Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail is about a mile hike that is great to do with the kids near the Los Robles Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Get there by taking Moorpark Road south of the 101 until it ends at Greenmeadow Avenue. Turn right and drive about half a mile to the parking lot.

Signs along the Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Interpretative Trail are in braille.

The first .4 mile section of trail is called the Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Interpretive Trail and is a mostly shaded oak grove area that is accessible by all, including equestrians, bicycles, hikers, wheelchairs, disabled and blind individuals. There is actually a "guide cable" along the fence as well as informational signs in braille.

One of three picnic benches along the Interpretive Trail.

There is a restroom, drinking fountain and picnic bench at the trailhead as well as two other picnic tables and a bench on this portion of the trail. There is also abundant poison oak on the sides of the trails, so be careful to stay on the trail.

At the end of the Interpretive Trail section of the loop, you reach a well maintained dirt trail through the chaparral that is a bit more challenging and ok for most kids. There's a few moderate hills to be aware of, making it somewhat of a challenge with a stroller but in my opinion, a do-able challenge. And of course, you can always turn around and take the Interpretive Trail back. 

The loop trail continues on the left.

One of the moderate hills on the trail.

You go about .4 mile back towards Greenmeadow. Before you get to the street you will see a bench on the west side of the trail. Do be aware that there is no sidewalk on this section of Greenmeadow as you walk back towards the parking area. More information and a map available on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at www.cosf.org/website/html/oak-creek-canyon.html.

Rincon Beach Park at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County Line

Rincon Beach Park is near the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line just a few miles east of Carpinteria. Just take the Bates Road offramp off the 101 Freeway (or type in Bates Road and Rincon Point Road, Carpinteria). Take Bates to the ocean and on the right you'll find plenty of free parking and easy beach access, with picnic tables and restrooms.

If you make a left turn off of Bates, there's a separate parking lot for Rincon Point, part of Carpinteria State Beach, one of the most popular surf destinations in the world. There are a couple of restrooms on this side also, albeit not particularly pleasant ones to use.

Campfires are not allowed on the beach.

To learn more about Rincon Beach Park or to reserve the picnic table, visit www.countyofsb.org/842/Rincon-Beach-Park or call 805.568.2465.

Views from the picnic area at Rincon Beach Park

This sign always makes for great conversation starters at Rincon Beach Park

Reagan Ranch at Malibu Creek State Park

Most folks start their day at Malibu Creek State Park from the main parking lot area off of Las Virgenes Road or perhaps by parking on Mulholland Highway at Las Virgenes and hiking in via the Grassland Trail to Crags Road, the main artery within the park. Another approach into the park is the Reagan Ranch, accessible from a parking area located off of Lake Vista Drive, just south of the juncture of Cornell Road and Mulholland Highway. What's nice about this parking area is that there is no charge for parking.

Ronald Reagan bought this 300+ acre ranch in 1951 and subsequently sold it to 20th Century Fox as a movie ranch in 1966 after he became Governor of California. It was later sold to the State and made part of Malibu Creek State Park.

After parking your car in the lot, walk up the paved road where you will see some older ranch buildings. These are used by California State Parks employees and are not accessible by the general public. But you may feel an aura of Reagan back here.

The "Yearling Trail" leads you towards the heart of Malibu Creek State Park. Less than 2 miles to Century Lake, just over 2 miles to the Visitor Center and 2.7 miles to the M*A*S*H site. Stay on the main trail, which about a mile in starts on an uphill. You'll see a sign that indicates you are on the "Lookout Trail." Continue on this trail and you will soon see why they call it that - look out and you will have great views of the main park and of Century Lake.

There are several other trails you can explore too back here.

More info on Malibu Creek State Park at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614

Westward Beach In Malibu

Westward Beach is about a mile strip of beach in Malibu, sandwiched between Zuma Beach and Zuma Lagoon on the northwest and Point Dume State Beach on the east.

This nice beach has both parallel street parking available on Westward Beach Road and a paid parking lot (which on a Sunday can cost $14; weekdays are less).

What I also like about Westward Beach is its close proximity to the Point Dume Natural Preserve, and the periodic sightings of seals, dolphins and other sea life.

