While vacationing this summer, I visited Buck Rock Lookout in Sequoia National Forest. It sits atop a large granite dome and presents a formidable landmark visible for many miles around, not only because of its stature but because it is a rock outcrop surrounded by trees. The contrast is stark! At 8,502 feet above sea level, the domed lookout can be reached via an eight-mile dirt road followed by an ascent up 172 steps. Around 7,000 people visit the lookout each year.
Our family vacation came on the heels of taking grandchildren to see the musical The Sound of Music at the Civic Arts Plaza. “Climb Every Mountain,” one of the songs performed, was still on my mind there at Buck Rock. Having hiked the Swiss Alps many years ago, we encountered a view much like the opening scene of the movie version when Julie Andrews sings, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” I’m not known for my singing, but that is how I feel when I encounter one of those awe-inspiring views. The grandeur makes me appreciate the beauty of the creation around me.
Our local peaks in and around the Conejo Valley may pale in comparison to world-renowned spots in the Sierra Nevadas or the Alps, but we still boast numerous locations where the hike is rewarding, and the views are inspiring. Something about a peak or a landmark draws us to reach the summit — perhaps for the sense of accomplishment, the incredible beauty, the thrill of adventure, the challenge, or the connection with nature or God. While there is no single dominant mountaintop that overlooks the entire Conejo Valley, there are several peaks and vista points worthy of the effort. Listed here are a few for your consideration. Detailed information about the hikes can be found at the Conejo Open Space Foundation website (COSF.org).
Tarantula Hill 1,063’. This is an easy hike off Gainsborough Road, which rewards with panoramic views of Thousand Oaks.
Mount Clef Ridge 1,070’. This moderate hike features views of the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley.
Los Robles Overlook 1,265’. This moderate hike offers views of the Conejo Valley and Hidden Valley.
Angel Vista 1,530’. This is an easy 3-mile round-trip hike with views of the Channel Islands, Topatopa Bluff and the Santa Susana Mountains.
Sunset Hills 1,594’. This moderate 4-mile loopincludes views of Bard Reservoir, Wood Ranch, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Tierra Rejada Valley.
Saddle Pass 1,619’. Views of North Ranch, Oak Park and Westlake Village come into sight on this moderate hike.
Hillcrest Ridge 1,719’. This moderately strenuous hike shows Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village spreading below.
Conejo Mountain 1,800’. A strenuous 9-mile hike features views of Newbury Park, Camarillo, the Oxnard Plain and the Pacific Coast.
Simi Peak 2,403’. To reach the highest point in the area requires a strenuous 8.5-mile hike, which treats hikers to views of Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, the San Fernando Valley and the Pacific Coast.
Living in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains beckons us to climb them, to drink in the views at the top, and to be reminded of what is on the other side. So go explore! When you complete your journey, the sense of accomplishment, as well as the connections you find with others along the way, will likely leave you yearning for more. “The hills are alive” and waiting for you!
Doug Nickles is a director/board Member for the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. The views expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the district, agency or the respective boards.
