Hiking in Newbury Pak (Thousan Oaks)

Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa is a part of National Park Service (NPS)- Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area (www.nps.gov/samo). Adjacent to it, on the South is Point Mugu State Park. In this area you can find multiple hiking opportuities. During 2007, we explored these hikes and here on these pages, I am giving you some details so you can also enjoy them.

 

Sycamore Hiking

Here are some hikes in this area (color coded in the map above):

(In Yellow) Hidden Valley Overlook Trail (around 5 miles, 700 feet (best guess)
(In Red) Hiking to the Waterfall (round trip around 3 miles- 300 feet or so elevation gain)
(In Green) Waterfall, Boney Trail, Sycamore Canyon Trail Loop ( 5 miles, 700 feet)

 

How to reach there?

There are two parking lots/Starting points for these hikes:
1. The official NPS parking lot can be reached by turning Left on VIA GOLETA from Lynn Road (after driving around 3 to 4 miles from 101 freeway). The problem with parking lot is it open around sun-rise time so for early morning hikers, the main entrance may be closes at times.

2. Wendy Rd entrance:
Take 101 and exit on Lynn Road. Go South on Lynn Road (toward the hills) Then take left on Wendy Dr and park at the end of the road where it meets Potrero Rd.
Or
From 101, exit on Wendy Rd and go south till it ends into a dirt parking lot.

Look at the two images below for details about the Wendy Rd entrance:
directions to wendy rd potrero rd hiking at wendy rd end

Some History about the area (thanks to NPS.gov website):

Satwiwa
For many years, the Santa Monica Mountains sustained the Chumash and Tongva/Gabrielino cultures. Sycamore Canyon, which cuts through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park, was part of a Chumash trade route. Satwiwa, which means "the bluffs," was the name of a nearby Chumash village. To reflect this heritage, Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and Natural Area was established by the National Park Service in partnership with the Friends of Satwiwa. A Native American guest host or a park ranger is on hand to answer questions from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Native American workshops, programs and art shows occur throughout the year.
Rancho Sierra Vista
Local ranching history began in 1803 when former soldiers Jose Polanco and Ignacio Rodriquez were granted Rancho El Conejo by the King of Spain. Through the years, this 48,672 acre land grant was subdivided and sold to various landowners. Modern ranching began here in 1937 when Carl Beal christened the area Rancho Sierra Vista. Carl Beal constructed most of the current ranch buildings and his house and barbecue pit in Sycamore Canyon. The last private landowner of this property was Richard Danielson. For 32 years, he and his family farmed and ranched here. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1980. The western boundary of present day Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa reflects the original land grant of the Rancho El Conejo.

 

Satwiwa Loop Trail
1.5 miles, easy-Stroll through grasslands and chaparral of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area. Equestrians and bicyclists are not permitted on this trail. The Natural Area was set aside for the preservation and celebration of Native American cultures.

Wendy Trail
1.2 miles, easy-This multi-use trail provides access to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa from the Wendy Drive Trailhead. A connector trail provides access to the Los Robles multi-use trail across Potrero Road (an additional 0.5 mile).

Trail to the Waterfall
1.5 miles one way, moderate; no bikes-From the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, travel east on the Boney Mountain Trail. This trail will descend into a canyon as you enter the Boney Mountain State Wilderness. After you cross over a streambed, the trail ascends and then makes a sharp right turn. There will be a trail at this bend with a sign reading "No Horses." Follow this trail for 100 yards to the waterfall.

Big Sycamore Canyon Trail
8 miles, moderate to strenuous-Enjoy this trek from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa through Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park to the sea.
Please exercise extreme caution when traveling on the steep hill which leads from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa into Point Mugu State Park. Be alert for the occasional service vehicle on the road.

Other trails:
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa provides access to many trails located in Point Mugu State Park. Maps may be obtained at the National Park Service Visitor Center in Thousand Oaks and at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. Campsites in Point Mugu State Park may be reserved by calling 1-800-444-7275. Dogs are not allowed on state park trails.8 miles, moderate to strenuous-Enjoy this trek from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa through Big Sycamore Canyon in Point Mugu State Park to the sea.

(Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails. Dogs are not allowed on state park trails.)