Olympia Farms to Hidden Pond at Rancho Potrero Open Space

I've never seen water at Hidden Pond, so let's go check it out. Along the way we will loop around Rancho Potrero Open Space. I believe there is another little pond nearby - we'll check that out also.

Rancho Conejo Open Space trail system is an ideal place to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The trail system provides internal and regional trail connections, as well as views of Rancho Sierra Vista and Point Mugu State Park (including the Boney Wilderness), encompassing over 16,000 acres of open space.

Historical Notes

On the west end of the space is a property that used to be called Olympia Farms, which was owned by Greek immigrant, textile businessman and Arabian horse breeder George Patarias Huck. (Huck was tragically shot and killed in front of his home in Mt. Olympus in August 1984 at age 46.)

Huck's 638 acre property was sold to the Mountains Recreation and Conservancy, City of Thousand Oaks, Conejo Recreation and Park District and National Park Service for $4.2 million in 1993. 312 acres were carved out as an addition to Rancho Sierra Vista. The remainder is part of Rancho Potrero, which is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA).

In the 2021-2022 time frame, the Olympia Farms space was redeveloped and improved to include, pedestrian paths, a horse corral, drinking fountain for people and animals, picnic benches and a small amphitheater area.

👉🏻Hike is about 8.5 miles with 1800' total ascent and rated MEDIUM. See the HWD Hike Rating Guide

Directions:
The Rancho Potrero Open Space area is located in Newbury Park off of Lynn Road, just east of the intersection with Rancho Dos Vientos.

Important
Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated.

Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.