JAUNTS / CHUMASH TRAIL : Hikers Come Out When the Sun Goes Down : Ursula Christie finds plenty of company for the invigorating Thursday night excursions.

Veteran hiker Ursula Christie wanted to find a few buddies to join her for weekly sunset hikes on the Chumash Trail in Simi Valley.

When she spread the word last month, more than 100 people showed up at the trail head for the first trek. They came with babies in backpacks and reluctant teen-agers in tow. Some were nimble; some needed a hand now and then.

Christie was astounded by the turnout. “I just wanted to hike with someone and get some exercise,” the Simi Valley preschool operator said.

By the second week, the numbers had dropped to about 45--a more manageable count--and Christie was leading the Thursday night hikes.

The trail’s popularity may be due to the fact that it’s a good trek for hikers of all abilities. It’s invigorating, but it won’t give you cardiac arrest.

The group meets at 6:45 p.m. at the trail head, at the edge of the Indian Hills Ridge subdivision. It’s a moderately difficult five-mile round-trip hike that will take about two hours, depending on your speed.

Although the hike starts behind a subdivision in grassy fields, it doesn’t take long to escape the feel of the city--except for the occasional mountain biker.

“Round the next corner and you’ll think you’re in the Sierra,” Christie said about 10 minutes after the hike was under way. It was true. The Santa Susana Mountains are spectacular.

Hikers traveled at their own speed, some moving quickly ahead. It never felt as though we were with a large group.

Byers Downey of Simi Valley kept a brisk pace, using a ski pole for a walking stick. Ahead were his son and two grandsons.

Others stopped and looked at the wildflowers. They’re everywhere--mariposa lily, lupine, monkey flower, thistle, morning glory. (But watch out for rattlesnakes.)

As the trail rises above Simi Valley, you’ll hear crickets, maybe an occasional coyote. Deer, bobcats, mountain lions and badgers are also out there.

The trail is fairly open, and hikers pass sandstone outcroppings and tree trunks still charred from a fire a few years ago. The trail finally winds its way up to the turnaround point, where it meets the Rocky Peak trail. From there, on a clear evening, you can see the Channel Islands. If not, the sunset over the mountain range is still awesome.

The trek up takes about one hour and, coming back, you’ll need a flashlight. Even with a light, the going is a little tricky, especially if the trail has some loose rocks. And bring a jacket because after the sun sets, it’s surprisingly chilly.

The trip back has its own little pleasures. The lights from the city twinkle, and mice and lizards skitter across the trail. It’s kind of an eerie sight to see lights from other hikers’ flashlights bobbing down the trail.

It may be called the Chumash Trail, but don’t expect to see any Indian artifacts. It got its name because it is adjacent to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s Chumash Park.

In fact, the trail is only 2 years old. It was built by the district and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which manages it.

TRAIL MIXER

WHAT: Sunset hike on the Chumash Trail.

WHEN: 6:45 p.m. Thursdays.

WHERE: Trail head at the end of Flanagan Drive, Simi Valley (take Yosemite Avenue exit off the Simi Valley Freeway, go north to Flanagan. Park across from the houses on Flanagan).

FYI: Bring water, flashlight and jacket. No restroom or picnic facilities. Dogs OK on leashes. For information, call the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District at 584-4400.