Dos Vientos Moderate Hike – Five Mile Loop

Moderate five mile loop with a total elevation gain/loss of about 800 ft. This hike explores some of the neighborhood trails in the Dos Vientos area of the southwestern Conejo Valley. Although most of this route is on trails and/or dirt utility roads, there are three street crossings, and also a few minutes on a roadside trail. From high on the trails, there are outstanding views of the nearby Dos Vientos residential area, as well as distant vistas including Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, surrounding mountains and open space, a secluded pond, the Pacific coast, and two of the Channel Islands. Park at Dos Vientos Community Park at Borchard Road and Via Las Brisas.

Map of This Hike

Detailed Hike Description & Photos:

		Begin by following the fenced trail through the park toward the west.
		Near the southwest corner of the park, there is a trail to the right that leads over a knoll.
		This short section of single-track trail across the knoll is through a native plant environment, with some Dos Vientos homes nearby.
		The first street crossing is at Via Ricardo. Cross, and turn left.
		After a few minutes on a roadside trail beside Via Ricardo, a dirt trail splits off to the right, and up the hill into the open space.
		From this path, well above the urban development, there is a wonderful overview of the area.
		Camarillo can be seen to the west.
		Many birds, including ducks and other waterfowl are abundant as the path passes “twin ponds”.
		Dos Vientos Open Space and the stunning mountains of Mugu State Park are ahead to the south.
		On a clear day, the Oxnard coast and Channel Islands can be seen to the southwest.
		The second street crossing is at Rancho Dos Vientos Drive.
		After crossing the street and an open field, a single-track trail continues through a chaparral and coastal sage scrub plant environment.
		Passing fairly close to some homes, there is one last hill ahead.
		From the last hill, a left turn onto a connector trail leads down toward Dos Vientos Community Park.
		The connector trail ends at the sidewalk. The crosswalk at this last street crossing is at the southwest corner of the park.
		Follow the fenced trail through the park to return to the parking lot.