Secret Trails of Simi Valley

Can you keep a secret? These less-traveled trails in Ventura County's heavenly slice of Simi Valley are short and sweet with stellar mountain and skyline scenery and bonuses like wildflowers and beer stops. You may even be able to do all three in a day. Simi sensational!

Week: 02.23.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Big Sky SoCal

Hike Big Sky in Simi Valley Southern California

Hiker at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on trail at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on a trail at sunset at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker walking a wide open hiking trail at sunset with huge sky and mountain views in Simi Valley
When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.
Read the full story

Channel Islands for a Change

Explore Channel Islands and Ventura County Coast

Channel Island Island Packers
Channel Island Island Packers
Dolphins Channel Islands
There’s no better time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park. Located 25 miles off Ventura County Coast, this series of five distinct and spectacular islands is reached by a fun ferry ride often filled with wildlife sightings.
Outdoor Lover's Guide to Ventura County Coast

Holy Wow!

Hike Mount McCoy in Simi Valley

Hiker on a trail flanked by cacti at Mount McCoy in Simi Valley
Hiker on a trail leading up to a giant cross at Mount McCoy in Simi Valley
Hiker sitting at a bench on Mount McCoy near a giant cross overlooking Simi Valley
Ready for a heavenly hike? Simi Valley’s Mount McCoy, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District is a 2.5-mile (out-and-back) rambler that climbs 525 feet in 1.25 miles and features non-stop panoramic views and a giant white cross at the hill’s summit.
Read the full story

Simi's Secret Loop

Hike the hidden Woodridge Loop Trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley

Hiker on a wide open dirt trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker on the Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker on rolling hillside hiking trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker taking a break sitting on a bench overlooking rolling green hills and a winding hiking trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  2. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View

  4. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View