Lang Ranch & Woodridge Strenuous Hike – Lang Ranch to Simi Peak

Strenuous eight and a half mile round trip, with a total elevation gain/loss of about 1700 ft. A combination of fire/utility roads and well maintained trails. From Simi Peak (the highest point in the area), on a clear day, you can see the Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Oxnard Plains, Pacific Ocean, and a few of the Channel Islands.

How to get there: From Avenida de los Arboles, take Westlake Bl. south to Lang Ranch Parkway. Turn left and go 0.8 mi. The trailhead is on right, just before Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left turn.

Map of This Hike

Detailed Hike Description & Photos:

		The trailhead is marked by a “Conejo Open Space” sign. Starting down the trail, Chumash Interpretive Center property is to the right, and Lang Ranch Open Space is ahead.
		Just moments from the trailhead, the trail passes a beautiful oak woodland area.
		Much of this hike is on the fire/utility road known as “Albertson Motorway”. Shared by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, Albertson Motorway runs through Lang Ranch / Woodridge Open Space and National Park Service Open Space. There are numerous connector trails, with access to Palo Comado, Cheeseboro, and Las Virgenes Canyons, and to Rancho Simi Open Space.
		A part of Albertson Motorway is closed to the public. However, a scenic bypass trail around the closed area includes rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, riparian corridors, and many species of wildlife.
		After about 2 1/2 miles and some significant elevation gain . . .
		. . . turn onto Palo Comado Canyon Trail (another fire/utility road) intersecting from the right.
		In just a short distance, turn right again, and onto the single-track trail.
		This section of trail meanders through the open space with nearby meadows and oak groves.
		The final ascent to Simi Peak is fairly rocky, and a little steep in some places.
		At the top, take some time to enjoy the incredible views, which include the nearby open space, as well as the Conejo, Simi, San Fernando, and Tierra Rejada valleys.
		And, on a clear day, you can see distant mountains, the Oxnard Plain, the Pacific Ocean, and three of the Channel Islands.
		Heading back down . . .
		. . . the return path winds past some more lovely oak groves and through some lush overgrown meadows.
		Then, back to Albertson Motorway for the descent . . .
		. . . and the return to the trailhead in the Lang Ranch Neighborhood.