Santa Rosa Valley Lollipop Loop

5.8 MRT – Moderate (~700′ elevation gain/loss) -or- 3.3 MRT Easy (~330′ elevation gain/loss)

DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: This hike begins at the Santa Rosa Valley Park in the Hill Canyon Open Space just west of Wildwood Park. The trail immediately crosses 25-foot-wide Arroyo Conejo Creek via a bridge; it then passes through grasslands, follows a seasonal stream through Hawk Canyon (a dense riparian woodland with poison oak),
Then connect to Conejo Canyon Trail and go east until we get to Conejo Center drive and walk 0.3 miles to Conejo Canyon Open Space trail that leads us back to Hill Canyon Trail and our vehicles. See satellite snapshot below.
PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD FROM SIMI VALLEY – NOTE: You should be at the trailhead (see below) by 8:00 a.m.

• In Simi Valley, take Los Angeles Avenue west and then continue west (past the large Target store) as the name of the street changes to Tierra Rejada Road.
• Drive 3.9 miles (passing under Hwy 23) to Moorpark Road.
• Turn left (south) and drive 1.4 miles to Santa Rosa Road.
• Turn right (west) and drive 3.7 miles to Hill Canyon Road.
• Turn left and drive a short distance to the entrance to Santa Rosa Valley Park (on the right) – DO NOT turn right and enter the park (unless you’re willing to pay the parking fee).

INSTEAD: Park in the dirt parking area on the left (east) side of Hill Canyon Road opposite the park entrance and wait for the hiking leader(s).