Arroyo Sequit Site - Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu Hills

NOTE: Arroyo Sequit has been closed until further notice as a result of the Woolsey Fire in November 2018. Updates at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/arroyosequit.htm.

The National Park Service maintains a relatively small site called Arroyo Sequit in the Santa Monica Mountains, located at 34138 Mulholland Highway in Malibu. It is a bit off the beaten path, about 2 miles west of Decker Road. It is also easy to overlook coming from the east, as there doesn't appear to be a sign (like the sign below if you're coming east on Mulholland from the other direction).

Sign coming eastbound on mulholland; no such sign that I could find coming westbound.

Sign coming eastbound on mulholland; no such sign that I could find coming westbound.

The site features a 1 1/2 mile nature trail with rolling hills, wildflowers and I've been told a stream (though I did not find it in my visit there). 

Quite a small parking area at this remote location.

Quite a small parking area at this remote location.

It is quiet back here, so if you're looking for a peaceful stroll, check it out. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the Arroyo Sequit from the 101 via Westlake Boulevard/Decker Canyon.

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There's an area with several benches that is used for astronomical observations. However, I contacted the college and was told it has been many years since these took place.

Southwest of the Arroyo Sequit you can see some very large satellite dishes. This is the Triunfo Pass Earth Station satellite tracking station owned and operated by AT&T. The three satellites measure 106 feet across and about 11 stories tall, so they are hard to miss!

Triunfo Pass Earth Station nearby

Triunfo Pass Earth Station nearby

Learn more about the Arroyo Sequit, including a site map, on the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/arroyosequit.htm.

Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, stretching from Newbury Park on the north to five miles of ocean shoreline on the south. The park includes 14,000 acres of land with over 70 miles of trails popular with hikers, cyclists and runners.  It is truly an amazing place, with rocky peaks that include the prominent Boney Mountain State Wilderness that looks over the western Conejo Valley.

The sign in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park indicating you are entering State-managed Point Mugu State Park.

The sign in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park indicating you are entering State-managed Point Mugu State Park.

You can actually hike, run or bike from Newbury Park, from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area managed by the National Park Service down to the ocean via Sycamore Canyon "Sycamore to the Sea," which is about an 8 mile trip one way. But do be aware - the initial 800 foot drop from Rancho Sierra Vista into the canyon via Big Sycamore Canyon Road is a bit more challenging coming back up.

The paved hill drops into the canyon via Sycamore Canyon Fire Road.

The paved hill drops into the canyon via Sycamore Canyon Fire Road.

There are four main canyons in Point Mugu State Park. Sycamore Canyon is perhaps the most well known, stretching practically the entire north/south length of the park, where at the bottom of the canyon you'll find the 58 space Sycamore Canyon Campground at 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway (make reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com and search for “Point Mugu SP”).

The Sycamore Canyon Campground connects to the Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, which is your access point to a day of fun and adventure in Point Mugu State Park trails.

The Sycamore Canyon Campground connects to the Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, which is your access point to a day of fun and adventure in Point Mugu State Park trails.

The La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve is on the western side of the park, with a main access point near Thornhill Broome State Beach at the Ray Miller Trailhead to the La Jolla Canyon Trail which connects with the Loop Trail. Another access point to La Jolla Valley is the Chumash Trail trailhead, a rocky, steep trail across from Point Mugu Beach. La Jolla Valley was purchased by the State of California in 1966 and was established as a Natural Preserve in 1972.

Wood Canyon is in the northwest section of the park, where you will find the north/south running Wood Canyon Fire Road, which connects to the Guadalasca Trail, among others.

Serrano Valley is accessible from the south off the Big Sycamore Canyon Fire Road/Trail about a mile north of the beach. A beautiful, serene, area, with a connection to the Old Boney Trail that takes you to the Danielson Monument in the Boney Mountain Wilderness.

The main beach areas in Point Mugu State Park, running southeast to northwest, are Sycamore Cove, Thornhill Broome and Point Mugu. Sycamore Cove is a fun day-use park popular with families for gatherings with BBQ grills and picnic tables. Learn more about beaches in the Malibu area at this link.

