Las Llajas Canyon

Las Llajas Canyon is a valley near Simi Valley with a trail stretching about 4.5 miles through sandy terrain and rolling hills. Elevation changes along the route create varied hiking conditions as you move through the landscape.

A Christian community called Pisgah Grande established itself in the canyon in the early 1900s, building around 30 structures for roughly 150 residents. This settlement represented one of the first organized attempts to inhabit the valley.

The name likely comes from a misspelling of 'las llagas', Spanish for 'the wounds', possibly referencing Roman Catholic saint stigmata. This reflects the region's Spanish heritage and how place names shift through generations.

Access the canyon via Highway 118 to Yosemite Avenue, then head north on Evening Sky Drive to reach the main entrance. Wear sturdy shoes since the trails are sandy and conditions change depending on recent weather.

A dam built in the 1970s was later converted into a debris protection structure, now known as Las Llajas Canyon Debris Basin. This 46-acre facility shows how landscapes are managed to prevent flooding and landslide damage.