Socalultrarunning
During the 1950s, when Reagan hosted TV's "Death Valley Days," he wanted a more rural retreat than his home in Pacific Palisades. He bought the 305-acre ranch in the hills of Malibu as a place to raise thoroughbred horses. Today, the ranch makes up the northwest corner of Malibu Creek State Park.
When the property was acquired, the Reagan ranch house was in such grim condition that it had to be demolished. The Reagan barn still stands and is now used for offices and storage by state park employees. Reagan Ranch, now part of Malibu Creek State Park, is a delight for hikers and runners, who can enjoy the ranch's rolling meadowland and grand old oaks.
Trails loop through the Reagan Ranch and connect with the main part of the state park. One path, which I've dubbed Reagan Ranch Trail, uses a combination of trails--Yearling, Deer Leg, Lookout, Crags Road and Cage Canyon--to explore Reagan country and the heart of the park.
After the rains put a little green in the grassy meadows and Spring brings the warmer weather, Lupine, Larkspur and Poppies pop out all over.
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