This is the PCH overpass where on low tide you can walk underneath here to get from Sycamore Cove Beach to Sycamore Canyon Campgrounds and hiking in Point Mugu State Park. In higher tides, this area can be dicey, so be careful.

This is the PCH overpass where on low tide you can walk underneath here to get from Sycamore Cove Beach to Sycamore Canyon Campgrounds and hiking in Point Mugu State Park. In higher tides, this area can be dicey, so be careful.

If you are looking for beachfront camping, try Thornhill Broome Beach, with just over 60 spots available for RVs and tents. No hookups here and only porta-johns available, but can't beat the views! And across the street you can't miss the Giant Sand Dune!

Day use parking at the various sites is available for $12. There is very minimal street parking at Sycamore Cove but plenty of street parking adjacent to Thornhill Broome Beach.

Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Park's day use areas, campgrounds and beaches. Dogs are not allowed on the back country trails or dirt roads.

Keep driving northwest on PCH and you'll past the famous Mugu Rock and see Pt. Mugu Beach, which also has day use parking, with some parking on PCH. Learn more at the California State Parks website at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630.

Mugu Rock up ahead, driving north on PCH from Thornhill Broome.

Mugu Rock up ahead, driving north on PCH from Thornhill Broome.

Lastly, let's cover some of the highest peaks in Point Mugu State Park. The Boney Mountain Wilderness Area, ever so prominent from the Conejo Valley, is located in the Park. But Boney Peak itself, at 2828 feet, is actually in the Circle X Ranch area managed by the National Park Service, along with Sandstone Peak, the highest spot in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3111 feet.

Boney Mountain range overlooks the western Conejo Valley.

Boney Mountain range overlooks the western Conejo Valley.

Other peaks include Tri Peaks at 3010 feet, Laguna Peak (the peak which has equipment from Naval Base Ventura County below), La Jolla Peak and Mugu Peak

Map of Point Mugu State Park courtesy of National Park Service.

Map of Point Mugu State Park courtesy of National Park Service.

Hiking in the North Ranch Open Space in Thousand Oaks

The North Ranch Open Space is represented by several massive sections of nearly 2,600 acres located in the east side of Thousand Oaks. There is a section east of Erbes Road to Westlake Boulevard down to Hillcrest Drive on the west side (this area is referred to as the Hillcrest Open Space Preserve) as well as a section further east bounded by Westlake Boulevard on the west, Lindero Canyon Road on the east and Thousand Oaks Boulevard on south.

These hills are beautiful and quite prominent from throughout the Conejo Valley. Hiking, running and cycling these hills can be a challenge as they are quite steep in most sections.

A main trailhead into the North Ranch Open Space is on Bowfield Street, just east of the North Ranch Playfields. The trail is called the Saddle Pass Trail, winding up and down the hills south towards Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

There are various other neighborhood trail entry points throughout the vast area. One of these is located at Canyon Oaks Park, 6200 Hedgewall Drive, Westlake Village. There's a walkway and a small bridge that leads to a quite intense looking path up the hill. And indeed, it is a very steep path. Definitely not for everyone. This is a path into the Bowfield/Saddle Pass Trail, which is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency.

The Wishbone Trail is a loop trail into the North Ranch Open Space that starts and ends at Westlake Village Community Park, 31107 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village. Trailhead is at the west end of the parking lot. You can connect to the Saddle Pass Trail from the Wishbone Trail via the Wishbone Connector trail.

Small COSCA sign at the bottom of the steep hill from Canyon Oaks Park leading into the North Ranch Open Space.

Small COSCA sign at the bottom of the steep hill from Canyon Oaks Park leading into the North Ranch Open Space.

A view of Canyon Oaks Park from about a third of the way up the hill.

A view of Canyon Oaks Park from about a third of the way up the hill.

There are roughly 3 or 4 miles of trails up here, mostly the Saddle Pass north/south trail but other connector trails to nearby neighborhoods, such as the townhome complex on Via Colinas above Thousand Oaks Blvd and the new Westlake Village Community Park and YMCA.

