Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura

Look for this address sign on Foothill Road to access the trailhead.

Established in 2020, the Harmon Canyon Preserve is owned and managed by the Ventura Land Trust. The 2,100 acre preserve located at 7511 Foothill Road, Ventura (just west of Kimball Road) contains about 6 1/2 miles of well-maintained trails in the canyons and hills.

Open to hikers, bikers and runners. Dogs on leash allowed.

Free parking is available at the preserve trailhead off of McVittie Place. You can park on the west side of Kimball, or park a few blocks down Kimball and Loma Vista Road at Juanamaria Park, and walk a few blocks to the trailhead.

More details and trail map at www.venturalandtrust.org/harmoncanyon.

Trailhead

Old Jeep on the trail

Los Robles Trail West "Space Mountain"

"Space Mountain" is not the "official" name of the Los Robles Trail heading west from the South Moorpark Road and Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks trail access point but this mostly single track trail was affectionately named after the Disneyland ride due to its switchbacks and twists and turns to the top, where you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the Conejo Valley and beyond. These trails are particularly popular with mountain bikers who enjoy the rocky, single track trails, as well as hikers and runners.

From the main trailhead, go west just under 1/2 mile and you'll see the fork in the road where you can go east or west. Go west, young man (or woman).

After making your way up the hill to the right, you'll go down a hill to another fork in the road, where you can either veer slightly right to to the Spring Canyon Trail, which takes you about a mile to the Ventu Park area of Newbury Park. Veer to the left to continue on the Los Robles Trail West.

Only 4.7 miles from this juncture is the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa National Park area in Newbury Park. Some challenging miles for sure, but fun!

This section of the Los Robles Trail is mostly single track although some sections you can walk two-wide (though you'd best not do so, as there are many mountain bikes on these trails). Good to be aware of others on the trail.

I've attempted from time to time to count the number of switchbacks on my way up to the top of Space Mountain and back down and come up with something in the neighborhood of 8 to 10 of them. This is not a stroller friendly trail as it is steep, with plenty or rocks jutting out. An easy trail to twist your ankle if you're not careful.

A photo of a section of the Los Robles Trail West up Space Mountain.

It is roughly 3 miles to the top, where you will find one bench directly on the trail, facing a very short path to a viewing area with another bench.

Bench on the trail at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail.

The viewing bench at the very top of Space Mountain.

All told, this is roughly about 3.5 miles each way, or 7 miles round trip.

Los Robles Trail sign at the top of Space Mountain.

View fullsize

Views from the top of Space Mountain looking west toward the Conejo Grade.

And as mentioned above, you can continue west on the Los Robles Trail west into Newbury Park. Portions of the trail go through privately owned land, which the owner has generously made available for public trail access...so be sure to treat the trail with respect!

And last but not least, a view of the single track trail heading towards Newbury Park, where you will eventually connect with the Angel Vista Peak trail.

Single track with awesome, continuous views as you continue west into Newbury Park.

Rocky Oaks Nature Reserve in the Malibu Hills

Rocky Oaks is a 250 acre nature reserve that is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, located at the 31500 block of Mulholland Highway in Malibu, west of Kanan Road. The entrance is on the north side of Mulholland Highway. The park is managed by the National Park Service.

Rocky Oaks has various species of oak trees, some centuries old. The Overlook Trail takes you to a peak with gorgeous panoramic views while the Pond Trail (less than a mile round trip) takes you to a seasonal pond area which used to be part of a cattle ranch.

The Rocky Oaks Loop Trail is a 2.2 mile easy trail that is lined with sage. This is one of the more low key, easy to hike areas around town. It can get hot but at only 6 miles from PCH you can also feel some nice ocean breezes in these trails.

Learn more about Rocky Oaks and download a trail map at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rockyoaks.htm.

Pond is looking quite nice in late spring of 2017.

Los Robles Trail East in Thousand Oaks

The Los Robles Trail East in Thousand Oaks is accessible from the Los Robles Trail trailhead heading west from the corner of South Moorpark Road and Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks.

From the main trailhead, go west just under 1/2 mile and you'll see the fork in the road where you can go east or west. Head south (click here if you prefer going west) where you'll go towards the Los Robles Trail East.

A gradual uphill of about 1/2 mile on a wide fire road trail takes you to a picnic bench and then a more winding, partially shaded, narrower, eastbound section of trail.

Fire road that takes you to picnic bench.

Picnic bench at juncture of fire road and narrower, steeper Los Robles Trail East.

Another .6 mile gets you to a hill where you'll soon be treated to a reward for your hiking effort...a bench with a view of the Conejo Valley.

Los Robles Trail East near hilltop viewpoint with bench.

