parking
Street parking is available along residential streets for up to 2 hours. Only authorized vehicles may park inside the park, no exceptions.
Entrance
Entry is free, and visitors may enter the park from Ventura Blvd. or Moorpark St.
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 accommodations. 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.
School Field Trips
Thank you for your interest in a field trip to Los Encinos State Historic Park! State Park Staff and volunteers lead students on a guided field trip exploring the park. For more information about this guided field trip and to sign up, please go to this website.
Guidelines for all field trips:
- Reservations, made at least 1 month in advance, are required. Approved K-12 schools may have parking fees waived.
- Teachers are strongly encouraged to visit the park prior to their program to orient themselves.
- Chaperone ratio of 1:10 is required
To learn more about school tours at the park, please take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/MiblXlC8Uew
Volunteers
Become part of our Volunteers in Parks program and help protect and preserve your heritage! We are seeking volunteers to assist with interpretive programs, special events, and other special projects. We invite you to share your special talents, passion and enthusiasm. As a volunteer, you will work with park staff, participate in outstanding learning opportunities, and gain experience which can help you when applying for all types of employment. Contact Park staff at LosEncinos@Parks.CA.Gov.
Special Events and Filming
Special Event Information
Please email the Special Event Coordinator at LASpecialevents@parks.ca.gov for the most up-to-date pricing, guidelines, and availability.
Filming Permits
If you would like to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you need to contact the State Park film permit coordinator at (818) 880-0358.
