3 miles, 650′ gain, Fit Beginner
Easy option, 1.4 miles, 450′ gain, Fit Beginner
Those that prefer the Easy Option, should head UP from the trail head, waiting when they get to the bench at the top.
For the rest of us: Starting from the trailhead parking lot, we head west on the Woodridge Connector along the sides of houses, which is the back way. This is a relatively flat section for about 3/4 mile.
Left at the asphalt along Woodridge Loop Trail, immediate right at the split, then continue until it comes to an end at a junction. Left and continue to another junction. Make a right, go about 50′ to another junction, make a right again, then 300′ to Autumn Ridge Trail.
Left and continue for about a mile. This is a fire road and a steady climb. We continue until 5-points junction.
Make a hard left onto Sunrise trail, then up to the bench. There, we’ll meet with those that took the easy option, and stop for a snack and beverage share.
For the return, we’ll turn right and follow Long Canyon Trail down to the parking lot.
Interesting Notes:
Take notice of the Eucalyptus tree at the trailhead.
Along the left side of the trail during the last 200′ (last because we are doing a counter-clockwise loop), you will see:
White Sage – the leaves are very fragrant when pinched
Elderberry – The blue or purple berries can be made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies.
Hike
Distance: 3 mi (easier option, 1.4 mi)
Gain: 650′ (easier option, 450′)
Distribution: A moderate fire-road climb at the middle portion of the hike.
Difficulty: Fit Beginner.
Shape: Loop, counter-clockwise.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, single and double track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations: The beginning is a flat walk. The middle has an extended incline of about 1000 steps. The end is downhill, somewhat steep.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free at the trail head.
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike includes an extended stop for a snack and beverage share just before the last segment down.
We’ll stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or some sticks in the shape of an arrow. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.
Group separation:
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.
Directions
Where Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley. There is a free paved lot at the trailhead on the southwest corner.
From CA-23 and I-101
North CA-23, exit Olsen Rd.
Right (east) on Olsen Rd., which becomes Madera Rd., for 2 miles.
Right (south) on N. Wood Ranch Pkwy., which becomes S. Wood Ranch Pkwy., for 2 miles.
Right at dead end (intersection with Long Canyon Rd.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.
From CA-118 and CA-27
West CA-118, exit 23 onto 1st St.
Left (south) on 1st St., which becomes Long Canyon Rd., for 5 miles.
Cross at dead end (intersection with S. Wood Ranch Pkwy.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.228330, -118.803130
In the Spring and Summer, arrive early. Sometimes the parking lot gets full. If this happens, we’ll need another 15 minutes to carpool from a nearby parking lot.
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