This is an amazing park that is nestled into a relatively new development that butts up to the…read moremountains. Despite being close to a large development, it does not take long to get away from the views of housing. Once you move away from the development, you will have amazing views of the mountains, ridges, and potential sunsets. Plus you have an opportunity to visit the windmill, see dice (made from cement blocks) and an opportunity to swing on the tire. The trailhead is located in the south central part of Simi Valley. You can enter Runkle Canyon trail via two trailheads. One of the trailheads is just below Runkle Canyon Park and the other is accessed from the corner of Sequoia Ave and Fir avenue. The park does have a designated parking lot, but for some reason on 9.1.2025, the parking lot was closed. Despite the parking lot being closed, there is tons of parking on the street near the park or within the subdivision. Just be mindful of the neighbors. There are multiple trails within the park. We traveled down a trail that was approximately 7 miles roundtrip with some significant elevation gain. The hike took a little over 2 hours at about 17-20 minute pace per a mile. I would say the hike is moderate- hard due to the elevation. Note the trail is not shaded, so be prepared for hot sunny days. Bring plenty of water and a good brimmed hat. I look forward to exploring more trails at this park.

One of the best trails out there. Especially with the little rains replenishing the greenery. Try…read moreto wear shoes with more grip. Gorgeous views at every step. Sunrise and sunsets are spectacular.

Located next to the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory/Rocketdyne facility, home to Burro Flats…read morePainted Cave, this location has tons of history to read about before you visit. It was surprising to learn that the park was named after the family that once owned the property and not the plant. The 625-acre park has only one trail, the 2.5-mile Loop Trail. Currently there is a detour route in effect due to environmental clean-up of skeet-shooting debris. The detour bisects through the center of the original trail. There original sections of the trail are wide and well-marked with intermittent signage. The detour portion is more narrow and overgrown in areas. The highlight of the trail are the sandstone rock formations. There are a number of small caves and rock shelters that you can explore. Reaching the rock formations require a short trek through tall grasses. If you decide to go off trail I recommend wearing long pants and hiking shoes with good tread. Be sure to watch closely for rattlesnakes. I picked the right time visit since there were tons of blooming wildflowers. Unfortunately the flowers also brought the bees that you will hear buzzing in the background if you visit in the spring. It was not very crowded the day I visited. I suggest parking in the lower parking lot if you want to avoid paying the parking fee. Bathrooms are available onsite.

One of my favorite trails in Simi. I like to park on the road that leads you the Reagan Library and…read morewalk up the side with the paved road. Great for beginners, and takes about 30 minutes to complete walking up to the cross and back down. The views are breathtaking! You can see pretty much all of Simi, and the surrounding mountains.

I had so much fun this past Thursday evening hiking up to the Mount McCoy cross! The meetup group I…read morejoined met at a parking lot where we walked across the street and then up a hill in a residential area which then led to the trailhead entrance. Once started, all roads lead up to the same place so you can go up steeper paths or stay on the lighter incline path and you will still come out at the top. I am still a beginner and I can't make it as fast as the group so I took my time feeling confident because I knew I couldn't get lost. The hike definitely pushes you and when you suddenly come out at the top you feel really great both physically and mentally. Apparently there's another trail near the Presidential library that's easier and paved, but I loved the harder path. At the top everyone likes to go up and touch the cross, at least everyone in my group did, and then there's benches nearby to sit and watch the sunset. Going down is easy and leads right back out. I loved this trail and I did bring my Foster dog Drew with me (he's still available for adoption if anyone is looking he's a Bone Face Shar Pei, sweetest boy ever and he loves adventures) and going past others is easy I didn't have any issues passing others with their dogs going the other way. I definitely recommend this hike at least even once just to see the sunset because it is very beautiful.

There were so many native plants even though most things were dead this time of year. I got to see…read morewhite sage, purple sage, deerweed, black walnut, coastal live oak, buffalo gourd and a few other plants. Sadly there was some nonnative and a ton of invasive weeds such as the caster plant that castor oil is made from. Apparently the fruits of that plant are VERY toxic and can kill a human so I wish those plants were removed. Parking is very ample and it appears to be a hidden gem in some ways. I went on a recent Sunday morning and really enjoyed it.

