If you’re going to be in the Los Angeles area, visiting Piru, CA and paying your respects to the deep cultural history of the area is definitely worth your time.
You can see everything from old Indigenous cave paintings to original ranchos, or immerse yourself in the unique nature of the area at refuges and recreational facilities.
Eat some truly authentic Mexican food and experience lineage and heritage in every bite!
Piru is a stop that will touch your heart. You’ll never forget Piru, and it really isn’t a town to skip!
History
Piru is a tiny, unincorporated historic town.
The Tataviam people originally lived on this land, leaving behind vital information about their culture painted and chiseled on secret caves and rocky overhangs throughout the mountains.
They were a very peaceful people, and were Christianized during the San Fernando Mission. They later came to work on big Spanish ranchos like Rancho Camulos (to be discovered later in our guide!)
The name Piru originates from the Tataviam word that represents the tule reeds (a large species of sedge native to freshwater marshes) that grow along Piru Creek. They used to be used to make baskets, a tradition that still continues today.
In 1887 the town was founded by David C. Cook. He bought the Rancho Temescal Mexican land grant and wanted to create a “Second Garden of Eden”. So he planted Biblical fruit like grapes, olives, dates, and figs.
Where exactly is Piru? How far is it from major cities?
Piru is in southwest California in eastern Ventura County. It’s in the Santa Clara River Valley close to the Santa Clara River as well as Highway 126.
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It takes about an hour to drive from Piru to Los Angeles via I-5 S.
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It takes about five and a half hours to drive from Piru to San Francisco via I-5 N.
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It takes about three hours and 20 minutes to drive from Piru to San Diego via I-5 S.
Things to do in Piru
Let’s take an adventure through Piru for deep heritage, good food, beautiful nature, and more!
1. Bennett’s Honey Farm
Forty years ago, the Bennets felt called to the Ventura County countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
They weren’t always beekeepers, but then a swarm of bees landed in their backyard. Instead of removing them, they decided to let the bees set up shop, thrive- and create yummy honey from the flowers of the surrounding valleys, foothills, and orchards.
As demand grew, so did the business. Bennet’s Honey Farm was established in Piru Canyon, and eventually moved the business to Fillmore, CA after acquiring the Topanga Quality Honey label.
3176 Honey Ln, Fillmore, CA 93015
2. Brenda’s Casamia Restaurant & Catering
Brenda’s is famous for their Menudo, Chile Verde, and Chile Rellenos, among other classic Mexican dishes.
Locals relish in the food that feels as authentic and heartwarming as a home cooked meal. It’s a mom-and-pop restaurant in the middle of nowhere- so you know the food has to be good!
Chips are freshly fried and everything is prepared by Brenda herself.
The food is so delicious that the staff at other businesses and recreational areas will recommend you have a visit!
3944 E Center St, Piru, CA 93040
3. Rancho Camulos Museum
The Rancho Camulos Museum is a National Historic Landmark that is a prime example of a still-standing early Californian rancho. It serves as a great reminder of California’s Mexican and Spanish heritage.
Established in 1853, the rancho was a section of a nearly 50,000 acre land grant contracted in 1839 to Antonio Del Valle.
This family was very prominent in Californio, heavily involved in local and state politics both throughout the Mexican period and subsequently when California turned into a state. The family was well known for their unwavering hospitality and for upkeep of the conventional rancho lifestyle years after it nearly entirely disappeared everywhere else.
Now, the Rancho Camulos Museum is “dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving and interpreting the diverse cultural heritage and agricultural history of Southern California from 1853 to 1943.”
5164 E Telegraph Rd, Fillmore, CA 93015
4. California Tactical Academy
The California Tactical Academy is a public shooting range open Wednesday-Sunday from 8am to 4pm. They’re one of the largest public shooting facilities in California!
A daily fee of $25 Wednesday-Friday and $30 Saturday-Sunday will get you unlimited shooting at the shotgun, pistol, and rifle ranges.
The range has over 1,500 acres of land and 50 different shooting range bay configurations!
6700 Holser Canyon Rd, Piru, CA 93040
5. Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
(photo: USFWS Pacific Southwest Region)
Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is “the gateway into California condor country”, with an elevated mountain valley surrounded by rocky summits, steep ridgelines, and depthy canyons.
The refuge is on the edge of a brutal terrain where condors safely roost, nest, and forage. It’s home to many thriving ecosystems such as seasonal wetlands, grasslands, oak woodlands, and some of the last intact forests of California black walnut trees.
You can humbly view Chumash rock art encapsulating the connection between the Indigenous community and the sacred birds.
Fillmore, CA 93015
6. Lake Piru Recreation Area
The Lake Piru website claims that “There are no limits to fun at Lake Piru!” and there’s never been a truer statement!
Whether you want to relax or have an adventure, you can find what you’re looking for. Lake Piru is a respite from the bustling city, featuring a shaded campground, boating, fishing, and water sports.
If that isn’t enough for you, they have a lakeside picnic area with disc golf, horseshoes, a playground, and more.
Not bad for being less than an hour away from LA!
4780 Piru Canyon Rd, Piru, CA 93040
7. Piru Train Depot
The Piru Train Depot is a 2000 reconstruction and replica of the original depot, which was torn down. It was part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, but the tracks out front are now abandoned.
The depot was completed in 1888 and turned into a church in the 60’s since it was empty. Around 1938, passenger traffic stopped, and then in 1953 it closed to freight trains as well.
You can see in old photos from the 60’s that there was a cross put on the roof of the depot.
The depot is in the center of town, as it was one of the first buildings and then the town was built around it.
510 Main St, Piru, CA 93040
8. Devil’s Gateway Vía Agua Blanca Creek and Pothole Trail
This fantastic trail is a moderate, nearly 12-mile loop trail with medium traffic. Dogs are welcome but need to stay on a leash. The trail is open all year long.
This trail sees 2,516 feet in elevation gain!
It’s recommended to go up Agua Blanca Creek and then back on the Pothole Trail, otherwise you will see brutal ascents with no switchbacks.
The trail meanders, but stay along the creek and you will be golden. About six miles in you’ll reach Devil’s Gate, a secluded area with high canyon walls. From there you will find a camping area and you will adventure through three different ecosystems!
Facts about Piru, CA
- The population of Nashville in 2019 was 1,805 people.
- The city covers a land area of 2.836 square miles.
- The median age in the city is 29.4 years old.
- The median home value in Nashville is $515K in 2022.
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