These hills get quite dry and hot during the summer months but in the spring green up nicely. You may even get the opportunity to enjoy some wildflowers.

Orange beauties can often be seen in the March time frame off the Saddle Pass Trail south section.

Orange beauties can often be seen in the March time frame off the Saddle Pass Trail south section.

Here's another section of trail that connects homes off of Via Colinas into the North Ranch Open Space. Most of these connector trails are quite steep, though generally well maintained!

Here's another section of trail that connects homes off of Via Colinas into the North Ranch Open Space. Most of these connector trails are quite steep, though generally well maintained!

California poppies on March 16, 2019.

California poppies on March 16, 2019.

Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks

Tarantula Hill is located off of West Gainsborough Road in Thousand Oaks, between Grand Oak Lane and Camino Manzanas. Just park your car by the prominent oak tree and little green sign. The hill is named after the spiders that inhabit this peak that happens to be the highest point within the Conejo Valley, at about 1,057 feet.

I've seen people run, walk and cycle up the paved service road to the top, where you get treated to panoramic views of the entire Conejo Valley. The cyclist was working it pretty darn hard to get up there...the hill it pretty steep...about a 250 foot climb.

There’s also a couple ways to get near the top via trail. Look for the path on the east side of the hill, accessible from Gainsborough.

There's a single bench on the west side at the top and a water reservoir fenced in with barbed wire is quite prominent. For a quick dose of views, Tarantula Hill aims to please.

The bench at the top of Tarantula Hill faces west towards Newbury Park.

The bench at the top of Tarantula Hill faces west towards Newbury Park.

Tarantula Hill is dedicated open space that is protected by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency. Visit www.conejo-openspace.org for more information.

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The hill greens up nicely in the spring.

The hill greens up nicely in the spring.

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Boney Mountain Trail to Hidden Valley Overlook, Danielson Monument and Waterfall

At Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park is a nice assortment of trails that reward hikers with beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.  Find your way to the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center and from there walk up Big Sycamore Canyon Road where you'll reach a fork in the road. If you go straight you'll be taking Big Sycamore Canyon road about 6-7 miles down to Sycamore Canyon Campground and Sycamore Cove Beach. The road is paved for about 3 miles until it intersects the Backbone Trail, at which point it is dirt trails to PCH.

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road.

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road.

Views from the benches looking down Big Sycamore Canyon. Photo taken a few months before the Springs Fire of 2013.

Views from the benches looking down Big Sycamore Canyon. Photo taken a few months before the Springs Fire of 2013.

View of Big Sycamore Canyon after the Springs Fire of 2013.

View of Big Sycamore Canyon after the Springs Fire of 2013.

Getting back to the benches at the top of Sycamore Canyon, looking off to the east you'll find the Boney Mountain Trail sign that takes you towards the Hidden Valley Overlook, Waterfall and Danielson Monument, a .4 mile, 1 mile and 2.2 mile one way hike, respectively.

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Boney Mountain Trail sign in Rancho Sierra Vista post-Springs fire 5/5/13.

Boney Mountain Trail sign in Rancho Sierra Vista post-Springs fire 5/5/13.

Take the trail to the fork in the road. A sharp left takes you directly back to the Satwiwa Center, a "normal" left takes you on a trail towards Wendy Drive and/or back to the Satwiwa Center in a loop, and a right turn takes you up the hill towards the destinations mentioned above.

A short walk up the trail gets you to yet another bench that overlooks Sycamore Canyon from another angle. This is called the Sycamore Canyon Overlook.

This photo of the Sycamore Canyon Overlook was taken before the Springs Fire of 2013.

This photo of the Sycamore Canyon Overlook was taken before the Springs Fire of 2013.

Bench at Sycamore Canyon Overlook on 5/14/13.

Bench at Sycamore Canyon Overlook on 5/14/13.