And the bench at the top. Nice view of the Conejo Valley, eh?

And the trail loops around with another bench on the other side of the trail looking south towards Hidden Valley.

Bench facing south.

The trail loops back around towards the main Los Robles Trail, where you can head back west again from where you came from, or head east towards the northern tip of the Los Padres Trail or stretch further east towards the Triunfo Canyon Trail and White Horse Canyon Trail.

Now go on, take a hike!

MB2 Raceway - Indoor Go Kart Facility in Thousand Oaks (CLOSED)

MB2 announced in February 2021 that it will no longer operate at 1475 Lawrence Drive in Newbury Park and that it will be relocating to Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. It is now August 2023 and there have been no updates.

MB2 Raceway opened a 60,000 square foot indoor kart racing facility at 1475 Lawrence Drive in Newbury Park in September 2008.

Established in 2006 in Sylmar, MB2 provides high performance indoor kart racing and related entertainment. MB2 fuses professionally designed ¼ mile road race circuits, high performance emissions free Italian (go) karts and a unique motor sports aesthetic theme, which together forms the successful consumer racing enterprise. MB2 regularly hosts professional drivers, leading action sports athletes, racing tournaments and private events.

The Newbury Park facility is really large and there's plenty of space to move around. Between races you can roam around, watch other racers, play pool, air hockey and arcade games or just hang out with your friends. Plenty of action and really lots of fun! Even if you're not really speedy in the karts, they are fun to try and the staff ensures that races are safe.

There are four rooms for birthday parties and corporate events. Several of the rooms are quite large.

MB2 is very popular for kids' parties. Kids need to be at least 48 inches tall to ride in the smaller kids' karts. My son had his 8th birthday party at MB2! A majority of the kids were trying it for the first time and they all had a blast.

Buy an Arrive & Drive single 14 lap race or an annual Track Pass membership that offers discounted race specials, free birthday racing and more.

For more information visit www.mb2raceway.com or call 805.214.9999. Open 7 days a week. Information specific to the Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park location at mb2raceway.com/locations/thousand-oaks.

Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Los Padres Trail is a short, 1 mile, neat little trail accessed on Los Padres Drive, near the corner of Fox Hills Drive in Thousand Oaks. Take Moorpark Road south of the 101 freeway and turn left on Los Padres Drive. The trailhead is clearly marked on the right hand side, The trail is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Foundation.

Surrounded by trees in the first section of the Los Padres Trail.

Short but sweet, the trail is.canopied by trees, several bridges, mostly single track trail and a bit of a climb (750 feet) as you make your way up to the Los Robles Trail junction. That's about a mile, so you can turn around there for a 2 mile round trip hike.

Where the Los Padres Trail meets the Los Robles Trail.

Or...you can turn right (west) and head your way up the wide, fire road sized section of the Los Robles Trail east. This is a bit of a climb, but pretty moderate and gradual. Crest the hill and you'll see a gate. Before the gate, on the left, is a picnic bench.

The Los Padres Trail is winding, uphill and wide in this section.

After you pass the sign below, there's a picnic bench on the left. You've climbed a couple miles. Time for a break before heading back down. Or turn left (east) and in 3 miles you're at Triunfo Park in the Los Padres Open Space via the Triunfo Canyon Trail. Or turn right (west) and you're off into the Los Robles Open Space. If you go straight ahead, you’ll reach a gate to Hidden Valley private property.

Gate at top of trail. Private property in Hidden Valley ahead.

Learn more on the COSF website at cosf.org/trails/los-robles/los-robles-easy-hike-los-padres-trail-to-los-robles-trail.

COMPILATION OF GREAT TRAILS AND HIKES AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

China Flat Trail in Oak Park

China Flat Trail can be reached off Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park, between King James Court and Wembly Avenue. The trail sits below Simi Peak, at 2,405 feet, the tallest peak in the Simi Hills.

My kids particularly enjoy exploring the sandstone caves pictured above and below. Beautiful views abound hiking up here. It does get a little rocky and steep at times so just be aware. It is about two miles to the top, making it about a 4 mile hike. Hike another .8 mile to Simi Peak.

Mysterious caves the kids enjoy exploring.

Here's a gate near to the top of the trail that tells you you are close to your destination.

Follow the trail to reach the China Flat area.

You can also get to China Flat from the Palo Comado Trail.

Sure is pretty up here when it is green!

View from Simi Peak towards Oak Park.

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara

Casa de la Guerra is one of the most important remnants of Santa Barbara's Spanish-Mexican heritage, along with El Presidio de Santa Bárbara (1782) and Mission Santa Barbara (1786). This adobe residence was constructed between 1818 and 1828 by Josè de la Guerra, the fifth comandante of the Presidio. In addition to his military post, de la Guerra ran an active commercial trade enterprise and served as a patriarch for the community.

