
Conejo Mountain Trail
Explore diverse trails on Conejo Mountain, from wildflower-laden hills in spring to challenging mountain biking routes. Spot wildlife and enjoy scenic...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Vibrant wildflowers bloom

Conejo Mountain Trail
Best Time
Vibrant wildflowers bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse trails on Conejo Mountain, from wildflower-laden hills in spring to challenging mountain biking routes. Spot wildlife and enjoy scenic vistas.
"Gorgeous hiking and running with abundant flora, fauna, and scenic loops."

👟 Conquer the Hills First
Tackle the initial climbs early in your hike or run to get them out of the way. :athletic_shoe:
⚠️ Flash Flood Warning
Exercise extreme caution after heavy rains; flash flooding is a known risk. :warning:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butte Trail Loop
Santa Rosa Trailhead
A rewarding 5.0-mile loop with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for hiking and running. Conquer the initial hill for a great warm-up.

Lichen Trail
Various trailheads
Experience thrilling downhill sections and technical single tracks, offering excellent cornering practice for mountain bikers.

Wildlife Spotting
Plateau Trail
Keep an eye out for coyotes, deer, and a variety of California flora and fauna, especially in the quieter, less-trafficked areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footing for Trail Runners
Spring Wildflower Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hope Nature Preserve in Thousand Oaks questions
👟 Conquer the Hills First
Tackle the initial climbs early in your hike or run to get them out of the way. :athletic_shoe:
⚠️ Flash Flood Warning
Exercise extreme caution after heavy rains; flash flooding is a known risk. :warning:
Trail Running, any relatively flat/beginner recc's?
Thousand Oaks, CA mTB
🌸 Spring Wildflower Beauty
Visit in spring for stunning wildflower displays across the trails. :flower:
🦌 Wildlife Encounters
Be aware of local wildlife like coyotes and deer; observe from a safe distance. :deer:
Best views of VC
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the Hills First
Tackle the initial climbs early in your hike or run to get them out of the way. :athletic_shoe:
⚠️ Flash Flood Warning
Exercise extreme caution after heavy rains; flash flooding is a known risk. :warning:
🌸 Spring Wildflower Beauty
Visit in spring for stunning wildflower displays across the trails. :flower:
🦌 Wildlife Encounters
Be aware of local wildlife like coyotes and deer; observe from a safe distance. :deer:
🚴♀️ Technical Trail Fun
The Lichen trail offers exciting downhill and technical sections for experienced bikers. :mountain_bicyclist:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Conejo Mountain for its diverse trails, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The spring wildflower displays are a major draw, alongside frequent wildlife sightings. While generally well-maintained, some trails can be technical, and caution is advised after heavy rains due to flash flood risks.
"So many trails to hike. Beautiful time of year in spring. So many wildflowers."
Mike M
"Decent trails that split off at several places. Paths are mostly wide and maintained. There is parking on site. Went during summer so it's dry and brown, but the areas near the creek are nice and green. Saw a coyote on the Plateau Trail and another heading back towards the parking lot."
P Sanchez
"Gorgeous Hiking and Running. Take the Butte Trail (Santa Rosa Trailhead) for a beautiful 5.0 loop (great running as well). Take the hill in the beginning to get it over with and get your warm up on. You will see quail, deer, cacti and more California flora and fauna than you can shake a stick at. You will not however see a lot of folks (a plus). By the end of the trail, you will cross a stream (in the summer) or a river (in the winter) and return via the .50 mile trail that lead you to the trail turn off. A gorgeous hike especially in Spring.
tip: I went one time after some particularly hard rains and met a ranger who said to proceed with caution as flash flooding was known to occur. In fact, a couple of folks had perished a few days prior so BE CAREFUL!"
Hilary Garland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Conejo Mountain trails is typically via various trailheads, including the Santa Rosa Trailhead. Parking is available on-site at many access points. It's recommended to use GPS or a mapping app to find the trailhead closest to your desired starting point.
Yes, there is parking available on-site at several trailheads, making it convenient for visitors.
Public transport options to trailheads can be limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a personal vehicle.
For trail running, areas near the Chumash Museum are often recommended for their softer terrain and beginner-friendly paths.
Yes, Conejo Mountain has multiple trailheads and access points, allowing you to explore different sections of the trail system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, access to Conejo Mountain trails is free, and no tickets are required for hiking or running.
There are typically no entrance fees for hiking the Conejo Mountain trails. Parking is also usually free.
Trails are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check local park regulations for specific hours, especially if accessing via a managed park area.
While guided tours might not be widely advertised, local hiking or biking groups may offer organized outings. It's best to check community boards or local outdoor recreation providers.
For standard hiking and running, no permit is typically required. However, if you plan on organizing large events or specific activities, it's wise to check with local authorities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terrain varies, with some trails offering softer, looser surfaces suitable for trail running, while others are more rugged with single tracks and hills, especially for mountain biking.
The paths are generally described as wide and maintained, though some single tracks can be more technical.
Visitors often report seeing coyotes, deer, quail, and various California flora and fauna.
Yes, there are relatively flat and beginner-friendly paths, particularly in areas like those near the Chumash Museum.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or trail running shoes. Layers are recommended as weather can change, and bring sun protection. :athleticshoe: :sunwith_face:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the Conejo Mountain trails. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or plan to eat before or after your visit in nearby Thousand Oaks or other surrounding communities.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas or at trailheads where facilities might be available. Pack out everything you pack in to keep the trails clean.
Nearby Thousand Oaks offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Consider exploring the area's local eateries for post-hike meals.
Absolutely. It's crucial to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as hydration is key for any outdoor activity. :droplet:
No, there are no food vendors along the Conejo Mountain trails. All food and beverages must be brought with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The Butte Trail loop offers scenic vistas, especially during spring with wildflowers. Look for elevated points for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. :camerawithflash:
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Springtime is ideal for capturing wildflower blooms. :sunrise: :sunset:
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Telephoto lenses are recommended for capturing clear shots of wildlife like deer and coyotes. :camerawithflash: :deer:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check local regulations.
Expect rolling hills, diverse California flora (especially wildflowers in spring), and expansive views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. :mountain:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
🚴♂️ Mountain Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trail Running on Conejo Mountain
While some trails are described as having hills that can be challenging, the Butte Trail loop is a popular choice for a 5.0-mile run, offering a good mix of exertion and scenic beauty. The Lichen trail, though more technical, can provide an exciting challenge for experienced runners looking for downhill sections and good cornering practice. Remember to bring ample water and wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe: :droplet:
Mountain Biking Adventures
While some reviews mention that a 'pretty good bike' might be needed to handle all the hills, the variety of trails means there's something for different skill levels. The Butte Trail loop is also a viable option for biking, offering a substantial distance with varied terrain. Always be aware of other trail users, especially hikers, and be prepared for the dry, sometimes loose conditions, particularly in the summer months. :mountain_bicyclist: :warning:
Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife
During summer, the landscape turns dry and brown, but areas near the creek remain green and inviting. This is also a good time for wildlife spotting, with visitors frequently encountering coyotes and deer. A word of caution from a ranger mentioned in reviews: be extremely careful after heavy rains, as flash flooding can occur, and has tragically led to fatalities in the past. Always check weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit