A perfect weekend getaway




It’s a beautiful time of the year in our area, a perfect time to pick up the dog and bike and pay a visit to one of the local trails. Men, women and children will be out in full force this weekend, trekking with their packs and poles and water bottles.

Through the rolling hills and across the shady oak groves, our denizens of the trail will be able to see nature in all its glory. They’ll enjoy the fragrance of the spring blooms and witness the running streams as they cut their way across the canyon floors. Whether it’s an excursion to the coast or a trip to the Santa Monica Mountains—the Simi Hills are a good destination, too—any adventure promises to be worth the effort.

For a safe and enjoyable weekend, some rules of the road need to be followed.

Generally speaking, hikers must yield to horses.

Cyclists must yield to hikers and horses.

But because hikers are the smallest and slowest of the three, it behooves them to keep an eye out whether they have the right of way or not. All users of the trail should exercise caution.

For you hikers: Remember to bring plenty of water, stay on the trail, tell a friend or family member where you’re going, wear long pants to avoid the spring ticks, and watch out for rattlesnakes. This is their time of the year.

Some of the best hiking trails include Simi Hills in Oak Park; Los Robles Open Space in Thousand Oaks; Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park in Moorpark; Triunfo Creek Park and North Ranch Open Space in Westlake Village; Tapia Park, Malibu Creek State Park and Cold Creek Canyon Preserve in Calabasas; and Rocky Peak Park, Wood Ranch Open Space and Upper Las Virgenes Canyon in Simi Valley.

Top biking trails include Cheeseboro Canyon in Agoura/Oak Park, Las Virgenes View Park in Calabasas, Rocky Oaks in Westlake Village, Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, and Sage Ranch Park in Simi Valley.

Our canine friends make good hiking companions but are not welcome in some areas. Dogs are allowed on leashes in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, including Satwiwa, Cheeseboro Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Peter Strauss Ranch and Rocky Oaks. Leashed dogs are allowed at Sycamore Cove, County Line and Leo Carrillo beaches but are not allowed on the backcountry trails of Topanga, Malibu Creek, Leo Carillo and Point Mugu state parks.

This weekend, take advantage of a spot near you and enjoy the great outdoors. We’ll see you on the trail.



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