Satwiwa: Walking in the Footsteps of the Chumash

Not far from the limits of Calabasas is an area of sprawling hills, mountains and canyons that was once home to the native Chumash and is now a cultural site that teaches visitors about the people who once called it home.

Satwiwa, which means “the bluffs” in Chumash, was the name of a Chumash village near a native peoples’ trade route that used to run through Sycamore Canyon. It’s also the name of the cultural center where you can learn about the native tribes through various programs. You can also simply walk in their footsteps on one of the trails that connects Rancho Sierra Vista with Point Mugu State Park.

Just outside the cultural center, a wigwam-like structure–called an ‘Ap in Chumash–made with bent willow and wire marks the entrance to the loop and the grassy hills beyond. 

While the Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy 1.5 miles, it can be made more substantial by following Big Sycamore Canyon Trail up past a waterfall, up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail or down into Point Mugu State Park onto a paved road, which eventually turns to dirt and leads all the way to the ocean.  After completing most of the loop, just take Old Boney Trail to get to Big Sycamore Canyon Trail.

But for a nice stroll or family-friendly outing, stick to the loop which rolls through beautiful rolling grasslands. The trail leads to a windmill and wraps around the gentle topography of the area before leading to a pond.

At the right time of day, an exquisite play of orange hues from the sun reflects off the grass, contrasting with the blue sky reflecting off the pond’s surface. As the sun sets over the open grasslands, the spectacle is as mesmerizing.

The perspective lines make it a great place to bring the camera. Also, bring the dog, too, if you plan to stay on the main trails as pooches aren’t permitted in the back country.

A collaborative effort of the National Park Service, Chumash and other indigenous people, the Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center and Natural Area is staffed by Native American guest hosts or park rangers on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the weekend of Memorial Day. They answer questions and provide information to visitors about the traditions past and present of Chumash, Tongvan and other tribes.

To get to Satwiwa from Calabasas, take the 101 freeway north to Newbury Park and exit at Wendy Drive. Turn left on Wendy Dr., go two and a half miles to Lynn Road and turn right. Continue to Via Goleta, turn left and drive to the last parking area. A short trail leads to the center where classes and programs are held and to the hiking trails.

The programs are all free. The next ones takes place on June 5 from 10 a.m–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m.  Artist Sam Banagas will be sharing his knowledge of indigenous culture and art that depicts plains, woodlands and surrealism. He will also impart old traditions, legends and myths of many Native American tribes.

For more information, click here.