Hiking to the Waterfall in Pt Mugu State Park from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

One of the most popular hikes in the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa open space in Newbury Park is to a small waterfall in the adjacent Boney Mountain Wilderness. The hike is about 3 1/2 miles round-trip from the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and is a moderate hike that can be done by all ages.

Keep in mind that in drought years, there’s sometimes not more than a trickle flowing down this waterfall, while in rainier years like 2023-2024, the waterfall is quite active. In either case, it’s a fun hike to do.

You have two primary options for where to start the hike. You can drive into the Rancho Sierra Vista park entrance on Via Goleta in Newbury Park and park in a lot that is a brief walk to the Culture Center, or you can park at the Wendy Drive and Potrero Road trailhead and add an another two miles, round trip, to your adventure.

The entrance to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa at Via Goleta, 1 mile west of Reino Road.

The trailhead where Wendy Road ends at Potrero Road in Newbury Park

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is a small building open from 9am to 4pm on weekends (as of April 2024) where you can learn about native Chumash items and local wildlife.

Next to the Culture Center, you'll see multiple paths, all of which can get you to your destination, but the most direct path is the Satwiwa Loop Trail seen on the left, which crosses through a meadow that can be quite green and beautiful in late Winter/early Spring and dry and brown the rest of the year. An alternate route is on the right of the picture above - the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail (paved road) to the Boney Mountain Trail, where you'll take a left.

Satwiwa Loop Trail section that takes you diagonally through the meadow. Seen here when it is nice and green.

At the end of the meadow, continue straight up a fairly steep hill, where on the right hand side you'll see the Sycamore Canyon Overlook bench shown below.

bench on sycamore canyon overlook

Hike up the moderately steep and rocky path up the hill behind the bench and you'll reach another fork in the road. If you veer left at this juncture you'll be on the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Stay to the right and you'll be entering the Boney Mountain Wilderness area within Point Mugu State Park.

Sign that shows you the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail is on the left.

Veering right into the State of California managed Pt Mugu State Park; as you can see, dogs are not allowed in the back country area of the park.

This trail is referred to as Danielson Road, named after the last private owner of these lands. The path down into the canyon is seen below (taken from a higher point en route to the Danielson Monument).

View of the initial section of Danielson Road trail down into the canyon; this is the path you will be taking towards the waterfall.

Danielson Road is a bit on the steep side but I see folks young and old walking up and down this section all the time. Seen here in very dry conditions.

THIS IS THE OLD SIGN, WHEN IT WAS CALLED DANIELSON ROAD (PRIOR TO 2024)

NEW SIGN IN 2024 SHOWING THE “OLD CABIN TRAIL” INSTEAD OF DANIELSON ROAD.

After .4 mile, you will reach the bottom of the canyon and see the sign above, the final sign indicating you are on your way to the Waterfall Trail. Then you will cross a creek bed, which can have water in it after the rains. The photo taken below in January 2015 shows minimal moisture, making it easy to cross. Some years you may have to rock hop your way a bit over the creek.

Creek bed crossing on the way to the waterfall IN 2015

Creek Crossing in April 2024.

After you cross the creek, the remainder of the trail to the waterfall is single track. Be careful not to come in contact with poison oak often seen on the sides of the trails. For this reason, I would generally not recommend strollers be taken up here.

Soon you will reach the final fork in the road. Go straight and soon you will be at the waterfall. To the right, the Old Cabin Trail (formerly Danielson Road Trail) continues upward to the Danielson Monument.

the waterfall in april 2024.

OTHER HIKES AND TRAILS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Twelve of My Favorite Things To Do in the City of Simi Valley

The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, less than 3 months after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon. The City covers 42 square miles and as of 2013 was home to just over 126,000 people. Simi Valley is neighbors with Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley.

According to the City's website, the name of the Chumash Indian Village “Shimiji” is believed to be the origin of the City’s name and Ta’apu is the origin of the names of Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon.

But enough of that. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Simi Valley.

I love hiking the Long Canyon Trail, with its views of Wood Ranch, Bard Lake and the rest of Simi Valley (not to mention you can hike to Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks from here).

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a 220 seat theater at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue that hosts musicals, concerts, exhibits, children's theater and other events year-round.  The theater is a landmark Gothic structure built in the 1920s that was named Ventura County Historical Landmark #67 in July 1981. Visit www.simi-arts.org to learn more.

