Intermediate, 5 mi, 1200′ gain
Easier Option, 4mi 900′ gain.
The address given, is not the address of the hike. It is a nearby address that may cause your GPS to drive past the trailhead.
This variation is called Hidden Lollipop. Hidden because it includes a hike down the Hidden Canyon trail, Lollipop because of the shape of the route.
From the Long Canyon trailhead parking lot, we head up Long Canyon Trail to a bench. We’ll regroup, then head down about 1000′ to the 5-points junction. We’ll make the second right and head up a 500′ incline.
We’ll regroup here,
Easier Option.
Those that want the easier option will continue on this trail for just under another mile, and wait about 25 min. when they hit a connecting junction. That’s where our social event will be.
Regular Route.
For those taking the longer route, it’s just under 2 miles to the social event location. We turn left and go down the Hidden Canyon Trail, which becomes the Meadow Vista Trail. Along this trail, there will be a split. The route is to take the left split, although both take you to the same place. The right split is slightly shorter.
We reach a junction at the Albertson Motorway, turn right, and follow it as it becomes the Albertson Fire Road. When it ends at a fire road, we’ll stop and have a snack share social event for 30-60 minutes.
We’ll then make a right, heading up the Lang Ranch Ridge Trail until returning to the 5-points junction, left for 500 steps to the bench, and then right to head back to the parking lot. For those that took the easier option, this is returning the way you came.
Interesting Notes
These are plants you will probably see on the hike:
Turkey Mullein
Smashed leaves can be thrown into the water to stupefy fish, causing them to float to the surface, a practice illegal in most states. The seeds are not toxic to birds and are enjoyed especially by doves and wild turkeys.
Ancient Greeks rolled and dried the leaves, then used them as wicks for oil lamps. It stalks were used as torches burned at funerals. Many tribes employed the use of mullein leaf tea for coughs, colds, and rheumatism. They considered it to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant. The astringent and demulcent properties of the leaf tea were found useful in cases of diarrhea.
Wild Oats
The mature seed of the plant is used as a cereal grain. All oats have edible seeds, although they are small and hard to harvest in most species. Oats are hard to tell apart from weedy relatives, so the term “sowing wild oats” came to be used to describe unprofitable activities and destructive sexual liaisons of an unmarried young male that could result in children being born out of wedlock.
Hike
Distance: 5 mi., easier option 4 mi.
Gain: 1200′, easier option 900′
Distribution: Two extended inclines and a couple shorter but steeper inclines.
Difficulty: Intermediate. Easier option – Easy-Intermediate.
Shape: Lollipop, clockwise. Easier option, out-and-back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, single and double track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations:
There are a couple extended inclines of 1000 steps or more as the route progresses.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free in the paved parking area in front of 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.
This description includes a picture of the route.
Stops
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point.
Group separation
Those moving significantly ahead or not waiting at designated stopping points are on their own regarding route and navigation. It is advisable not to follow, as a different route might be taken.
Safety
Since it’s common to not have a cell phone signal, the host and at least 1 other person will be carrying a GMRS two-way radio. You can purchase one for about $25 and bring it if you want added safety. Message the host for the channel and privacy code.
Directions
Where Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley. There is a free paved parking 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
Address of a nearby house: 572 Bannister Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
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