Los Robles Trail West "Space Mountain"

"Space Mountain" is not the "official" name of the Los Robles Trail heading west from the South Moorpark Road and Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks trail access point but this mostly single track trail was affectionately named after the Disneyland ride due to its switchbacks and twists and turns to the top, where you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the Conejo Valley and beyond. These trails are particularly popular with mountain bikers who enjoy the rocky, single track trails, as well as hikers and runners.

From the main trailhead, go west just under 1/2 mile and you'll see the fork in the road where you can go east or west. Go west, young man (or woman).

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After making your way up the hill to the right, you'll go down a hill to another fork in the road, where you can either veer slightly right to to the Spring Canyon Trail, which takes you about a mile to the Ventu Park area of Newbury Park. Veer to the left to continue on the Los Robles Trail West.

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Only 4.7 miles from this juncture is the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa National Park area in Newbury Park. Some challenging miles for sure, but fun!

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This section of the Los Robles Trail is mostly single track although some sections you can walk two-wide (though you'd best not do so, as there are many mountain bikes on these trails). Good to be aware of others on the trail.

I've attempted from time to time to count the number of switchbacks on my way up to the top of Space Mountain and back down and come up with something in the neighborhood of 8 to 10 of them. This is not a stroller friendly trail as it is steep, with plenty or rocks jutting out. An easy trail to twist your ankle if you're not careful.

A photo of a section of the Los Robles Trail West up Space Mountain.

A photo of a section of the Los Robles Trail West up Space Mountain.

It is roughly 3 miles to the top, where you will find one bench directly on the trail, facing a very short path to a viewing area with another bench.

Bench on the trail at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail.

Bench on the trail at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail.

The viewing bench at the very top of Space Mountain.

The viewing bench at the very top of Space Mountain.

All told, this is roughly about 3.5 miles each way, or 7 miles round trip.

Los Robles Trail sign at the top of Space Mountain.

Los Robles Trail sign at the top of Space Mountain.

Views from the top of Space Mountain looking west toward the Conejo Grade.

And as mentioned above, you can continue west on the Los Robles Trail west into Newbury Park. Portions of the trail go through privately owned land, which the owner has generously made available for public trail access...so be sure to treat the trail with respect!

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And last but not least, a view of the single track trail heading towards Newbury Park, where you will eventually connect with the Angel Vista Peak trail.

Single track with awesome, continuous views as you continue west into Newbury Park.

Single track with awesome, continuous views as you continue west into Newbury Park.