The rocky trail from there takes you to a fork. Veer LEFT to the Hidden Valley Overlook trail or right to the Danielson Monument and Waterfall (as well as the Old Boney Trail).

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The Hidden Valley Overlook trail is rocky, pretty steep in some sections and a bit challenging. But...you will be rewarded with some nice views of Dos Vientos, Camarillo and eventually an "overlook" of Hidden Valley.

Endpoint of the Hidden Valley Overlook trail, peering into Hidden Valley. This photo was taken in April 2014.

Endpoint of the Hidden Valley Overlook trail, peering into Hidden Valley. This photo was taken in April 2014.

If you veer right at the fork in the trail, after a .4 mile jaunt down the hill you'll see a sign that tells you you're getting close the waterfall. There are lots of rocky sections as well as crevices as you make your way down this trail, so do be careful. But it is fairly wide most of the way.

Sign at bottom of hill indicating you distance to waterfall trail and danielson monument

Sign at bottom of hill indicating you distance to waterfall trail and danielson monument

There's a stream crossing that most of the year is easy to get across as there's not a lot of water in it, although in particularly rainy winters it can get more challenging in the winter/spring.

Mostly mud in the stream crossing that gets you to the Danielson Monument in mid-February 2013, but some years there's more water in there (like 2017, after the winter rainstorms).

Mostly mud in the stream crossing that gets you to the Danielson Monument in mid-February 2013, but some years there's more water in there (like 2017, after the winter rainstorms).

So after you cross the stream, you're off on a mostly narrow, single-track trail. Watch out for poison oak on the sides of the trails. I usually run up here in shorts, but you're much safer wearing long pants. The next juncture in the trail, you go straight to the waterfall, or veer right up to the Danielson Monument.

We've been to the waterfall when it had a lot of water flowing in it. This year (2013) there's barely a trickle.

We've been to the waterfall when it had a lot of water flowing in it. This year (2013) there's barely a trickle.

So if you take the sharp right hand turn, you're on your way to the Danielson Monument (a tribute to Richard Ely Danielson, Junior, who lived on land in this area for 32 years with his family, until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1980). Awesome views from several vantage points as you head up the trail. A bit of a climb. Be prepared! Check out other photos of the monument HERE and larger pics HERE.

Danielson Monument

Danielson Monument

About 4/5ths of the way from the bottom of the canyon to the Danielson Monument, you can veer right to the Old Boney Trail, an interesting, mostly single track trail that has great views of Boney and intersects with the Fossil Trail.

Here's the sign at the juncture of the Danielson Road trail and the Old Boney Trail turnoff, about .3 mile away from the Danielson Monument.

Here's the sign at the juncture of the Danielson Road trail and the Old Boney Trail turnoff, about .3 mile away from the Danielson Monument.

Rabbit Hill (Knoll Open Space) in Newbury Park

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The Knoll Open Space is a 21 acre plot of land owned by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency located at the corner of Reino Road and Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park (across the street from Peppertree Playfields). This plot of land is more affectionately known as Rabbit Hill. While it doesn't take too much effort to get to the top of Rabbit Hill, you will definitely be rewarded with a nice, panoramic view towards Boney Mountain, Thousand Oaks and Conejo Mountain. This hill is somewhat less challenging than the steeper Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks, so if you're looking for a nice after-dinner stroll, this is a fine choice. While not the most exciting hill to look at, the views make it worthwhile! You can park on Reino Road to start your short journey.

You can either take a straight shot up the hill or a more gradual curved trail. 

You can either take a straight shot up the hill or a more gradual curved trail. 

Views toward Boney Mountain.

Views toward Boney Mountain.

Views towards Thousand Oaks

Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills

NOTE: PETER STRAUSS RANCH SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE IN THE WOOLSEY FIRE OF NOVEMBER 2018 AND WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

Peter Strauss Ranch sign on Kanan Road southbound before Troutdale.

Peter Strauss Ranch sign on Kanan Road southbound before Troutdale.

The 64 acre Peter Strauss Ranch is located at the juncture of Troutdale Drive and Mulholland Highway in Agoura Hills. The property is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It features a ranch house, .6 mile hiking trail, restrooms and an amphitheater area.

