Ridge-top trail follows wild terrain

Suburbia is still advancing rapidly from the floor of the Simi Valley into the nearby hills, but there is some good news for hikers who crave a wild landscape.

The builder of the Long Canyon development has constructed the ridge-top Canyon View Trail, which has intriguing sandstone formations that look like western movie backdrops and have commanding views of Simi Valley. The path traverses terrain belonging to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District; the trail and others nearby are maintained by the Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, whose volunteers lead guided hikes. (Check www.rstb.homestead.com.)

As you hike Canyon View Trail along the ridge, notice the difference in vegetation between the slopes facing north and those facing south. California buckwheat, Mexican elderberry, caterpillar phacelia and laurel sumac grow on the shadier north slopes. Their southern counterparts are dominated by non- native grasses, mustard, thistle, and sage. Yucca and prickly pear cactus are scattered on the trail.

The rocks, however, may be the most picturesque part of the ridge. Tan sandstone outcroppings tilted about 35 to 40 degrees lunge out of the hilltops and are quite photogenic.

To reach the trail head, follow U.S. 101 to Thousand Oaks. Take Highway 23 north to Simi Valley and exit at Olsen Road, heading east. Drive to Wood Ranch Parkway, turn right and continue until it intersects with Long Canyon Road.

Park in the dirt lot at the southwest corner of this intersection. You’ll see a signed trail head at the edge of the parking lot for Long Canyon Trail, which leads south toward China Flat and Cheeseboro Canyon. You’ll want to join signed Canyon View Trail instead. Walk east along the north side of Long Canyon Road a few hundred feet and you’ll reach the trail.

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See more of John McKinney’s tips at www.thetrailmaster.com.