Tapo Canyon Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a easy loop trail in the hills north of Simi Valley, California. This is not a particularly well known hike, however it does seem to be used. There is no water, restroom or any other facilities on the hike.

Getting Started

Head north out of the city on Tapo Canyon a mile or so north of the 118 freeway. Just before you get to the Lost Canyons intersection on the right there is a dirt driveway with a gate. You should either be able to park on the side of the dirt drive way or south of the driveway on either side of the road. There are no parking signs north of the driveway. Once inside the gate there is a sign with a park map. At that point take the left fork and head north east.

The hike is general is the dry grass landscape that looks like the rest of the northern Simi hills.Most of the time you are on a wide fire road. However as you walk on the trail on the south side of the since the hills are north facing and get less sunlight there is some vegetation including some oak trees. When you get to the loop at the top of the hike, make a left. Once on the loop there is a switchback, if you continue up the fire road you will be getting onto private property, there is a paper no trespassing sign. Instead instead of turning at the switchback keep going straight and continue onto what looks like a single track trail and head down the hill. At the next intersection keep right to continue the loop. Left will take you to Mar Ranch trails. The rest of this look will have more oak trees and other vegetation, and the only shade on the trail.

There are no indications for dogs on the trail, but this brochure from the Simi Valley web site: http://cms4.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/Parks%20and%20Facilities/RsrpdDistrictMap.pdf, seems to indicate dogs on a leash are okay.

Taking Children

No facilities, nothing of particular interest (streams, rocks...). However it's very easy access from the city, the trail is wide and it has a moderate ascent. Nice for a pleasant day in nature.