Parking lot access off of Mulholland Highway on northeast side of ranch.

Parking lot access off of Mulholland Highway on northeast side of ranch.

The Ranch has quite a history. According to the NPS, auto manufacturer Harry Miller bought the ranch at the turn of the 20th century as his weekend retreat. He built many of the structures on the site in the 1920s, including the stone ranch house, lookout tower and aviary.  He lost the ranch in the Depression.

Warren Shobert and Arthur Edeson purchased the ranch in the 1930s and created “Shoson”—a fairyland of charm and a paradise for children and adults. Later, a dam was constructed on Triunfo Creek, creating a small lake. The resort was renamed “Lake Enchanto.” Competition from other, larger amusement parks and resorts led to the decline of “Lake Enchanto.” It fell into disrepair and closed around 1960.

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Actor Peter Strauss purchased the property in 1976, restored the site, lived there until 1983, and later sold it to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  The NPS purchased the ranch in 1987 and the site will be preserved as part of our local natural and cultural history.

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Here is the ruins of the 650,000 gallon Lake Enchanto pool on the Peter Strauss Ranch site. The circular pool was 125 feet in diameter, ranging in depth from 2 to 9 1/2 feet. The pool was said to be the largest filtered, fresh-water swimming pool in California.

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More on the history of the Peter Strauss Ranch at peterstrauss.net/storyofranch.html.

Visit the NPS Peter Strauss Ranch page at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/straussranch.htm.

Lake Enchanto ad from the early 1940s.

Sierra Vista Trail in Newbury Park

The Sierra Vista Trail in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park is a roughly one mile long trail that connects the Vista Del Mar Trail on the west to the Potrero Ridge Trail on the east. The entry point on the west side is off of Rancho Dos Vientos just south of Via El Cerro and on the east side is on Via Las Brisas near Paseo Santa Rosa. As with most trails in this area, you will be treated with some great views of the surrounding mountains and neighborhoods. This trail is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Foundation.

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Boney Mountain Peak Hike From Newbury Park

At an elevation of 2,825 feet, the presence of Boney Peak (also known at Mount Boney), is felt throughout the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas. Want to climb it?

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Well you can! It is challenging, but possible. Boney Mountain is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. One way to get to Boney Peak is via the Upper Canyon Trail from the Danielson Monument.

Danielson Monument

Danielson Monument

First off, hike your way up to the Danielson Monument, click this link for details. The monument is next to the remains of a burned down cabin shown below.

There is a trail that veers left next to the chimney. This is where you want to go. You're looking at a challenging 2 mile climb to Boney Peak. Most of the trail is narrow single track. There are some really steep, rocky sections, some with deep crevices, that may freak you out. You may have to duck your head from time to time. The trail is definitely challenging, both going up and coming back down. Definitely not for everyone.

The trail gets tight at times.

The trail gets tight at times.

The trail is not "officially" maintained by the National Park Service and thus there are NO SIGNS that say, hey, go this way to get to Boney Peak.  But I've seen plenty of people make it up there just fine as the path is fairly obvious. Just stay on the main trail.

After twists, turns, rocks, crevices and hills, the trail flattens out a bit near the top.

After twists, turns, rocks, crevices and hills, the trail flattens out a bit near the top.

One thing to note when you think you've reached the top. Look at the picture at the top of this post. To the left of the circled area is a large boulder. This is not the peak. There's a trail to the left behind it that you'll have to go up to get to the actual peak. Again, there are no signs. But you should be able to see the path pretty easily. You will be climbing some sheer rock face to get there. Can be slippery. And standing on the top of Boney can be both exhilarating and scary as hell! So be careful!

The final ascent to the top on sheer rock path.

The final ascent to the top on sheer rock path.

How long does it take to get from the trailhead at Wendy and Potrero and back? I'd allow for 4 to 5 hours if you are hiking. If you are a strong runner you can get up to it in as little as an hour (I'm talking top notch runner) to hour and a half, but you will only be able to "run" about half of the trail above the Danielson Monument. The rest is more of a technical hike in and around the rocks, boulders and crevices.

