Las Llajas Canyon to the Chumash Trail in Simi Valley

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/6/6/1/event_22646209.jpegElyse will lead us on a "new to you" Simi Valley adventure. While many of us have explored the Rocky Peak Fire Road, Chumash Trail, Hummingbird Trail, etc., the Las Llajas Canyon Road and Oil Well Road are far less heavily traveled.

Las Llajas is a wide, mostly flat, formerly paved trail that starts out under oaks (the only shade on the hike) and has a small stream running alongside it. After getting our legs warmed up, we'll ascend Oil Well Road, passing derelict oil-pumping equipment. Hard to believe, but if you poke around the northern hills of Simi enough, you'll find former oil-drilling sites, mines, and sulfur springs. You'll also find a working ranch, and cattle may wonder why we'd want to join them up in the hills.

After the oil well, we'll rise even more to Rocky Peak Fire Road and make our way south, past the fossil wall that pays testimony to Simi's prehistoric underwater existance. Further along, sharp eyes will be able to pick out an earthquake fault line. Just when you've had all the geology you can stand, we'll ease on down the Chumash Trail, taking in a sweeping view of the valley along the way. At the bottom, we'll traverse a meadow to a brief urban hike that leads back to the cars.

The total hike is roughly 10 miles, with 1800 feet of elevation gain.

There is ample free parking on the street. The address listed will get you to the general area.

Directions:
From the 118, exit at Yosemite and turn north (toward the nearest mountains). Take Yosemite to Evening Sky Rd. (note- NOT to Flanigan, which is where most Chumash Trail hikes start) and turn right. Follow Evening Sky until it starts to get steep, and look for the trailhead on your left (the North Ridge Trailhead is on the right).