One of the best things about visiting the Conejo Valley is having easy access to so many great hiking trails! Whether you want to enjoy a serene stroll through the mountains, a gruelling workout, or looking for an epic peak to climb, there’s no shortage of easy and challenging hikes in the Conejo Valley.
And since southern California is known for its almost year-round perfect weather, hiking in the Conejo Valley is great at any time of the year. It’s really only in August and September when it can sometimes be too hot to hike but you can easily beat the heat by setting off early in the morning.
The Santa Monica Mountains extend for 40 miles from the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County.
While there are several state parks to explore in this mountain range, those that are located within the Conejo Valley are the most scenic, wild, and least trafficked. Here’s a guide to the best hikes in the Conejo Valley.
Best Hikes in the Conejo Valley
1. Satwiwa Loop Trail
The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy hike at Rancho Sierra Vista Park that offers stunning views of the Conejo Valley! On this hike you’ll head out on a 1.6 mile trail that loops around a grassy meadow situated beneath prominent Boney Mountain.
The trail begins at Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center (open on weekends from 9am to 5pm) where you’ll pass a replica of a traditional Chumash home.
You’ll then stroll across a beautiful meadow where you can see sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Keep an eye out for deer and coyote which are frequently seen along this stretch of the trail.
After crossing the meadow you’ll gain some elevation as you climb a gentle hill. From this higher elevation you can look out over Newbury Park and the entire Conejo Valley. The views from this point are phenomenal! Head back across the meadow to finish up this loop hike.
2. Sycamore Canyon Falls
Sycamore Canyon Falls is a hidden waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains. Although the waterfall isn’t particularly dramatic, it is nonetheless still very pretty and totally worth hiking to see.
The trailhead for this hike begins at Rancho Sierra Vista Park in Newbury Park. You’ll hike across a grassy meadow before climbing a somewhat steep hill. From the top of this hill are impressive views of Sycamore Canyon which is situated below this section of the trail.
You will then descend into the canyon for a minute before reaching a junction in the trail; to the right is a trail that leads to the bottom of Sycamore Canyon and to the left is the trail to Sycamore Canyon Falls.
Stay on the trail to the left and in 0.6 miles you will reach Sycamore Canyon Falls. This waterfall cascades over multiple tiers before dropping into several pools below. Scramble up a few rocks to get really close to the waterfall.
3. Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls is a 40-foot tall waterfall that plunges into a large pool at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Conejo Valley!
The trail is mostly flat and suitable for all fitness levels. Begin the hike to Paradise Falls from Wildwood Regional Park’s parking lot at Avenida De Los Arboles.
Head west on Mesa Trail, a wide dirt road which rises over a low hill. Keep going straight until you reach a spur trail on your left which will be clearly marked for Paradise Falls. Take this trail and follow it until you reach a massive wooden re-creation of a teepee.
From the teepee veer towards the right where the hiking trail will take you downhill to a staircase. Take the staircase all the way down to the pool. On the way down you’ll have a great view of Paradise Falls.
At the base of the waterfall, views are limited due to vegetation growth. However there is a small opening in the vegetation directly across from the base of the waterfall but to get to it you’ll need to hop across some stones and logs unless you don’t mind getting wet.
4. Sandstone Peak Trail
Sandstone Peak is the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. From the top of the 3,111 foot summit are breathtaking views of Malibu’s coastline. On a clear day you can even see Catalina Island and all the way up to Ventura!
If you prefer challenging hikes, this one is for you! This bucket list worthy hike in Los Angeles will certainly earn you bragging rights, and also offers some great photo opportunities.
You can hike to Sandstone Peak on the Backbone Trail as an out and back hike (which is the quicker and shorter option) or reach the summit on a longer loop trail via the Backbone and Mishe Mowka Trail. On the longer loop trail you’ll see some very cool rock formations like Tri-Peaks and Balanced Rock.
Read: Hike to Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mowka Trail: The Highest Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains
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