(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Ask anyone who grew up in Simi Valley or nearby, and chances are they’ve heard of Stoner’s Den. Tucked into the Simi Hills near the Santa Susana Pass, this underground cave has a reputation that’s equal parts thrilling and eerie. Over the years, it’s been called a lot of things—Manson Cave, Stoner’s Den, or just “that crazy cave near the old cantina.” Whatever the name, it’s a place that has inspired curiosity, legends, and more than a few wild stories.
The name “Stoner’s Den” came from its use as a hangout in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Some claim Charles Manson and his followers stopped there while staying at Spahn Ranch, just a short hike away. Others just remember it as a place where local kids would meet up, explore, and, yes, smoke a little something. The story goes that there’s a pipe carved right into the rock—a “natural bowl” some say was used by visitors back in the day.
Getting into Stoner’s Den isn’t exactly easy. Local explorer and Stoner’s Den guide, Michael Channels, describes the cave as being hidden along a narrow trail starting near the former Santa Susana Cantina. “Once you find it—look for the graffiti-covered rocks around the entrance—you have to lower yourself down with ropes,” he explained.
It’s dark, tight, and definitely not a place for the claustrophobic. Inside, there’s a sandy chamber where people say candles were often left burning—creepy, right? Some adventurers even talk about seeing a sign-in pad secured to the wall back in the day, where explorers wrote their names and the dates they dared to visit.
Exploring Stoner’s Den isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a commitment. Once you slide into the cave, there’s no easy way to climb back out. Visitors from the ’80s remember sandy slides that only went one way—down. It was the kind of adventure you’d only take if you were sure you wanted to go all the way.
The cave is fraught with dangers at every turn. The trail leading to it is lined with poison oak. Inside, the air feels heavy, almost suffocating, as if the cave itself is pressing down on you. The narrow, claustrophobic spaces leave little room for error, and the walls are covered in graffiti. Strange symbols and ominous markings left by decades of visitors add an unsettling layer of mystery to the already oppressive atmosphere.
At some point, authorities decided enough was enough. With safety concerns and complaints from locals about trespassing, rumors say the cave was sealed off in the early 2000s. Heavy equipment was reportedly brought in to block the entrance with boulders, but depending on who you ask, you might hear that people still manage to find their way in.
Parking is tricky, too. The trail starts near Clear Springs Road, but neighbors aren’t shy about calling out trespassers. If you’re determined to check it out, you’d better bring your stealth game—and maybe some gloves for all that poison oak.
Stoner’s Den isn’t just a cave; it’s a piece of Simi Valley folklore. Whether you believe the stories about Manson or not, it’s been a rite of passage for local adventurers for decades. Some remember it as a place of freedom and excitement, while others swear they’ll never set foot near it again.
Either way, Stoner’s Den will always hold a special place in Simi Valley’s history.
