Juan Bautista de Anza Loop(edit)

Overview

Juan Bautista de Anza is a moderate loop trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This hike includes part of the historic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Bautista_de_Anza_National_Historic_Trail. The area was burned in the 2018 Woolsey fire. Grass has mostly covered the ground although a lot of trees were heavily damaged. The trail at places is close to the freeway and there was a dense wetland/bog area right next to the freeway that you used to need to cross. That area has burned so all that is left are sticks. Also the trail has been rerouted around this area and so you don't cross through it anymore. There are metal signs on the Anza part of the trail that seems to have survived the fire. At the end of the Anza loop trail you encounter a road (there is a new kiosk there) which you continue on and a 100 feet or so and take a right onto the Calabassas Connector trail and part of the time you are on the New Mellenium trail to the Gun Club trail back to the Anza trail. There is numerous alternatives paths along the way. Because you are next to the 101 freeway is it noisy part of the way. There are good views at several points and places where you can hike to a hill top for additional views. You are doing a fair amount of climbing and so it's a moderately strenuous hike. Lots of signs to read about the history of the area. There are a few places where it is steep enough to make hiking poles an option, although not a necessity.

Getting Started

The trail head and parking are located at the south east corner of the 101 freeway and Las Virgenes Road. There is a dirt road directly north of the Mobile gas station, drive in the dirt road and park in the dirt area. Parking is free. Follow the road up the hill to the trail head and continue in the valley between the two hills. There are no services on the trail. You'll routinely see people with dogs on the trail.

Taking Children

There are gas stations, a grocery store and fast food places within walking distance although no services on the trail. There isn't really much in terms of child entertainment. There is a stream at one point which has a little appeal, no rocks to climb on. Before the fire there were spikey nettles (which cause irritation) in one area near the stream. A mix of fire roads and single track trail. It's a safe hike.
Possibly not the best hike for children in terms of enjoyment, but practical.