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Detailed Hike Description & Photos:
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The trailhead is marked by a "Conejo Open Space" sign. Starting down the trail, Chumash Interpretive Center property is to the right, and Lang Ranch Open Space is ahead.
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Just moments from the trailhead, the trail passes a beautiful oak woodland area.
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Much of this hike is on the fire/utility road known as "Albertson Motorway". Shared by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, Albertson Motorway runs through Lang Ranch / Woodridge Open Space and National Park Service Open Space. There are numerous connector trails, with access to Palo Comado, Cheeseboro, and Las Virgenes Canyons, and to Rancho Simi Open Space.
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A part of Albertson Motorway is closed to the public. However, a scenic bypass trail around the closed area includes rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, riparian corridors, and many species of wildlife.
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After about 2 1/2 miles and some significant elevation gain . . .
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. . . turn onto Palo Comado Canyon Trail (another fire/utility road) intersecting from the right.
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In just a short distance, turn right again, and onto the single-track trail.
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This section of trail meanders through the open space with nearby meadows and oak groves.
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The final ascent to Simi Peak is fairly rocky, and a little steep in some places.
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At the top, take some time to enjoy the incredible views, which include the nearby open space, as well as the Conejo, Simi, San Fernando, and Tierra Rejada valleys.
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And, on a clear day, you can see distant mountains, the Oxnard Plain, the Pacific Ocean, and three of the Channel Islands.
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Heading back down . . .
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. . . the return path winds past some more lovely oak groves and through some lush overgrown meadows.
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Then, back to Albertson Motorway for the descent . . .
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. . . and the return to the trailhead in the Lang Ranch Neighborhood.
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