Rabbit Ridge

Note the new new When

This strenuous hike will cover about 9+ miles with 1000 ft net elevation gain with a couple of loops. A combination of fire/utility roads, maintained and unmaintained/disappearing trails.

Here are some trail photos: https://www.flickr.com... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/localhikers/sets/72157614048483931/)

Hike will start out surrounded by wild lilacs and through a large hidden meadow. Soon we will be hiking among the fanciful sandstone formations, caves and arches of the Rabbit Ridge Trail. We'll make a side trip to Simi Peak where on a clear day you can see the Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Oxnard Plains, Pacific Ocean, and a few of the Channel Islands, and take our snack break.

Then its onward to a loop around China Flats, an open area with clusters of oak trees and a vernal pond. (For all you Back to the Future fans, China Flats was the filming area for 1885 Hill Valley).

Experienced hikers only. Bring your best lugsoles for this one.

From Highway 101/Ventura Freeway in Westlake, exit on Lindero Canyon Road. Drive 2.5 miles north and turn left on Kanan Rd then right on Falling Star Ave. Drive all the way to the end of the street and park. Trailhead is in a residential neighborhood so please keep noise level to a minimum.