Chumash Trail in Simi Valley

The Chumash Trail in Simi Valley is a roughly 2.7 mile trail that takes you from near Chumash Park to the trailhead at the north end of Flanagan Drive to the Rocky Peak Trail. It is a moderate, uphill trail with plenty of views of Simi Valley. No trees and thus no shade. Dogs allowed on leash.

To get to the Chumash Trail trailhead, take the 118 to Yosemite, go north, turn right on Flanagan to the end. Park on the street. More information at www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/trails/chumash_park_and_trail.php.

Sandstone formations appear on the upper portion of the trail.

Point Mugu Missile Park in Port Hueneme

Click the image for information regarding the Naval Base Ventura County "Missile Park" open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily.

Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History hosts exhibits that reflect the histories of the three cultures that have dwelled in the region: the Chumash people; Spanish and Mexican settlers; and the pioneers. On display are historical photographs that reflect the development of the region as well as artifacts left behind by former inhabitants.

General Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Suggested donations: Adults: $2; Seniors and Children: $1

Exhibit Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. (Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.)

Visit www.carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org for more information. Located at 956 Maple Avenue, Carpinteria.

Red Tile Walking Tour in Santa Barbara

The Red Tile Walking Tour in Santa Barbara is an informal, 12 block walk in the downtown area that will take you past a variety of Santa Barbara historical landmarks. It was originally developed by the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce. The walk is summarized below but visit Santa Barbara Car Free website at www.santabarbaracarfree.org for additional details and a printable map.

1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Built in 1929)
2. Public Library
3. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
4. Hill-Carrillo Adobe
5. El Paseo
6. Casa De La Guerra
7. Plaza De La Guerra
8. Orena Adobes
9. Presidio Avenue (the oldest street in Santa Barbara)
10. Lugo Adobe
11. Santa Barbara Historical Museum
12. Casa Covarrubias
13. Rochin Adobe
14. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
15. El Cuartel (second oldest surviving building in California)
16. Main Post Office
17. Lobero Theatre

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens is located at 1000 North Kanan Road, Oak Park. This is a nicely appointed indoor/outdoor facility with a 2,500 sq ft banquet room with a capacity of 140, a half court gym and recreation room and as you can see in this video, a beautifully maintained pond, waterfall, gazebo and outdoor area.  Plenty of parking available too. More information at www.rsrpd.org/oak_park/community_center/index.php or call 818.865.9304.

Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary

Eyes in the Sky (EITS) is an education program with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) that brings a variety of programs to children and adults in the Santa Barbara area. EITS features wildlife messengers - birds of prey native to the area that are no longer capable of surviving in the wild. 

The SBAS has teamed with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara) to build the Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary, a physical structure located in the "backyard" area of the Museum. The Aviary is open every afternoon between 2 and 4PM. During this time, volunteers bring the birds out for exercise, sunshine, misting/baths and close up encounters with visitors.  We have seen these animals up close and they are quite impressive!

For more information, visit www.eyesinthesky.org.

Kisa the Peregrine Falcon

Beaches in the Santa Barbara Area

Click the image for information about public beaches in and around Santa Barbara County

Palo Comado Canyon to Simi Peak Hike in Oak Park

If you're looking for a challenge, consider hiking from the Palo Comado Canyon Doubletree Road Trailhead to the 2,405 foot elevation Simi Peak in Oak Park. This is about a 4 to 4 1/2 mile trek each way with a 1,200 foot elevation gain to the top that is well worth it if you have the time and the energy.

Mind you, this particular stretch of trail, the Palo Comado Fire Road, I've rarely seen more than a handful of hikers and runners on over the years. I usually see more cyclists up here than anything. Part of the challenge is that it can get pretty hot up here on these trails as most of them get full exposure to the sun. So do bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen unless it happens to be a rare, overcast day. No restrooms either.

A quicker, easier path to the panoramic Simi Peak, the highest point in the Simi Hills, is via the China Flat Trailhead.

So if you're up to the challenge, park your car near the trailhead on Doubletree Road , just east of Clear Haven Drive, in Oak Park. From the 101, take Kanan to Sunnycrest Drive, and make a right. Sunnycrest becomes Doubletree after it veers left. The trailhead is on the right.

About a half mile from the trailhead gets you to the Palo Comado Canyon Trail, where you'll head north (left).

The Palo Comado Canyon Trail is fire road, so it is nice and wide.

Eventually, after a bit of a grueling climb (this hike is not kid friendly if you ask me), you'll reach this corral area. Continue west (left).

Follow the direction of the signs toward the Simi Peak Trail and you're on your way.

Follow the direction of the sign towards Simi Peak. The only challenge is that you have to go with your gut at some point as the signs stop.

The trails get narrower and a bit more technical as you head your way to the peak. Wear good shoes.

You've reached your destination when you see this.

You are now at Simi Peak, the highest point of the Simi Hills. The round marker on the right is from the Ventura County Surveyor. In background is Lindero Canyon Road headed south.

