One of my favorite trails in Simi. I like to park on the road that leads you the Reagan Library and walk 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. read more

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I had so much fun this past Thursday evening hiking up to the Mount McCoy cross! The meetup group I joined 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. read more

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There are two separate trails to the cross. The first is an intense incline straight up. The second trail zig zags gradually to the cross perfect for running. Overall, it's a great workout. read more

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This hike is a gem! When you look up the information on this hike, they rate it as a moderate hike. I would rate this hike as an advance beginner hike if you start at the trailhead! There are two routes to take from the trailhead: you can take the trail straight up the hill or you can do the switchbacks! Unless you are training, which includes steep inclines, I recommend the switchbacks from the trailhead! This trail is nice to do at sunset, as long as you are not concerned with coyotes! The view from the cross is amazing on a clear night! You get a lovely view of Simi Valley lights and on the other side you get a great view of the Ronald Reagan museum. Don't forget to bring a flashlight! At the top of the trail there is a bench to take in the view! You should also walk slightly pass the bench to see the cross. The trailhead is located at 4 Washburn Street. There is a trailhead sign on the other side of the "fence" within the subdivision. There is street parking within the neighborhood. Please be considerate of the neighbors with noise and the number of cars parked in front of houses! read more

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Inaccurate location. Lead me to a dead end. The location it gave me was a road right before a mountain. At the top there was no cross

Two ways to get here (at least) trail head from below, or from presidential drive. We came labor day morning, great views of Simi. Got here and little man said a short prayer. Unfortunately, both benches have been hit by vandalism, as well as the cross. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

I always enjoy a great hike. The trail will give you a great workout as you reach the water tower. The mix of flat and steep areas will allow you to break a good sweat while enjoying great views. If you have dogs they will enjoy this trail as well. read more

Mount McCoy Cross hiking trail is definitely a good workout, considering it's not very long. Is it the most beautiful of hikes? No not really. It does offer views of an Albertsons, 24 Hour Fitness, and a structure my friend told me was the Reagan Presidential Library but I'm not actually sure. You definitely feel a sense of accomplishment once you reach the cross but if you're looking to connect with nature... I'd pick another trail. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - The cross - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

There are a few different ways to reach the cross. The most common way (probably because the trail can be seen from Madera Rd) is from the trailhead located at Los Amigos Ave and Washburn St. This route is the shortest but it can be steep and slippery. A large grove of cacti can be seen along this route. I recommend the trailhead located near Summertime Ave and Cliffwood Dr. It's the more civilized option. A little further down Summertime Ave you will see a paved road on your left that heads up towards a large water tank. There's an avocado grove on the left. Don't be tempted to take a sample. There's a sign that warns of a $5,000 fine if you get caught. Pass by the water tank on the left and make your way up the hill. You will soon see the Reagan Library off in the distance on your right. The summit is not much further. Along the way you will see large rocks covered with bright lichen. The round trip distance is 1.5 miles. Rest and appreciate the great view before you make your way back down the mountain. read more

This hike took 25 minutes from the bottom to the top if you take the switch backs. The view from the top is well worth the it. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - View of Simi Valley from Mt. McCoy. - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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This is a fantastic quick little trail. It's not too challenging. Let me rephrase that.. it's not too challenging if you come prepared. Super easy location to find with official park signs and rules posted. Hiking Etiquette: Similar to visiting a friends house.. don't litter, pick up after yourself and your dog. Don't vandalize. Call 911 if you see anyone doing something they shouldn't be doing, in example: drinking alcohol at the top, breaking glass, littering, vandalizing. Suggested Basic Gear: Hat, first aid kit, sun glasses, hiking poles (especially if you plan on going up the more vertical trail), hiking boots, water, sunblock and some protein packed or plant based snacks in example: fruit, bars, trail mix. Parking: on the street, neighborhood, plentiful. Be smart and don't leave valuables in the car, ever. Dogs: Our four legged friends are welcome on this trail! The sign clearly states that they must be on leash at all times. The trail itself is pretty short, it only took me a total of 40 minutes to go up and down even with a five minute break at the top. It was only a quarter mile to the top the vertical trail. I only recommend going up the vertical way, I don't think it's the best option for going down the vertical way especially if you have bad knees or sore muscles. There is a slightly longer trail, approximately three quarters of a mile down that has a few switchbacks. This trail is much easier going up or down. The views are spectacular. Ronald Raegan Library can be seen, and a gorgeous panoramic view of Simi Valley too. I felt safe, the trail is well maintained and there are families in the neighborhood, but it's wise to always use the buddy system or at least tell someone you're going on this trail. read more

This is a great family hike right in the town. Whenever I have an hour or more of free time during weekend, I try to go there. It is a great workout and offers stunning views from the top. Who can see almost all of Simi Valley from here. Sunsets are particularly awesome from there. On a clear day, you can see Pacific ocean and also Channel islands. It also offers nice views of the Reagan Presidential library. Plus this hike is mostly facing city, it is very safe if someone wants to go alone. This is a great hike for kids and families. I have been taking my son on this hike since he was around 3. There are various ways you can go up- some are strenuous and some are easy. This hike is around 1 mile depending on which track you take and has elevation gain of around 650 feet. Highly recommended. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - Mount McCoy from the base/trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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An easy hike up to the cross with various trails to choose from! It's a nice hike up and around when you go left, when you take the right to center side, it's a bit more steep and challenging. Either way, the view from the top is gorgeous! My friend and I did it about a week ago (April month) and the weather was absolutely perfect. I can imagine though during summer months, it can get fairly hot and even scorching so I would plan an early morning or later evening before sunset. Unless you like the extreme hikes in heat and are well hydrated! I will do this hike again many more times before summer, hopefully I'll be able to run up one day! Happy hiking! read more