His home was the social, political, and cultural center of Santa Barbara during the Mexican period. Descendants of Josè continued to occupy the building until 1943, when the Casa was fully incorporated into the El Paseo complex. In the 1990s, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation restored the building to its appearance between 1828 and 1858.

The adobe is now a museum, containing exhibits on the history of the de la Guerra family and the building, furnished period rooms, and rotating exhibits on Santa Barbara and Early California history.

Casa de la Guerra is a City Landmark, a California Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Museum hours are Saturday/Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Located at 13-15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara (just half a block off of State Street. Admission is Adult: $5, Senior (62+): $4, Children (under 16): Free (Note: Free admission to SB Presidio with purchase of admission to Casa de la Guerra).

Visit www.sbthp.org or call 805.965.0093 for more information.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park (123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara)

Marview Drive Trail in Thousand Oaks

Marview Drive Trail Trailhead in Thousand Oaks

If you're looking for a short, steep and sweet trail to hike up and down in Thousand Oaks, check out the trail on Marview Drive, just east of the entrance to Old Meadows Park at 1600 Marview Drive. Take Erbes Road and go west on Marview. After passing the residential section of the road, up ahead is Old Meadows Park and on the right is plenty of street parking across from the trailhead.

Short it definitely is. Only about a quarter of a mile to the top of the hill, but it will take you a bit longer than your typical hike because it is so steep, at least the first section.

Then toward the top it starts to flatten out, where you will discover panoramic views of the Conejo Valley. There's also quite a clear view of the 23 Freeway from up here!

At the top of the trail is a large, enclosed square fenced in with No Trespassing signs all over the place. This is a water tank. But you can walk around the area to the other side, where there's actually a trail and walkway that goes down to the St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.

So there you have it! A short, steep, but sweet little trail in the heart of Thousand Oaks!

Color Me Mine Thousand Oaks (CLOSED)

CLOSED IN APRIL 2022

Color Me Mine is a ceramic painting studio where you drop by anytime and select from over 400 ceramic pieces to design and paint. . For the price of a studio fee and the item you choose to paint, you can paint all day using 60+ colors and supplies! They glaze and fire your work in a kiln and your work of art will be available in 5 to 7 days.

The Thousand Oaks Color Me Mine location is at the Paseo Market Square in Thousand Oaks at 3707 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, near The Melting Pot.

More information at thousandoaks.colormemine.com.

Creative Castle in Newbury Park (CLOSED IN SEPTEMBER 2021)

CREATIVE CASTLE CLOSED ITS STORE IN SEPTEMBER 2021, AFTER 32 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Located at 2323 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, Creative Castle is a full service retail bead store with a full line of beads and beading products. Classes, private sessions and special events like trunk shows also offered. Currently (March 2021) open Tuesday and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Visit www.creativecastle.com or call 805.499.1377 for more information.

I stopped by on a Saturday morning to check out the shop. My jaw dropped when I saw how many different types of beads and decorative items packed the store. There was a large room in the back completely full of folks beading together. Looked like a lot of fun.

Not being a "beader" myself, I asked if I could bring the kids in and create something for mom, getting help as we go. The answer was, of course we can. There were several nice employees ready to help us out.

Senior Adult Centers Throughout Ventura County

Check THIS LIST of links to senior centers and recreation programs around Ventura County.

Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail

There is now an admission price of $7 per person Tues through Sun from 9am to 5pm. Kids are free. Fridays are free. Closed Mondays. Annual memberships are also available, which allow for unlimited free admission; $45 per person, $75 for families.

Additionally, dogs are allowed on Wednesdays and Fridays only and must be on leash.

Trails are intact but the plants were devastated by the Thomas Fire. Replanting and re-growth is in process.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail is a nearly 1 mile trail between Ventura City Hall and Grant Park. It opened in October 2012. The trail zig zags and meanders its way up to Grant Park, offering awesome views of downtown Ventura and the coastline. The trail is accessible behind Ventura City Hall, located at 567 South Poli Street. Take the driveway on the right side of City Hall (facing the building) and drive up to the parking area.

Funds continue to be raised to enhance the Demonstration Trail, provide for trail maintenance and augment it with a new trail and ultimately build a visitor center. Learn more at www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.

Access to the trail is on the right (east) side of Ventura City Hall.

There's a parking area at the bottom of the trail behind Ventura City Hall

The trail is decorated with pretty wildflowers and other California native plants

There are some neat rock walls on sections of the trail

A short walk will get you some pretty views!