Here are some views you'll be treated to at the top.

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La Jolla Canyon Loop Trail in Point Mugu State Park in Malibu

Point Mugu State Park is at western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, stretching from Newbury Park on the north to five miles of oceanfront. The Chumash Trail is the westernmost trailhead in Point Mugu State Park which in turn gets you to the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve area (which also can be accessed from the Ray Miller Trail, about two miles southwest of the Chumash Trail trailhead).

The Chumash Trail trailhead is accessible off of PCH, about 2 1/2 miles from where Las Posas Road connects to PCH in Camarillo, and about 10 miles from the intersection of Las Posas Road and Highway 101.  It is across the street (PCH) from a Naval Base Ventura County training range. Look for the left turn into a small dirt parking area that has space for perhaps 15 or so cars.

The Chumash Trail is an initial, quite steep and technically challenging .7 mile climb, to a juncture where you either turn right to the Mugu Peak Trail (MORE AT THIS LINK). If you turn left (north), continue another half mile until you reach the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail.

Map snippet courtesy of California State Parks

Map snippet courtesy of California State Parks

The La Jolla Valley was acquired by the State of California in 1966 as part of Point Mugu State Park and was established as Natural Preserve in 1972. 

One thing I find of particular visual interest on the La Jolla Canyon Loop Trail is the Naval Base Ventura County satellite tracking station situated at the top of nearby Laguna Peak. 

One thing I find of particular visual interest on the La Jolla Canyon Loop Trail is the Naval Base Ventura County satellite tracking station situated at the top of nearby Laguna Peak. 

View of the Boney Mountain Range up ahead from within the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve. This is such a peaceful grasslands area back here. Most folks go for the ocean trails, leaving this area a bit less utilized.

View of the Boney Mountain Range up ahead from within the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve. This is such a peaceful grasslands area back here. Most folks go for the ocean trails, leaving this area a bit less utilized.

When I look up at the tracking station, The Jetsons come to mind.

When I look up at the tracking station, The Jetsons come to mind.

Another 1 1/2 miles of hiking on the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail gets you to a small campground area with as I recall, 3 or 4 campsites accompanied by picnic tables, a vault toilet, but no water. No campfires allowed out here in the back country either. Although these appear to be rarely used, the only problem coming in from the Chumash Trail instead of the Ray Miller Trail (and La Jolla Canyon Trail) area is that you must pay for the campsite at the Ray Miller Trail area. Thus, if you do plan to stay at these back country campsites, keep that in mind and pay first.

You will pass by this sign on your way towards the campground if you want to take a shorter loop.

You will pass by this sign on your way towards the campground if you want to take a shorter loop.

Here is where the La Jolla Valley Trail Campsites are, marked by the vault toilet up ahead. I don't get back here very often and when I do, I see no one. But I did notice there was TP in the room, which is good for those in need.

Here is where the La Jolla Valley Trail Campsites are, marked by the vault toilet up ahead. I don't get back here very often and when I do, I see no one. But I did notice there was TP in the room, which is good for those in need.

You're definitely in the back country back here, though in reality you are only 2.7 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

You're definitely in the back country back here, though in reality you are only 2.7 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

That said, the La Jolla Canyon Trail (not to be confused with the La Jolla Canyon LOOP Trail) has been closed since January 2015 because of mudslides that made that particular trail too dangerous to use. Confused? Yes, this can be confusing. Bottom line is that you pay for the camping at the La Jolla Canyon/Ray Miller Trailhead area but access the camping from either the Chumash Trail, or a longer route via the Ray Miller Trail.

So after you reach the campground area, you can either head back the way you came, or take the loop back around to the Mugu Peak Trail, where you will be treated to views, views and more views. Or hike to the top of Mugu Peak for the best views of all.

This Mugu Peak Trail sign is located near the south end of the Loop Trail.

