By This hike is located in Marr Ranch Open Space in Simi Valley, CA.
First, a few things to keep in mind. Although this hike is open year-round, I don’t recommend hiking here with your dog during summer. And since it’s Simi Valley, it can go up to 80 degrees even in cooler months. Check the weather forecast before you go. And, mountain lions, coyotes and snakes are active around this area so be mindful if you are hiking at dawn or dusk.
Plenty of free street parking is available near the trailhead on Evening Sky Drive. This hike starts on the pavement.
After 0.25 miles, the pavement intersects with Las Llajas Canyon Rd. Turn right. This fire road is well-maintained and is pretty flat.
After 1.9 miles, when you see this single-track trail on your left, take this and start climbing. Now the fun begins. The hike will get interesting and beautiful but you will need to work for it.
Alternative option: If you want to take it easy, stay on the fire road and turn around whenever you are ready to go back. It’s a good trail for running if you are into it.
There are no trail signs and the trail is exposed. This lightly trafficked trail is shared by hikers and bikers.
When the trail splits, take right. You will see abandoned old mining equipment along the way.
Arrived at the old mining site. According to the information I found online, limestone was mined here for an extremely pure form of Calcium Carbonate from 1929 to 1935.
Enjoy the awesome 360-degree view at the top.
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We stayed long enough for some snacks and water then began heading back down. It was around 10 AM and Xena was getting hot without shade. Pro-tip: Wear a wet bandana around your neck to prevent overheating and do the same for your pup.
As always, the view was better going down.
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We didn’t see anyone until we were back on Las Llajas Canyon Rd (Turn right). Even then, we only ran into just a few people. We’ll go back when it’s cooler. I liked this hike.
If you decide to go, pack plenty of water and do it early in the morning.
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 3.28.21
- Distance: 6.5 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 2,180 ft.
- Fee/Permit: None
- Trailhead: 34.297061, -118.680312 (Las Llajas Trailhead)
- Notable: exposed, canyons, lightly trafficked, old mining site, out and back
Hiking Girl with Dog 