Hill Canyon - Western Plateau

We began exploring this area in 2008 and our first official Meetup hike was in January 2009 when we were the original "The Weekday Hikers.". At that time there was a system of old use trails known mainly only to a few local equestrians. It soon became a favorite and regular hiking location for us.

From 2008 to 2011 Hill Canyon was the location of our unofficial club house. I don't know if its still there, but we will check and see:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/6/9/6/highres_11898070.jpeg

A few years later, open space agencies and other trail-builders literally followed in our footsteps and began converting the use trails to official "new" trails, erected trail signs and built bridges. Our last visit was in February 2012 for the bridge opening

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/4/6/0/event_91629312.jpeg

Before the bridge was built this is how we crossed the creek. Here we are on a hot September day in 2009:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/f/5/0/600_433156208.jpeg

Since its popularization, and me moving to the westside, I have been ignoring this locale. But now, 6 years since our first hike here and 3 years since our last one, its time to go back!

We'll do 8-10 miles with plenty of elevation gain.

Post hike lunch
The Natural Cafe - Directions from trailhead: http://tinyurl.com/conejo-natcafe
1714 Newbury Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 498-0493

Hill Canyon is part of a system of deeply eroded canyons, plateaus and ridgelines now known as the Conejo Canyons Open Space. On clear days, trails in this area afford dramatic views of Ventura and the coastline, as well as inland to the Topa Topa mountains north of Ojai. This area also conserves a variety of habitats, including coast live oak woodlands, riparian habitats, interior sage scrub/chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. The hike will be about 8 miles with moderate elevation gain.

Prior to 2000 plans for high end homes were made to be built on the Western Plateau above Hill Canyon. There were a couple of problems. An access road would be a very expensive addition to the cost of the properties. Fire access requires a separate emergency access which was not feasible without access through city property. A bordering golf course would add to the property values and if done right would provide the emergency access at little cost. A win-win for the developer. No problem. He got city officials to spend about $2.6 million to plan a golf course with the emergency access.

But then Audubon members and other environmentalists showed pictures of the flood plain under water after a big rain. The club house would have to be up on the ridge above to be feasible. Golfers would have to be driven down to tee off. The golf course plans got canceled and a land trade was worked out by the same city officials who caused the $2.6 million to be wasted.

Hill Canyon and the Western Plateau is now the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

Who is that guy up there?

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/f/4/highres_7002484.jpeg

Peruse the Pics from some previous hikes:

https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=522006
https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=768037
https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=5956072

Directions to trailhead

“If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late…don’t bother showing up”

From the 101 Freeway

Exit Rancho Conejo Blvd.
Turn north and make a left at the first light, Hillcrest Dr.
Turn left at W Hillcrest Dr 0.3 mi.
Turn right at Lawrence Dr 0.8
Turn left at Conejo Center Dr 0.7 mi.
Park on the street among the truck trailers.
Trailhead is on the west (left) side.

Bring 2 Qt water, lugsoles, snacks, sunscreen, hat