Hiking Plus

Start time is 3:30pm
3.0 miles, 800' gain, easy-intermediate.
Photo by Helen

Let's enjoy the last hike of the year at the beautiful Angel Vista!
The trail may dry up enough after the much needed rains, but be prepared.

This is a potluck hike. Please bring food, drinks to share.
If your item requires utensils/plates/toothpicks, etc., please bring them.
You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.

Snacks and/or beverages to share

This hike is rated easy-intermediate because it is a continuous incline for 1.5 miles. This isn't real steep, but it is continuous, and many beginner hikers have indicated this should be rated intermediate.

That said, there is no reason a fit beginner cannot complete this hike. If needed, just stop and rest along the way, even if it's every 50 steps. This is not a conditioning hike, it is a social hike, and you really can't get lost.

The only junction is 200 yards before the top, where we'll turn right to complete the climb.

At the top, there is a picnic table and 360 degree incredible views that are especially wonderful at night. We'll have a snack-share social event at the top for 30-60 minutes before heading back the way we came. Please bring some food and drink to share, and utensils of your item requires it.

The top has been known to sometimes be very cool and windy. Please bring something to put on in case it is that way at the top.

Interesting Notes

Tree Tobacco
The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands. It does not contain nicotine.

It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic. Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke.

Elderberry
The blue or purple berries are gathered and made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea. Spit out the seeds. Elderflower water is also used in perfumes and sweets.

Most agree that they do need to be cooked if you are going to eat more than just a few out of hand. That’s because they have a small amount of cyanide producing glycosides, which are released upon digestion. Fully ripe black berries are not toxic and you can eat as many as you like. Boiling or baking takes care of any “toxic” issue as does drying raw berries.

Directions:
Rosewood Trailhead
398 Regal Oak Ct.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

From the 101
Ventu Park exit, South (toward ocean).
Right on Lynn Road for 1000'.
Left on Regal Oak Ct. for 1/3 mi.
Park on the street

Hike Distance: 3.0 miles
Gain: 800'
Distribution: Most of the incline occurs in the first half, which is a continuous climb.

Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from picnic table.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along the street.

What to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.

FAQ
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Intermediate, 5.25 mi, 1000' gain
Easy option: 2.8 mi, 700' gain.
Even easier option: 2.2 mi, 600' gain.

Fit beginners can complete this hike, but it will certainly get their blood pumping. This is not a conditioning hike, it's a social hike. We'll be stopping at various points to let people catch up and to make sure they make any turns.

We'll start by climbing the Triunfo Canyon trail for 0.9 miles. Those that want the "Even easier" route will make a left, and after 50 feet, turn right at the fire road dead end and continue for 0.9 miles to a staircase on the right, where they can wait for the rest of us.

The rest will continue for 0.35 miles, where we'll hit a plateau. We'll stop there and regroup, taking in the views.

Those that want to take the "Easy option" will go left for 0.2 miles and 110' gain to the social event spot.

The rest of us will continue onto the Los Robles trail, a fire road, for another 1.25 miles, at which point we'll come to a junction heading down.

We'll head down and then up, the Whitehorse Canyon trail for 1 mile, then make a left onto the Conejo Crest Trail. We'll follow that trail for 3/4 mile to a set of stairs and a bench. There, we'll have a snack and beverage share social event for 30 – 60 minutes before heading down the last mile back to our cars.

Returning, we'll go down the Brookview trail for 0.2 miles, making a left when we can, going about 100 feet before turning right at a dead end, and taking the Triunfo Canyon trail back down the way we came.

The Hike
Distance: 5.25 miles / 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1000' / 700'
Difficulty: Intermediate / Easy Intermediate
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: Yes
Parking: Free at the trail head.
Trail: Varied. Good condition.

What to Bring:
Snacks and/or beverages to share
2 liters of water.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.

Directions

Triunfo Community Park
1869 Tamarack St.
Westlake Village, CA91361

From Simi Valley:
CA-118 west to CA-23 south
CA-23 south for 7.4 miles
US-101 east/south for 1.5 miles, exit Hampshire Rd.
Right on Hampshire Rd. south for 1/2 mile
Right on Triunfo Canyon Rd. for 1/2 mile
Right on Tamarack St. for 1000' to dead end.
Left into parking lot.

From the East:
US-101 west/north, exit Westlake Blvd.
Left on S. Westlake Blvd. for 1 mile
Right on Triunfo Canyon Rd. for 1/2 mile
Left on Tamarack St. for 1000' to dead end.
Left into parking lot.

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability