We began hiking and exploring this area in 2008 when we were the original “Weekday Hikers.” At that time there was a system of old use trails known mainly only to a few local equestrians. It soon became a favorite and regular hiking location for us.
A few years later, open space agencies and other trail-builders literally followed in our footsteps and began converting our use trails to official “new” trails, erected trail signs and built bridges.
Today we will do my classic loop as depicted in these
photos from May 2015: [https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=25919744](https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=25919744)
…about 7 miles and 1500′ gain
We’ll take our snack break at the KCLU-FM antenna
**History of Hill Canyon**
Hill Canyon is part of a system of deeply eroded canyons, plateaus and ridgelines now known as the Conejo Canyons Open Space. On clear days, trails in this area afford dramatic views of Ventura and the coastline, as well as inland to the Topa Topa mountains north of Ojai. This area also conserves a variety of habitats, including coast live oak woodlands, riparian habitats, interior sage scrub/chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. The hike will be about 8 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Prior to 2000 plans for high end homes were made to be built on the Western Plateau above Hill Canyon. There were a couple of problems. An access road would be a very expensive addition to the cost of the properties. Fire access requires a separate emergency access which was not feasible without access through city property. A bordering golf course would add to the property values and if done right would provide the emergency access at little cost. A win-win for the developer. No problem. He got city officials to spend about $2.6 million to plan a golf course with the emergency access.
But then Audubon members and other environmentalists showed pictures of the flood plain under water after a big rain. The club house would have to be up on the ridge above to be feasible. Golfers would have to be driven down to tee off. The golf course plans got canceled and a land trade was worked out by the same city officials who caused the $2.6 million to be wasted.
**Directions to trailhead**
Use Google Map and drive to address. Park in dirt lot at trailhead or on street near corner with Rancho Conejo Blvd
“If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late…don’t bother showing up”
