3 min
Overview
Much like the Puente Hills, the Simi Hills are often overlooked by hikers drawn to the wider swaths of wilderness present in the nearby mountain ranges. For the Simi Hills, the neighboring Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains cast a sizable shadow on this smaller range hemmed in by suburbia, but the region has some excellent trails to hike. Case in point: the range’s highest point, Simi Peak. This fun, moderately tough hike provides some decent elevation gain, truly stunning oak savanna landscapes, beautiful, 360-degree views from the top of Simi Peak, and easy access to nearby Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons if you feel like making this an all-day adventure. Begin on the narrow strip of undeveloped land between Saint James Court and Wembley Avenue. The trail hugs the east bank of one of the branches of Medea Creek, which eventually flows through Paramount Ranch and Malibu Creek State Park on its way to the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be passing behind people’s backyards here, but it’s a very short section of trail – and there are lots of yerba santa and buckwheat plants along the way to hold your attention. The trail leaves the creek banks and starts a twisty climb up a series of switchbacks rising slowly above the surrounding suburbia. At 0.4 miles, keep right at the junction with another route that comes from the end of Saint James Court. As the trail continues to rise, it gets a bit rockier and uneven – but nothing that requires anything more than a little extra paid attention as you continue on your journey. At the 1 mile mark, the trail makes a sharp turn to the east and continues along an old dirt road grade. Here, you’ll actually be inside the National Park Service’s Lang Ranch / Jordan Ranch holdings of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. At just about the 1.5 mile mark, the trail levels out a bit as it makes its way between two larger rocky outcroppings. Note the old rusted gate from the land’s former ranch days and continue to the east past the still-standing rusted gate, staying lef
Trail Stats
8.9 km
340 m
732 m
388 m
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