This Mugu Peak Trail sign is located near the south end of the Loop Trail.

Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park

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The 1,530' elevation Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park may well have the most spectacular views of the Conejo Valley. You can see the entire Conejo Valley, stretching from the Conejo Grade to central Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Hidden Valley, Boney Mountain and beyond from here!

Angel Vista can most easily be accessed via the Rosewood Trail at the southern terminus of Regal Oak Ct, off of Lynn Road) Or for a much longer hike, take the Los Robles Trail (either the Thousand Oaks side accessible at South Moorpark Road and Greenmeadow Ave or Newbury Park side off of Potrero Road). The Conejo Open Space Foundation provides a useful map at www.cosf.org/website/html/los-robles-angel-vista.html. There's a bench as well as a picnic table up there with wonderful views.

The hike is about 3 1/2 miles round trip.

You'll eventually see this sign if you make the trek up the Rosewood Trail.

You'll eventually see this sign if you make the trek up the Rosewood Trail.

The bench is in sight!

The bench is in sight!

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Fun to see at least a portion of Hidden Valley from up here.

Fun to see at least a portion of Hidden Valley from up here.

Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park in Moorpark

Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park in Moorpark is a 3,000 acre wilderness area with 12 1/2 miles of trails maintained by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. I've hiked back here from time to time and rarely see anyone in these quiet canyons!

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There are a couple entry points to Happy Camp Canyon. The one shown above is adjacent to Rustic Canyon Golf Course, 15100 Happy Camp Canyon Road, Moorpark. The other main entry point shown below is at 14105 Broadway Avenue, Moorpark. Park here and hike to the canyon entrance point.

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If you're looking for relatively flat trails well suited for comfortable hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, Happy Camp Canyon is a good choice.

You can take the main Happy Camp Canyon Fire Road for quite a ways and either head back the way you came or take the more strenuous Middle Range Fire Road back and catch some great views. I veered north up a steep maintenance road to some power lines shown below.

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Or try the 8 mile, strenuous, South Ridge Loop (via the Middle Ridge Fire Road). Begin at the canyon gate; about 100 yards beyond, turn right and follow a dirt road up to the ridge top. Continue east along the Big Mountain Ridge to a junction, enjoying views on your right of Moorpark, Simi Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, and all the way to the Channel Islands. At the junction, turn north and drop down into Happy Camp Canyon. When you reach an old corral (and picnic area), turn west and walk back to the entrance gate on Happy Camp Canyon Fire Road (in the canyon bottom), approximately four miles. 

There is no cost for parking here. For more information, visit mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/happy-camp-canyon-regional-park.

NOTE: Because of sensitive habitat, dogs are not allowed past the entrance gate.

It greens (and purples) up quite nicely after the winter rains in Happy Camp. March/April/May are the months to check it out.

It greens (and purples) up quite nicely after the winter rains in Happy Camp. March/April/May are the months to check it out.

CSU Channel Islands University Park in Camarillo

CSU Channel Islands University Park is a 367 acre parcel located adjacent to CSU Channel Islands off of S. Lewis Road in Camarillo. It is a regional educational and recreation area owned and operated by California State University Channel Islands.

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The park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Do note that there are no facilities at this park, like restrooms and drinking fountains. You can walk, hike, run, bike, etc. and perhaps come across some wildlife.

Disbanded dairy farm in the distance at CSU Channel Islands University Park

Disbanded dairy farm in the distance at CSU Channel Islands University Park

One item of historical interest at the park is the "Scary Dairy," a dairy farm located on the parcel that closed in the 1960s and was disbanded and subsequently vandalized and graffittied upon over the decades.

"Scary Dairy"

"Scary Dairy"

From Camarillo, take Lewis Road south to Camarillo Street and turn left (east).  Cross the bridge over Calleguas Creek and the entrance is on the left. Parking is $6 per vehicle (as of April 2019). Visit www.csuci.edu/cipark for more information.

Bring cash to pay for parking at entrance.

Bring cash to pay for parking at entrance.

CSUCI Park Barn.JPG