Perfect day for a short hike/walk. With recent rains Happy Camp was extremely green and so fresh. A…read moregood hike for those with young children. We have two toddlers and we didn't finish, but had a wonderful time exploring. We even saw a few poppies! Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills in Moorpark, the views on the trail are breathtaking. A good fall, winter and spring hike. Not the most challenging, but great for a quick walk. We saw a few people on horseback, and only passed a handful of other hikers. I love an uncrowded trail Free parking and easy to get to. Not challenging or long but great views and fun. Looking forward to bringing the pup and kids again!

This is a very special hike. Just over 6 miles to complete this hike. You start this hike at last…read morellajas then you turn off the trail and go uphill. The turn off point is not marked so best to go with a knowledge person. Your reward on this hike is to see the remains of machinery from when this area was mined. Plus you'll see really cool fossils of shells. Who would know that you would see this in Simi Valley. Lastly there is amazing views from this trail. In a clear day you might be able to see the ocean. This hike is totally worth the climb!

I was just coming out of Covid and chose this as it's a simpler trail, but I must say that I truly…read moreenjoyed this hike much more than anticipated. The 'mine' is NOT what you have pictured in your head; It's an old Limestone strip mine (1929-35), so there's no mine to spelunk, there is a cool backhoe that makes a great subject to capture with the stunning views. The trailhead starts off simply in a fire road, stay left or right, because trucks, towing horse trailers, and a lot of bikes come by. Well this part of the trail is also very nice, it's not until you get on the actual trail that you start gaining good elevation and her horizon from every angle is spectacular. Now, don't miss the turn for the trail; if you hit the 2 mile marker on the fire road, then you will have to turn around and go back, keep all trails open to make sure you had the right way. Extremely maintained trail, easy parking and an excellent trail that you can take other trailsfor as long as your legs will last.

Since it sits on hill, it's usually a cooler than the rest of the parks in MPRK. And like many of…read morethe other parks in town there's basketball court, a barbeque area, children's playground, tennis courts and a large open grass area. Doggie poop bags available so, no excuse for not picking-up after your hooch. Bathrooms are relatively clean and are well maintained and stocked with hand soap. No golfing is allowed. I think the large open area has attracted golfers to 'hit some balls', but, too many kiddos and homes around. I'm rating 4 stars because of the lack of trees. I like the open area but, the park needs some shade.

Las Llajas is such a great hike. Dogs are allowed. Not too much of an incline…read more Plenty of mountain bikers too. We usually go in 3.5 miles to the fork where the windmill is and back out for 7 miles total. You can keep going and connect to other nearby trails for added distance. There is not much shade so it's best to go early before the heat. The trailhead is in a residential area with plenty of parking.

This is always one of my favorite low key hikes in Simi Valley when I do not feel like hiking an…read moreincline. The trailhead is tucked away in a residential area. From the road to the end, is approximately 6.6 miles. Off the main trail, there are hikes that will take you into the mountains. You can also connect this trail to Rocky Peak Trail. On the trail you will find people hiking, biking, and jogging. From time to time you may encounter vehicles as at the end of the trail there is private property. You may also encounter cows along the trail. In addition, you may see a wide range of birds, including owls, bats, coyotes, snakes and frogs/toads. Be on the look out for rattle snakes- especially when its warm and the sun is out. As for parking, there is plenty of on street parking by the trailhead.

Los Robles Trail in Thousand Oaks provides easy to moderate hiking trails. Trails provide some…read moreelevation to get your heart going but nothing too drastic. The trail provides opportunities to catch some great sunsets at the top. Plus the trail provides some shade under beautiful Oak trees. The trail does get a lot of mountain bikers so be prepared. Plus in the summertime stay alert to potential snakes. At the trailhead there is a small parking lot. Additional parking can be found on the street. Happy tails!

What a gorgeous trail!…read more Birds, beautiful trees, lovely trails and of course, nature itself. You'll get some great elevation work in and your body will thank you for the workout. You'll be refreshed and clearheaded after your adventure. Mountain bikers also use these trails so keep your ears open. On the day I was hiking, we came across quite a few who rang bills as the approached and were super polite and courteous. No bathrooms, just incase you were wondering although there is a parking area or street parking for your car if the lots are full. Remember to use your sunscreen and have a time!