Views from the Long Canyon Trail

The magnificent Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a major draw to Simi Valley. This 243,000 sq ft museum at the top of 100 acres of land is a must see for its interactive displays, history, Air Force One and outstanding rotating exhibits. And the views, particularly on clear days, are quite memorable.

Lazertag Axtreme opened in the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley in 2013 and at over 5,000 sq ft is a great indoor, multi-level laser tag facility and arcade.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a historical and cultural landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on a residential lot that contains shrines, walkways, sculptures and buildings from recycled items and discards, built over a 25 year old period by Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey. An eyesore to some, a one-of-a-kind treasure to others. Open periodically to the public as the site is restored.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10049 and Simi Valley Town Center host an impressive display at the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. There are hundreds of military posters and historical artifacts on display that have been graciously provided by local veterans and collectors.

Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia in Simi Valley

There are no bowling alleys in the Conejo Valley, which means we have to drive elsewhere for our bowling fix! The closest bowling alley to the center of Thousand Oaks is Harley's Simi Bowl, about 10 miles away off of Highway 23 and Madera Road. This is a 24 lane alley that gets the job done.

The other bowling alley in Simi Valley is on the east end, about 20 miles from Thousand Oaks. Harley's Valley Bowl (formerly Brunswick Zone) has 40 lanes and a large arcade/game room area. Another great choice for fun in Simi Valley. Now why is it that Simi has 64 bowling lanes yet we still have none in the Conejo Valley? Sheesh.

The Mt. McCoy Trail is located on the west side of Simi Valley, just a short hop, skip and jump around the corner from the Reagan Library. You can't miss the hill because there's a large, white cross at the top. A bit over a mile of well-maintained switchbacks takes you to the top.

Views galore from Mt. McCoy Trail peak.

Simi Valley Days takes place in mid-September each year over a four day period. The event has a long history, going back to 1934. It is a community celebration with carnival rides, games, live music, vendors, food, a parade and much more. 

Visit a fully restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot circa 1903 with both freight and passenger trains rushing by day and night at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad. Open on weekends from 1-4 pm, the depot is also home to the Santa Susana Model Railroad Club’s large operating HO scale model railroad, in a layout that portrays Simi Valley during the mid 1950’s. This is a lot of fun to see. And outside, you and the kids will be treated to up close views of Amtrak and Metrolink passenger trains rolling by. Wave and they'll honk at you.

The pristine Studio Movie Grill opened at the Simi Valley Town Center in October 2015. This 41,000 sq ft theater features 9 screens and over 950 seats. 

There is plenty more to see and do in Simi Valley that is not on this particular list. Check out:

• Upcoming events in Simi Valley

• Things to do in Simi Valley (all ages)

• Things to do in Simi Valley (geared towards kids)

• Fitness and sports activities in Simi Valley

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County

America's 248th birthday is Thursday, July 4, 2024! Here is a compilation of local holiday events and activities in celebration of Independence Day.

Fireworks Display Summary for 2024:

• Wednesday 7/3: Moorpark, Fillmore

• Thursday 7/4: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Ojai, Camarillo, Ventura, Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Paula (NEW: Drone Show), Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills

• Sunday 7/7: Agoura Hills (Drone Show)

4th of July celebration parades to take place in Westlake Village, Ventura, Ojai, Channel Islands Harbor and Carpinteria (July 6).

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at Janss Marketplace and The Oaks Mall parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Patriotic music simulcast by KHAY 100.7.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around town include a $5 family Pancake Breakfast and Home Run Derby in the morning at Borchard Park in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park at 5pm at Conejo Community Park and free swimming from noon to 4pm at CLU and NPHS pools.

Pancake Breakfast from 8am to noon at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge, 158 N. Conejo School Road. Pancakes, bacon or sausage links, coffee and juice for $7. Veterans eat free.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks once again will be hosting a free viewing of the fireworks along with live music and family activities starting at 5pm on the 4th. Wristbands required to gain access to entertainment and activities on the rooftop of the parking garage starting at 5pm. (NEW: Three additional paid ticket options for early access, etc.)

Independence Day Festivities at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park will take place on Wednesday, July 3rd from 1-4PM.

Great view of the T.O. fireworks show from the Fatburger parking lot. CLICK HERE for more information.

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks at 200 West Bethany Court once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Fireworks Viewing from its parking lot. Starts at 6pm and fills up quickly - they have free children’s activities, inflatables and more. Refreshments available for purchase. www.bethanyto.org

4th of July Essentials

Westlake Village

The Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park starts at 9:30am at the corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura Roads, culminating at Berniece Bennett Park.

The City of Westlake Village presents its 8th Annual Fireworks Spectacular Show from the Westlake Village Golf Course, with additional viewing locations available. Activities begin at 6pm, including family-friendly activities, music and food trucks. The show will start at 9:10pm.

Moorpark (3rd of July)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road once again. A fun family event with festivities (games, food, entertainment) starting at 4pm. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the gate. Onsite parking $5 (advance purchase only.)

Simi Valley

The Reagan Presidential Library 4th of July Celebration is back this year from 10am to 3pm on July 4th, featuring patriotic music, family entertainment, games, crafts and more.

The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration on July 4th at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue. Gates open at 3pm. There will be music, food and craft vendors, beer and wine, shopping and a free kids’ fun zone. And of course, fireworks! Event is free of charge but VIP passes are available.

Calabasas

The City of Calabasas will not be hosting fireworks on July 4, 2024 due to construction at Calabasas High School. However, they will still be offering the Lakeside Fun Run 4 and 2 mile runs in the morning and Summer Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center from noon to 5pm.

Camarillo

The City of Camarillo is hosting a July 4rth Fireworks Show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets again this year at 9pm. Park and enjoy the fireworks. Last entry is 8:45 pm.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

The Channel Islands Harbor 4th of July Family Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing. Then from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. there will be farmers’ market vendors and other activities at Harbor View Park.

Central Coast Electric Boats and Channel Islands Yacht Club present their Annual 4th of July Electric Boat Parade around the east and west channels of Channel Islands Harbor on July 4th at p.m. More than 75 patriotic-themed electric boats will be participating.

The Channel Islands Harbor will be offering activities and entertainment all day, followed by Fireworks by the Sea at 9pm on the 4th of July.

Ventura

The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Festival and Annual Pushem-Pullem Parade are back this year, with the parade starting at 10am, street fest on Main Street and side streets with artisans, food booths, vendor displays and live music.

Ventura Rotary hosts its Annual Fireworks Show and Family Picnic this year on July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Fields starting at 5pm, featuring a family picnic, live music, kids' fun zone, followed by fireworks show at 9pm. Tickets $10 for ages 13+ and $5 for ages 4-12.

Ojai

The annual Ojai Independence Day Parade will take place at 10am on Thursday, July 4th.

Live music and fireworks show will take place on July 4th at Nordhoff High School Stadium, starting at 6 pm (gates open at 5:30pm). Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm. Presale tickets for the nighttime event are available at www.4thofjulyinojai.com. $10 adults, $5 for kids, $25 family of 4 pass. (pre-sale)

Free concert on Wednesday, July 3rd at Libbey Bowl at 6:30pm featuring the Ojai Band.

Pancake breakfast at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 East Ojai Ave from 7am to 10am on July 4th hosted by the Ojai Lions Club. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

Fillmore

The 38th Annual Sespe Creek Car Show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th on Central Avenue in Downtown Fillmore.

The City of Fillmore is hosting its annual fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3rd at 9pm at the Fillmore Middle School athletic field, 532 A Street. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their homes and city parks.

Santa Paula

The City of Santa Paula and Rotary Club of Santa Paula are hosting a 4th of July DRONE Show on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd, starting at 9 p.m. Spectators are welcome to enter the fields at 5 p.m.

Agoura Hills

There will be a fun Drone Show after the free concert at Chumash Park on Sunday, July 7th (featuring Fantastic Diamond).

Woodland Hills

Valley Cultural Foundation presents a July 4th Extravaganza at 6pm, featuring live music, then fireworks at 9pm.

Carpinteria

The 27th Annual Rods and Roses Classic Car Show will take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 6th in Downtown Carpinteria, followed by an Independence Parade at 3:30pm.

Santa Barbara

The City of Santa Barbara is planning fireworks at West Beach at 9 p.m. this year and there will be other festivities during the day.

Malibu

The City of Malibu does not host a public fireworks display but the LA County Fire Dept approves permits for private fireworks displays off of barges in the ocean.

List of Los Angeles County public fireworks shows at THIS LINK.

List of City of Los Angeles public fireworks shows at THIS LINK.

U.S. National Park Service Free Entrance Days

There are over 400 national parks covering over 84 million acres throughout the United States and its territories.  The majority of these parks do not charge entrance fees (though parking fees often apply). As for the roughly 110 national parks that do have entrance fees, there are a number of designated "fee free" days each year.

Here are the National Park Service Free Entrance Days in 2024:

• January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

• April 20 (First Day of National Park Week)

• June 19: (Juneteenth National Independence Day)

• August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act)

• September 28 (National Public Lands Day)

• November 11 (Veterans Day)

The parks that normally charge a fee that are free on the above dates are listed at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm. California parks in this category include:

• Cabrillo National Monument

• Death Valley National Park

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Lava Beds National Monument

• Muir Woods National Monument

• Pinnacles National Monument

• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

• Sequoia National Park

• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

• Yosemite National Park

Plenty of other amazing national treasures are on this list, like Grand Canyon National Park.

And of course there are two national parks in Ventura County that are always worth exploring:

• Channel Islands National Park

• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

For more information about the National Park Service, visit www.nps.gov.

Over 40 Things to Do in the City of Simi Valley

The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, making it the 2nd youngest of the 10 cities in Ventura County (Moorpark was incorporated in 1983). It is the 3rd largest city in Ventura County in population (approximately 126,000 in 2018), following Oxnard and Thousand Oaks.

What do all those people like to do in the City of Simi Valley? Well here we will tell you things to do there.

Trails and Hikes

• Mt McCoy Trail

• Corriganville Park

• Chumash Trail

• Rocky Peak Park (and Hummingbird Creek, Chumash and Las Llajas Trails)

• Long Canyon Trail

View from Mt McCoy Trail Peak

Sports and Recreation

• Arroyo Simi Bike Path

• Oak Park Campground

• Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Programs

• Rancho Simi Community Pool

• Simi Valley Batting Cages

• Rancho Tapo Community Park

• Rancho Simi Community Park

• Harley's Bowl

• Harley's Valley Bowl

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Simi Hills Golf Course

• Sinaloa Golf Course

Museums and History

• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

• Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

• Strathearn Historical Park and Museum

• Museum of Military Posters and Historic Memorabilia

• Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum at Simi Valley Town Center

Other Activities

• Simi Valley Town Center

• Studio Movie Grill

• Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

• The Vivid Canvas Art Studio

• Simi Valley Public Library

• Nightlife Options in Simi Valley

• As You Wish Pottery Painting Place

Geared Towards Kids

• Rockin' Kids Play Center

• LazerTag Axtreme

• Open Gym at Platinum Sports Center

• Big Z Family Fun Center

Popular Annual Events

• Simi Valley Street Fair (Fall)

• Round-Up Rock and Country Music Extravaganza (Spring)

• Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Music Fest (June)

• Happy Face Music Festival (Memorial Day Weekend)

This is just some of the great things to do in Simi Valley. Check the other section of CVG, including the Events Calendar, Local Events, Kid Fun , Do Something and Fitness and Sports.

California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program Provides Affordable Insurance for Those Eligible

Auto insurance is a requirement if you have a valid driver's license and drive a vehicle in the state of California. The California Low Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance program is a state-sponsored program that makes auto insurance more affordable to those meeting eligibility requirements.

To qualify, you must 1) have a valid California driver's license; 2) own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less; 3) meet income eligibility guidelines; and 4) be at least 16 (under 18 must be legally emancipated) or older.

Maximum income requirements are based on the size of your household. As of 2024, that maximum is $37,650 for a household size of 1, increasing by $13,450 for each additional household member (e.g. household of 4 maximum income is $78,000.

Annual premiums vary by county. If you live in Ventura County, have been licensed continuously for 3 years and are not a 19-24 years of age and unmarried, your annual premium is $275 ($358 if you are an unmarried 19-24 year old).

While the premiums are great, the coverage is very limited. A basic policy includes only up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and up to $3,000 for property damage. Comprehensive and collision is not included in these policies (they would have to be purchased separately).

Learn more and sign up at www.mylowcostauto.com.