Lang Ranch & Woodridge Moderate Hike – Oakbrook Vista & Hidden Meadow Trails

Moderate five mile round trip hike with an elevation gain/loss of about 1100 ft. Hike up to a ridge that overlooks Thousand Oaks and the Lang Ranch Open Space, then down through Hidden Meadow into the North Ranch Open Space. The return route is by way of the same trails.

How to get there: From Avenida de los Arboles, drive south on Westlake Blvd, then left on Lang Ranch Parkway 0.2 miles. Park on the right (south) side of Lang Ranch Parkway.

Map of This Hike

Detailed Hike Description & Photos:

		Look for the trailhead as Lang Ranch Parkway curves right.
		The path is well cleared, and there is a sign marking the beginning of the trail.
		The ascent begins immediately.
		Just minutes into the hike, from this trail-side bench, the perspective on the area below has already dramatically changed.
		Continuing up the hill and along the ridge, the trail is a bit uneven in places, but not difficult.
		At the higher elevations, the views become spectacular. This is looking at the Lang Ranch Open Space to the north-east.
		This is looking to the north-west, at the Lang Ranch neighborhood.
		And this is looking south, across Thousand Oaks.
		At the eastern end of the ridge, there is a split in the trail. The steep, rocky path to the right leads up to a great look-out point, but the footing is poor in places. The well maintained trail to the left decends into Hidden Meadow.
		A dirt utility road leads across the open space with rugged peaks and interesting rock formations to the left. The meadow and rolling hills are to the right.
		After leaving the meadow and turning right off the utility road, a pleasant trail meanders through the chaparral.
		The turn-around point for this hike is where Hidden Meadows Trail meets Falling Star Avenue. To return, reverse direction and follow the same trails back.
		This is the view of the meadow as seen on the return trip.
		Finally, decending along the ridge, on a clear day ocean and islands can be seen ahead in the distance. Below, the urban area and the end of the hike grow near.