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Fancy, green highlighted map (courtesy National Park Service).

Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park

Click the image below for information about visiting Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, just an hour to hour and half boat ride from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village in Simi Valley

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village in Simi Valley is a California Historical Landmark, Ventura County Cultural Landmark, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a historic designation from the city of Simi Valley. CLICK HERE to learn more and to see more photos here on CVG.

Serra Retreat in Malibu

The Serra Center sign as seen from Pacific Coast Highway

The Serra Retreat is a Catholic retreat and conference center located in the hills of Malibu on a 26 acre knoll, across the street from the Malibu shoreline. The location, since 1943, has welcomed church groups, schools, non-profits and other organizations a quite space for retreats and workshops.

Courtyard area facing the Pacific Ocean

During the week, the public is allowed to visit the grounds between 9 am and 4:30pm for personal prayer and reflection. No reservations are required. You must stop at the guard gate, located on Serra Road at PCH, about a 1/4 mile east of Cross Creek Road, obtain a guest pass, then slowly drive up Serra Road, for about a mile until you seen the turnoff on to the Retreat on the left. The actual address of the facility is 3401 Serra Road, Malibu.

Parking pass received at guard gate

There are no public restrooms at the facility and dogs are not allowed, nor or picnic lunches. This is a place for reflection, not to mention taking in the great views. There are a number of benches to reflect as you look down below as you enjoy paths and walkways and enjoy the gardens and sights. There is also a stone lined labyrinth for walking and reflection. 

Labyrinths are always cool, both to look at and to walk.

You can get married here too, with two locations to celebrate after the ceremony. Capacity is 120 guests.

Learn more at serraretreat.com.

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The view is not too shabby either!

Grotto Trail Hike at Circle X Ranch in Malibu

Although it takes a bit of patience getting from the Thousand Oaks area to Circle X Ranch nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, Sandstone Peak (highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains), the Mishe Mokwa Trail (including the amazing Balanced Rock) and the Grotto Trail make it a worthwhile trek.

The Grotto Trail is a 3 1/2 mile round trip hike from the Ranger Station at Circle X Ranch at 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu. 

You can park in front of the Circle X Ranch building, then follow the signs down to the Grotto Trail trailhead adjacent to the group campground. Parking is free. There is a restroom and drinking fountain along with maps available. A park ranger may also be on hand to answer any questions.

The mostly single track trail leads you on rolling terrain down to an area called The Grotto, where you will find a creek and, in winter months, a waterfall. The trail is a bit rocky but can be done by most ages. The hills are rolling, the terrain varies with rocks, a areas with steps, etc. There is also ample amounts of poison oak growing on the sides of the trail various section, so do be aware. That said, I've been here several times with the kids and we managed to avert any issues.

Bikes are not allowed on the Grotto Trail. Dogs are allowed on leash, until you reach the streambed at the bottom of the canyon.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/circlexranch.htm.

Grotto Trailhead sign adjacent to circle X campground

So what makes the Grotto Trail special? Well, you hike down through a canyon leading to the west fork of the Arroyo Sequit. Plenty of shade and views all over. Once you reach the bottom of the trail, there is a creek. You'll hear running water pretty much year-round (though in late summer it can be a trickle). If you keep trekking down the unimproved creek bed, you'll come across large boulders and rock formations down to the "Grotto," a caved area pooled with water. But to get down there is not for everyone. You'll want to have both hands available as you climb down the boulders to the cave below. It is pretty cool though and you can explore without actually getting into the water. Photos below.

About .4 mile into the hike, you'll see see this sign for the Canyon View Trail, which takes you .6 mile up to a small parking area off of Yerba Buena Road (about halfway between Circle X Ranger Station and Sandstone Peak trailhead)

Watch out for the poison oak on the sides of the trail...there's plenty of it but you can avert it if you are aware.

Another sign, the final sign you'll see, .7 miles from the trailhead.

Some nice views of the surrounding canyons and towards Sandstone Peak.

Eventually you'll reach this tree-lined area next to a creek that leads to the grotto area.

Continue your way to the grotto through this unmarked, increasingly rocky section.

For many, this may be the endpoint for your hike once you see these boulders. But there's a path (I won't call it a trail, because it isn't) on the right hand side that, with a bit of patience, will get you to the cave below.

Not exactly easy but do-able. After the boulders there's a dirt path that I slipped on and flew nearly parallel to the ground, landing my lower back on a tree root. I survived but my utterances had to be bleeped out by censors.

View of the grotto cave from the outside. You can go inside there either through the water if you are prepared or through a hole formed by boulders above the cave, which we opted not to attempt. Maybe next time. It is pretty cool in there!

Definitely an interesting place to explore. this is above the cave area. But do watch for snakes and such down here too 

Solstice Canyon in Malibu

CLICK iMAGE FOR DETAILS ABOUT SOLSTICE CANYON IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS