The History of Corriganville Park: A Historic Movie Ranch with Trails You Can Explore

By SoCal Poolfection – Proudly Serving Simi Valley, California

At SoCal Poolfection, we spend most of our time helping our neighbors keep their pools clean, safe, and sparkling. But when we’re not elbow-deep in chlorine and filters, we love to share the amazing places that make Simi Valley such a special place to live and visit. One of those hidden gems is Corriganville Park—a place packed with movie history, old Hollywood charm, and outdoor adventure.

In this blog, we’re taking you on a walk through time as we explore the fascinating history of Corriganville Park, the countless movies filmed there, and what you can expect when you hit the trails.

Where Is Corriganville Park?

Corriganville Park is located at the eastern end of Simi Valley, right at the edge of the Santa Susana Pass. The entrance is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but once you step into the park, you’re stepping into a real piece of Hollywood history. You’ll find it at:

7001 Smith Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063

It’s open from dawn to dusk and is free for the public to enjoy.

What Is Corriganville Park?

Corriganville Park was once a working movie ranch, and today it’s a public park with marked hiking trails, beautiful views, and signs that tell the story of its past. It’s named after Ray “Crash” Corrigan, a stuntman and actor who purchased the land in the 1930s and built an entire Western-style town for filming.

Over the years, Corriganville became one of the busiest outdoor filming locations in Southern California. Cowboys, cavalry, monsters, and samurais once roamed these hills—because this land could be made to look like the American West, the Middle East, or even outer space. Today, it’s a quiet, scenic place where you can walk among ruins, enjoy nature, and relive the stories told on screen.

Who Was Ray “Crash” Corrigan?

Ray Corrigan was a popular B-movie actor and stuntman in the 1930s and 40s. He starred in Western serials like Undersea Kingdom and was often cast as the tough cowboy hero. In 1937, he bought about 2,000 acres of land in the Santa Susana Mountains to create a filming location that felt like a real Old West town. He called it Corriganville Movie Ranch.

Corrigan not only rented out the ranch to movie studios—he also opened it up to the public on weekends. People could watch live stunt shows, ride horses, and walk the same dusty streets as their favorite cowboy heroes. It was part movie set, part theme park, and part nature reserve.

Corriganville’s Hollywood Legacy

Over 3,500 films, TV shows, and commercials were shot at Corriganville over the years. That’s an incredible number for a single filming location. During the height of its popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, it was used by major studios like Columbia Pictures and Republic Pictures.

Here are just a few of the productions filmed at Corriganville:

  • The Lone Ranger – Classic black-and-white Western scenes were filmed here.

  • Fort Apache – The John Wayne film shot its cavalry sequences in these hills.

  • Have Gun – Will Travel – The ranch was frequently used for TV Westerns.

  • Zorro Rides Again – Scenes were filmed in the old Western town set.

  • Jungle Jim – The park’s creeks and trees were turned into exotic jungles.

  • The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin – This popular show used the ranch for many outdoor scenes.

  • Tarzan movies – The natural terrain doubled for African jungles.

Some scenes from Star Trek, Samurai films, and even horror movies were also shot there, proving just how versatile the landscape is.

What Happened to the Movie Ranch?

In the late 1960s, the movie sets at Corriganville were slowly removed or fell into disrepair. A large fire in 1970 destroyed much of what was left of the Western town. However, the natural beauty of the land remained, and thanks to local efforts, it was turned into a public park.

In 1988, the land was officially acquired by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, and it became Corriganville Park, a place where both nature lovers and history fans could come together.

Today, the buildings may be gone, but stone foundations, walkways, and signage still mark where the movie magic happened.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Spots

Corriganville isn’t just a historic site—it’s also a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and spending time outdoors. The park has clearly marked trails that are friendly for families, pets, and hikers of all skill levels.

Some of the top trails and points of interest include:

Historic Movie Set Trail

This easy trail leads you past the remains of the movie town, with plaques that show what was filmed where. You’ll see stone walls, water features, and where the old saloon once stood. It’s like walking through a living museum.

Stagecoach Trail

A slightly more challenging trail that climbs into the hills. From the top, you’ll get beautiful views of Simi Valley, and on clear days you can even spot the ocean in the distance. This trail follows an old stagecoach route that was used back in the 1800s.

The Pond and Jungle Area

A small water feature once used for jungle scenes and swampy locations. Some of the old Tarzan movies were filmed here, and the area still has that overgrown, cinematic feel.

Wildlife and Nature

Corriganville is home to rabbits, hawks, coyotes, and lizards. It’s also a great place to enjoy wildflowers in spring or a quiet sunset in the evening.

Fun Facts About Corriganville Park

  • Ray Corrigan reportedly lived on the ranch in a house built right into the rocks.

  • The park once had a working train ride for guests to enjoy.

  • Monkeys, lions, and elephants were occasionally brought in for jungle scenes.

  • A hidden cave was used as an outlaw hideout in dozens of Westerns.

  • Some of the trails at Corriganville overlap with ancient Chumash paths, used long before Hollywood arrived.

Fun Facts About the Ronald Reagan Library

While you’re in Simi Valley, another must-see is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which is just a 20-minute drive from Corriganville. Here are some fun facts:

  • It’s home to a full-size Air Force One you can walk through.

  • You can see a replica of Reagan’s Oval Office.

  • There’s a real piece of the Berlin Wall on display.

  • The library sits on a scenic hilltop with some of the best views in Simi Valley.

  • Both Ronald and Nancy Reagan are buried on-site, overlooking the valley.

Many visitors spend a day at Corriganville, then head over to the Reagan Library for a full day of history and sightseeing.

Why We Love Corriganville at SoCal Poolfection

We may be pool professionals, but we’re also Simi Valley locals who are proud of our city’s rich past. Corriganville Park is one of those places that captures everything we love about Simi Valley—it’s peaceful, welcoming, and full of stories just waiting to be discovered.

At SoCal Poolfection, we believe in taking pride in where you live. That’s why we treat every backyard like it’s part of our own community. Whether we’re repairing a pool filter, installing new equipment, or providing weekly maintenance, we bring the same care and passion that built this city’s most treasured spots.

Plan Your Visit to Corriganville Park

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend the day in Simi Valley, Corriganville Park is the perfect spot. Pack some water, wear comfy shoes, and bring your curiosity—you’ll be walking the same paths that movie stars, cowboys, and adventure heroes once did.

It’s free, it’s scenic, and it’s an important part of California’s cinematic history. Best of all, it’s right in SoCal Poolfection’s own backyard.


SoCal Poolfection
Proud to Serve Simi Valley and the Surrounding Areas
Visit us at www.socalpoolfection.com or call (805) 387-4498 for professional, reliable pool service.

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