Bell Canyon – Southern California residential community located in the Western San Fernando Valley, Bell Canyon is an exclusive guard-gated community. Bell Canyon is situated 8 miles southeast of Simi Valley. Bell Canyon is elevated 267 feet above sea level. Bell Canyon is also guarded by the “Cwaya Cuquele”, a jagged sandstone, which served as an ancient shrine to the Chumash Indians. It means “the feathered banner is waving”. Bell Canyon is located in Ventura County, also referred to as the Gold Coast, even though it’s only a few minutes drive from the city of Los Angeles. Bell Canyon is home to members of the entertainment industry, business executives, and professionals. Properties in Bell Canyon often contain stables, paddocks, and other horse facilities.

According to the United States Census, as of 2000, the population of Bell Canyon was 23,622; belonging to 8,192 households; with an average of 2.96 people living per household. The median income of Bell Canyon’s residents per household is $74,072 and the average house value is a staggering $254,300. Bell Canyon’s population is further subdivided as follows: 18,667 White Americans; 492 Black Americans; and 2,465 Hispanics.

Bell Canyon was named after the Justice of Peace of Calabasas in 1906, Charles A. Bell. Bell, a lawyer, was said to have lost his right arm in a gun battle while raiding a moonshiner in 1887.

Until 1967 Bell Canyon was a working cattle ranch. In the fall of 1968, Bell Canyon’s equestrian center was built and started in operation. It is a curious fact that the first residents of Bell Canyon are the horses housed at the new center. Spruce Land Corporation and Boise-Cascade joined in a partnership to purchase what was to be Bell Canyon and, several years later, a new subdivision called “Woodland Hills Country” was opened. It was an amazing success, having sold almost all of the 700 home sites within 10 days. It did not take long before the new property owners took over the association in the fall of 1969 and renamed the development “Bell Canyon”.

The Chumash Indians, a Native American tribe, have been known to reside in Bell Canyon. They are known to be hunter-gatherers who were adept at fishing. Their settlement in Bell Canyon dated back to 2000 years at the village of Huwam, which was located at the base of Castle Peak. It is very easy to see why Bell Canyon was chosen as a place to settle to because, not only is it bountiful in wildlife, but also because of its captivating beauty. The sunsets in Bell Canyon are awe-inspiring; and the natural surroundings would take your breath away.

Outdoor enthusiasts should visit Bell Canyon’s El Escorpion Park, also known as Castle Peak Park. The park is a three-acre park in West Hills, California in the San Fernando Valley of US Route 101 near the intersection of Vanowen Drive and Valley Circle. Bel Canyon’s El Escorpion Park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset and allows bicycles. There are many hiking trails around the park. The park borders the former Ahmanson Ranch, now called Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. The park is managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, thus, LADRP also has a hand in the preservation of Bell Canyon’s natural beauty.

If you enjoy horseback riding or mountain biking, you should check out the Bell Canyon Trail. Bell Canyon trail extends 4.5 miles, with a surface of sand and dirt. Bell Canyon Trail has a width of 12 to 14 feet that ensures an easy ride. Bell Canyon Trail is scenic and winds through the lush vegetation of Bell Canyon dominated by oak and sycamore woodlands. Bell Canyon Trail heads in a north direction crossing Bell Creek at various locations. This trail is the backbone of Bell Canyon's trails providing many link and loop opportunities.

Although Southern California has enormous environmental problems due to uncontrolled development, Bell Canyon is one of the few places that manage to preserve its beautiful, natural environment. The preservation of Bell Canyon’s wildlife and scenic surroundings is credited to Bell Canyon Association and many concerned community volunteers. Another great contributor of the preservation is The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. It is a part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and ensures the continued presence of the oak savanna, further adding to the beauty of Bell Canyon. Another notable advocate for the preservation of Bell Canyon’s natural wonders is the Starr Ranch Sanctuary. It is a 4000 acre Audubon preserve in southeast Orange County which focus on conservation activism, education, habitat preservation, and research. If you are interested in contacting Starr Ranch Sanctuary, you can mail them at 100 Bell Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679.

Being an elite community, Bell Canyon’s Equestrian Center prides itself as an exclusive riding facility that offers the best care for horses. Bell Canyon Equestrian Center was originally designed by the world renowned architect, Cliff May, and was built in the early sixties. Bell Canyon Equestrian Center was recently restored to maintain its state-of-the-art condition via a whooping $537,000 renovation project. It took nearly 2 years to complete its renovation. They offer a broad selection for those who wish to train in various disciplines such as hunting, equiation (horseback riding), show jumping, and even western riding, this outstanding facility settled with the picturesque community of Bell Canyon as its backdrop. Bell Canyon Equestrian Center is one of the few remaining full-service equestrian centers in the San Fernando Valley. Bell Canyon Equestrian Center’s grounds can accommodate up to 120 horses and features four barns with 80 stalls, 12x24 corrals, two enclosed bullpens and hotwalker, three sand riding arenas, beautiful tree shaded picnic areas, and miles of adjacent riding trails. Bell Canyon Equestrian Center can be found at 29 Baymare Road and can be contacted via this number: 818 719-9214.

DR. JOHN CHAVES
5312 Comercio Lane, Suite A
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone 818-999-2707
Fax 818-703-1998
appointment@cosmeticdentalservices.com