Hike and Peak

Hike Camarillo Grove Park

Reaching a stunning peak vista in under a mile? If it sounds too good to be true, you haven't been to Camarillo Grove Park. The 1-mile (round-trip) Upper Loop Trail in this unassuming park is your peek into a world of chaparral growth, wildlife, and a magnificent bucolic view that sweeps across Ventura County. Though this destination is right off the 101, as you take the winding Camarillo Springs Road down from the freeway, you'll feel the busy world melt away behind you, along with the sounds of the speeding cars. If you didn't know it was there, it would be easy to miss the trailhead, hidden away in the back corner of the park. It's your VIP access to the wild hills surrounding the grove. As you spiral up the trail, signs help you identify the various desert flora, like purple sage, California buckwheat, sweet fennel, and prickly pear cactus. At the top you can breathe easy as you take in the views: a neighboring meadow with goats and horses, a sprawling vineyard, and the beaches of Oxnard out in the distance. Mile oh mile, that's a good view!

Parking at Camarillo Grove Park is $2 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. After you pay at the parking entrance, drive straight to the back, past picnic area #1, and park. The trailhead will be on your right. To take the upper loop, make a left at the first junction and follow the trail as it spirals up to the peak (staying left at the second junction). To complete the loop, come back down from the peak to the second junction and go the other way to spiral back down. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View