Westward Beach generally is not as swim-friendly as nearby Zuma Beach as the waves are choppier and less duration and higher impact. While we've taken the boogie boards into the ocean here, we weren't particularly successful at catching waves here. That said...my little ones love playing in the sand and running from the waves here.

Another cool thing at the southwest end of the beach is a sheer cliff used for rock climbing.

There are restrooms available here as well as an outdoor shower facility.

Location/Directions: Take Kanan south to PCH and turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill. Call 310.457.8143 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=623 for more information.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens in Santa Barbara

Located at 1500 Santa Barbara Street, adjacent to Alameda Park, Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens is a beautiful botanic garden with over 75 tree and plant species. There's also a large koi pond with ducks and turtles floating around, picnic area, gazebo and walking paths. 

Formerly at this spot was the El Mirasol Hotel, which was purchased and donated to the city in 1975. An anonymous donor provided the funds to acquire the property, which was later was revealed to be Alice Keck Park (after she passed away), daughter of William Myron Keck, the founder of Superior Oil Company (now part of ExxonMobil).

Visit the City of Santa Barbara website at www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/horticulture/alicekeck.asp or call 805.564.5418 to make reservations.

Mission Historical Park and A.C. Postel Garden in Santa Barbara

Directly across the street from the Old Santa Barbara Mission is the 8 acre Mission Historical Park (at the corner of Los Olivos and Laguna Street). The centerpiece of this park is the A.C. Postel Mission Rose Garden which has a stunning All American Rose Garden with over 1,500 rose plants. It is appealing to both your sense of sight and sense of smell.

Albinger Archaeological Museum in Ventura

The Albinger Archaeological Museum, located at 113 E. Main Street in Ventura, is open to the public Saturdays from 11am to 5pm (as of May 2022 - but check with the Museum at 805-658-4726 for any updates. Admission to the museum is free.

Named after Ventura Mayor from 1969 to 1973, Albert R. Albinger, the museum is built on the home site of saloonkeeper and early mayor Angel Escondon and displays artifacts spanning 3,500 years of Ventura history, encompassing five different cultures (Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and circa 1850 U.S.) from a single archaeological site next to the San Buenaventura Mission.

In 1973 the buildings which stood at the museum's location were demolished as part of the Mission Plaza Urban Redevelopment Project. Archaeological testing suggested the existence of rich cultural remains beneath the soil. The Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Buenaventura authorized intensive archaeological investigations and during the summers of 1974 and 1975 archaeological excavations uncovered more than 30,000 artifacts. Each artifact was carefully cleaned, numbered, cataloged and studied. In order to protect and preserve this part of the City’s heritage, the property was withdrawn from the redevelopment project. In 1975 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Ventura Mission Historic District. In January 1980 the City of San Buenaventura opened the Albinger Archaeological Museum. 

Displays of stone bowls, a tomol (plank canoe reproduction), shell beads, arrowheads, bone whistles, crucifixes, bottles, buttons and pottery inside the exhibit building are complemented outside by excavations of the foundations of the lost Mission church, Native American barracks, well and the oldest standing structure in Ventura, the mission water filtration building.

More information at www.cityofventura.net/albinger.

Rocky Peak Park in Simi Valley

The 4,800 acre Rocky Peak Park is located in the Santa Susana Mountains, adjacent to the 118 freeway between Yosemite Avenue and Rocky Peak Road in Simi Valley. It is visually stunning to see as you drive up the 118 grade east towards the San Fernando Valley.

View of Rocky Peak Park from Highway 118 driving eastbound

There are large sandstone structures, unusually balanced rocks, caves and other interesting formations throughout Rocky Peak Park. Plenty to explore and views abound!

The main entrance to the park is the Rocky Peak Trail, which runs north/south over about five miles of fire roads. It is moderately strenuous, with lots of hard, rocky surfaces, so make sure to wear solid shoes for this trail. Be prepared for panoramic views of Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley as the trail is nearly on the Ventura/Los Angeles County line.

To get there from the west, take the 118 east to Rocky Peak Road. The trailhead is across (north of) the freeway, but parking is very limited, so plan to park on Santa Susana Pass Road, where plenty of street parking is available - just turn right at the end of the offramp and you’re there.

