A beautiful meandering path with views of Conejo Valley, the Los Robles Trail to Angel Vista is a fantastic way to experience the quieter side of southern California while hiking in parallel to Highway 101.
The Los Robles Trail to Angel Vista is anywhere between 8 and 12 miles depending on your route and is considered easy. Due to the distance this could be considered moderate, but the ascents and descents are gradual on a wide trail, making this a great hike for any hiker. This took us about 4 hours with some stoppage time at Angel Vista to enjoy lunch at the picnic table. Dogs are able to take this trail as well.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Los Robles Trail, search for the Los Robles Trailhead in Thousand Oaks, CA or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Los Angeles, take Highway 101 north until Moorpark Road and turn left. Moorpark Road will dead end into the parking lot.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody. The parking lot is a paved dirt lot and fills up on weekends since this is a popular mountain biking area as well.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in January, and since it’s Southern California it was mostly perfect weather and sunny. Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes.
Gear: Nothing special needed here, although sun exposure requires some protection like hats and sunscreen.
Trail Navigation: There’s a couple junctions at the beginning of this trail, and you can tack on a variety of extensions to this hike, but overall it’s easy to follow. At times the trail is tight, and there are a lot of mountain bikers so be aware. Mountain bikers are supposed to attach bells to their bikes but not everybody does so keep your eyes open.
Water & Food: Pack water as always and a tasty snack to enjoy from the picnic table at Angel Vista.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot is large but is popular for mountain biking so it can get tight on the weekends. It’s a dirt lot but paved well.
Pictures of the Los Robles Trail to Angel Vista:
Most of the trail looks like this, with wide dirt paths that cut across the hills and carve in and out of the beautiful Conejo Valley.
Looking to your right (north towards Highway 101) are views of Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park. The trail does end up at Lynn Road, although you have to take a sharp descent to reach it.
Angel Vista is a spectacular vista point within Conejo Valley. Looking south towards the ocean you can see the amazing ranch lands within Hidden Valley and along Potrero Road. This is the spot to take a snack break at the picnic table and admire the beautiful surroundings.
As mentioned, be careful both directions on this hike, mainly for mountain bikers who come speeding around corners. They are supposed to attach bells for sound but not everybody does.
