4 miles, 1100′ gain, Intermediate
Easy Option: 1.5 miles, 400′ gain, Fit Beginner
The entire hike outbound is a steady incline. Nothing super steep, just continuous and quite strenuous for many. There are virtually no junctions where one can get lost.
This is one of the more famous hikes in Simi Valley, and for good reason. Much of the hike takes place along the edge of the mountain. The trail in spots is a bit rugged and rocky, so a good tread on your shoes is recommended.
It is a part of the Chumash Natural Park that includes sandstone rock formations, caves, and beautiful vistas of Simi Valley. The land is owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. It is maintained by the Rancho Simi Trailblazers and patrolled by the Volunteer Trail Safety Service.
We’ll all begin the climb together. Those doing the easier option will stop after 0.7 miles and wait for about 45 minutes until the rest of us return to this spot for our social event. While waiting, they can continue to climb any portion they want and return to this spot, or just take in the views.
The rest will continue for 1.3 miles until a flat rock before heading back the same way to the social event spot. A few will probably continue another 1/2 mile until the end of the trail.
At the social event spot, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Simi Valley and will share snacks and beverages.
There is really no way to get lost on this hike, so everybody will move along at whatever pace they want.
Hike (click this link for a pic)
Distance: 4.0 miles or 1.5 miles
Gain: 1100′ or 400′
Distribution: Most of the incline is concentrated in the first half.
Difficulty: Intermediate or Fit Beginer
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Trail Variations: The entire first half is incline. Some of the trail is rugged sandstone. Some of the trail is covered in large gravel.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:
California Encelia
Aka, California Bush Sunflower, California Brittlebush, Coast Sunflower, El Dorado.
Center is brown. When the center is yellow, it is Brittlebush, from the brittleness of the stems. This is from the daisy family, and it is typically used as an ornamental plant.
Mediterranean Mustard / Black Mustard
Mediterranean mustard seeds are yellow or white, while Black mustard seeds are brown or black. The flowers look the same.
Flowers, leaves (mustard greens), and roots are edible. Can be used as a spice. Grind seeds and mix with water and vinegar to make prepared mustard. This is often a very abundant noxious weed (has been designated by an agricultural authority as one that is injurious to agricultural or horticultural crops, natural habitats or ecosystems, or humans or livestock.). It grows everywhere along the sides of the trail, often having to be cut back during trail maintenance.
Directions
Chumash Trail
3200 Flanagan Dr.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.293497, -118.671176
From CA-118
I-118, exit Yosemite.
North on Yosemite for 1.3 miles.
Right (east) on Flanagan Dr. for 08. miles.
Continue until the street ends and park.