Great place for a hike and a place to catch a gorgeous view of Simi Valley and it's mountains! read more

Mount McCoy Cross - Dropping the Rock! - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

I hadn't been hiking in awhile but started exercising again and invited my work friends out hiking. We got here at 8 am on a Saturday and there was plenty of parking. There's 2 trails as others have mentioned. The first trail is for the die hards! It's straight up and steep. I wasn't looking to die that day or risk the embarrassment of getting air lifted so I took the "easy" trail. It's definitely doable, and traffic wasn't bad at all. We got up to the cross in 25 minutes and it was breathtaking at the top! As close to heaven as you can get from Simi! Great photo ops and plenty of large boulders to catch your breath and rest. Very friendly hikers up there too! read more

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Easy to Hard hike, nice windy reward on top. Nice views Sitting area Low rattle snakes Night hikes 5-10 miles of total path read more

Mount McCoy Cross - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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Great hike "hike to the cross". There are a couple different ways to get to the top. Go left for the easy switchbacks and straight on to do some "real hiking". Ether way is not too hard, but if your not feeling up to the whole "straight up the mountain" then take a left as your approaching the trail head. It will lead you to a switch back that's is on the easier side. As you climb up the views are awesome. Once you get to the top you have an amazing view all around the city and a perfect sight at about eye level with the Ronald Reagan library. And of course the cross you can walk up to and stand on the base. At the top they have some benches for resting before the hike back down. Usually a great breeze to help cool you off while you enjoy the sights and pay yourself on the back for doing this short little hike. read more

We took the switchbacks to reach the top as we wanted an easier less inclined approach to the cross. The weater isnperfect this time of year read more

Mount McCoy Cross - nice clouds this morning - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

Great hike! 10/10 being expert level hiking this is a 2/10 very easy and well-marked trail. There are 2 routes the one going straight up is an 8/10 difficulty and I do not recommend this way for beginner hikers. A 360 view of Simi Valley that is awesome! read more

Mount McCoy is a relatively easy hike by Madera Rd. You'll see kids or family groups hiking up there all the time. It's nice to see remnants of lone passersby who still leave prayers and small offerings beneath the big cross, wishing peace for their loved ones or tranquility with God. From my understanding & according to Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, the cross has been there since the 1800s, and served as a resting spot for travelers between the San Fernando and San Buenoventura Missions. Whatever the reason, hiking to the top of Mt. McCoy always leaves the traveler a little more salvaged in spirit and serene at heart... Do watch out for snakes and coyotes, though, as it's also a place they call home. read more

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Many paths to choose and one goal, make it to the top. Take it straight on and climb to the top or take the steady switchback route and enjoy the views from Simi Valley to Moorpark. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - Many paths to choose and one goal, make it to the top. - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

I took the bus from Long Beach. In case anyone else plans to catch the bus there, don't go through Thousand Oaks. Get to the Simi Valley Metrolink Station. Pick up the "B" Route and get off on Madera & Royal. Walk North on Royal into the residential area. Turn Right on the very first street; left on Washburn. Keep going up Washburn. Trailhead is on left side. read more

Mount McCoy Cross - This hike was hard for me, but I made it to the top. - Hiking Near Me - Simi Valley, California

My all time favorite hike, Mt. McCoy is a fun hike. Whether you want to take the easier route (normal hiking trail) or you want to take the hard route (straight up the hill) you will have a blast. If I had a dollar for everytime I've climbed this hill I would have plenty of money to build a statue of me at the top of the hill. The normal trail (trail on left) is the friendly one. Lots of people (kids and families and dogs) go up this trail and it's a bit challenging but pretty manageable. I usually take this one if I haven't hiked in a while. Takes me about one hour to get to the top. If I'm on the adventurous challenging mood then I go for the straight up the hill trail (right trail). It's literally straight up for about 30 minutes. I am on my knees on this one. Holding on to rocks with my bare hands and getting down and dirty is my experience taking this trail. It's my favorite though. Sweating is guaranteed. And grabbing on to rocks and plants for the sake of your life is a must if your trying not to slip down the hill ! I wouldn't recommend coming down this trail to everyone because I fell into cactus once because I couldn't find the brakes in my feet to stop once I got speed going downhill. Either way, the two trails lead to the top of the mountain with beautiful 360 degree views of Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and the Valley. During the Easter and Passover months the cross lights up at night which is beautiful. Lots of parking space by the curve and houses at the bottom. No sort of water access anywhere so if your one of those who drinks water constantly please bring plenty of H2O. read more

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Very nice hike. The trail isn't strenuous and has lots of great views. Looking forward to my next Mt. McCoy hike!

Cool place to spend a couple hours. There's a pretty good view of east Ventura County from the top.

What a great landmark with a short challenging climb and a breathtaking view.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I usually take the hard route that goes straight up to the cross. It's pretty difficult, a leg work out for sure, but its fairly quick. It takes me about 25 minutes to go up and about the same to come down. The view is definitely worth it! read more

Definitely a go to hiking spot in Simi! I rarely ever take the trail on the way up. I usually take the steep way which is just straight up. Always up for a challenge although I'm beat by the time I'm up there but definitely worth it!! For little ones and their families I would recommend the trail. More athletic and in better shape? Challenge yourself and time it. Took me about 20mins running up the steep way(: read more