Lots of rocky surfaces on the Rocky Peak Trail as you can see

Trails that intersect the Rocky Peak Trail going east/west include the Hummingbird Creek Trail, Chumash Trail and Las Llajas Canyon Trail. Not far into Rocky Peak Trail you'll see a sign that indicates the Hummingbird Creek Trail.

No doubt about it...you'll have some really nice views of Simi Valley from up here!

After reaching the 2,715 foot Rocky Peak and taking in the views, if you're up to it you can continue north where you will pass by the Chumash Trail and Las Llajas Canyon Trail.

The Rocky Peak Trail terminates north of Blind Canyon in Las Llajas Canyon. You must then double back to return to the trailhead, or take the three mile Chumash Trail down to the westernmost boundary of the property at the end of Flanagan Drive in Simi Valley.

Chumash Trail is about 3 miles of steady climb from Flanagan Drive. To get to the Chumash Trail trailhead, take the 118 to Yosemite, go north, turn right on Flanagan to the end. Park on the street.

The Hummingbird Trail was built by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, starting near Kuehner Drive and the 118 Freeway. The trail leads up to the main Rocky Peak Trail. During and just after the rainy season, the trail passes cascades flowing down the sandstone boulders and cliffs. It is about 2 miles or so each way. Take the 118 to Kuehner, go north to the parking area about a quarter of a mile away.

Clearly marked sign on Rocky Peak Trail showing the Hummingbird Trail turnoff

Rocky Peak Park is maintained by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Learn more at mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/rocky-peak-park. Dogs are allowed on these trails on leash.

Peering down upon the northwest San Fernando Valley from Rocky Peak.

Click here for 50 or so hikes and trails throughout Ventura County.

Getty Center in Brentwood

Atop a 900 foot hill in the Santa Monica Mountains adjacent to the 405 freeway, Getty Center is a 24 acre complex that is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Getty Center opened in December 1997 and is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum, which has another location called The Getty Villa.

This is one of those "must absolutely see" places for every local resident and visitor to the Los Angeles area. It is a spectacular and pristine, inside and out.

There are five main pavilions in the complex. The North Pavilion (on the immediate left after you walk through the Entrance Hall) contains pre-1700 art, including paintings on the upper level and sculptures and decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts and changing exhibitions on the main level. Adjacent to the North Pavilion is the East Pavilion, which contains paintings and sculptures and decorative arts from the 1600 to 1800 time frame.

The South Pavilion also contains art from 1600 to 1800. The West Pavilion contains art post-1800 as well as the Center for Photographs. Finally, the Exhibitions Pavilion contains rotating exhibitions.

Stroll to the terraces on the south side of the complex and you'll be treated to panoramic views stretching to the San Bernadino Mountains, Century City, and the Pacific Ocean. You'll also be treated to a view of the Cactus Garden desert landscape in the South Promontory. The 134,000 sq ft Central Garden, large grassy area and stream leading into a pool with an azalea maze. You've got to see it to appreciate the beauty.

There are also outdoor sculptures throughout the complex, starting in the area where you wait for the tram that takes you up to the Center, in the Arrival Area in front of the Entrance Hall and in and around the restaurant and garden areas.

The Center displays some of the most recognizable pieces in the world from artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, and so many others. The photography display is also outstanding.

Irises by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh

There are several restaurants on the complex. I've eaten at the Garden Terrace Cafe located between the Exhibitions Pavilion and the Central Garden and it was good. Packaged, fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and other items are available.

To learn more, visit www.getty.edu/museum. Admission is free. Parking in the seven story underground lot near the bottom of Getty Center Drive is $15 ($10 after 3pm). Hours are 10am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.

There is a free tram that takes you to the top of the hill, or you can walk up the hill (it actually is not that bad, a 15 to 20 minute walk for most). Located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles.

I could go on and on...if you are not an art fan, don't worry. The views alone are worth the visit. But once you step foot in this amazing place you will be awestruck.

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.

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.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR OVER 50 LOCAL HIKES AND TRAILS IN VENTURA COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

COMPILIATION OF ALL SORTS OF HIKES AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The hill greens up nicely in the spring.