Simi Valley has at least 18 marked hiking and mountain biking trails, mostly in the hills on the north and south edges of town. For a first hike, try Hummingbird Trail (2 miles, with caves) or Big Sky Trail (3.5 miles, good for kids). For a challenge, try Mt. McCoy (the hike to the cross) or the 6-mile Rocky Peak Trail. In this video I walk through all 18 on a map, using the trail guide from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.
Which Simi Valley trails are best for beginners and kids?
Hummingbird Trail, Big Sky Trail, Stagecoach Trail, and the flat loop at Corriganville are all good starting points. Hummingbird is the one most people start with: it’s fun, the views are great, and you can explore the caves.
Which trails are the hardest?
Mt. McCoy and North Ridge are short but steep. Rocky Peak (about 6 miles) and Las Llajas (5.5 miles) are the longest, and both are popular with mountain bikers.
All 18 trails, with trailheads
1. Alamos Canyon Trail
Length: 4.5 miles
Trailhead: Northwest Simi Valley, about halfway to Moorpark. Take the 118 to Madera Road, head south, then follow Easy Street to Quimisa Drive. The trailhead is at the park and campground at the end.
A big loop that passes under the freeway. Part of it runs near the landfill, so it can get a little smelly, but it is still a nice hike. Many locals don’t know Simi Valley has a campground here.
2. Mt. McCoy Trail
Length: Short and steep
Trailhead: South of Royal Avenue, west of Madera Road. Park at the end of Washburn or Los Amigos.
One of my favorites. Locals call it the hike to the cross because of the large cross at the top. It zigzags up a steep hill, and the view from the top is worth it.
3. Wood Ranch Trail
Length: Not listed
Trailhead: Coyote Park in Wood Ranch. Take First Street south (it becomes Long Canyon Road), turn on Bluegrass, then follow Valley Gate to the triangle-shaped park.
Up and down with zigzags and good views at the top. It connects to Canyon View Trail.
4. Canyon View Trail
Length: 1.7 miles
Trailhead: Two trailheads on Long Canyon Road. The more common one is on the west side near Wood Ranch Parkway.
There is a bench along the way, and it connects to Wood Ranch Trail.
5. Long Canyon Trail
Length: 4.6 miles
Trailhead: Off Long Canyon Road in south Wood Ranch, with a parking lot that fits about 15 cars.
A local favorite with a mix of easy and steep sections. The views at the top are amazing, and there is an optional loop.
6. Creekside Trail
Length: 1.2 miles
Trailhead: Challenger Park, off Long Canyon Road.
Winds back and forth and connects to the east end of Long Canyon Trail.
7. Big Sky Trail
Length: 3.5 miles
Trailhead: North end of Erringer Road, near the fire station. Park in the nearby neighborhood.
A good one for kids. Not too difficult, with a creek that runs after rain. It forks into two routes and ends near Lost Canyons.
8. Runkle Canyon Trail
Length: 2.3 miles
Trailhead: South side of town. Take Sequoia Avenue south, then go west on Runkle Hill Road (it becomes Fir Road) to the park.
Starts at one of my favorite parks, which has sand volleyball courts most locals don’t know about. Gets steeper near the end.
9. Tapo Canyon Trail
Length: 3.3 miles
Trailhead: North Tapo Canyon Road, just before Lost Canyons Drive.
A fairly easy walk with a fork (I believe it’s called Tessie’s Loop) that leads into Chivo Canyon.
10. Chivo Canyon Trail
Length: 1.6 miles
Trailhead: North on Yosemite Avenue where it becomes Cottonwood Drive.
A nice, short walk through the hills.
11. Las Llajas Canyon Trail
Length: 5.5 miles
Trailhead: Off Yosemite Avenue at Evening Sky Drive.
A local favorite for mountain bikers. Long but not too difficult, and it connects to Rocky Peak Trail.
12. Chumash Trail
Length: 2.8 miles
Trailhead: The end of Evening Sky Drive, or off Flanagan Drive.
Climbs through the hills and connects to Rocky Peak Trail.
13. North Ridge Trail
Length: 1.3 miles
Trailhead: Near Flanagan Drive and Yosemite Avenue.
A steep climb with switchbacks and a view of the whole valley. Cross the street at the end to reach Las Llajas.
14. Parker Ranch Trail
Length: About 0.6 miles
Trailhead: South side. From Stearns Street, go west on Los Angeles Avenue to Hidden Ranch Drive and cross the railroad tracks.
Short but steep, with great views of Simi Valley.
15. Hummingbird Trail
Length: 2 miles
Trailhead: Off Kuehner Drive, near Hummingbird Ranch.
One of my favorites and a great first hike. Many people stop at the caves, which look out over the valley, and head back. The full trail connects to Rocky Peak.
16. Corriganville trails
Length: About 4 miles total
Trailhead: Take the 118 to Kuehner Drive, go south to the end, then east on Smith Road to Corriganville Park.
A historic filming location for movies and TV. There is an easy, flat loop for kids with picnic tables, a steeper trail that goes through a tunnel under the freeway to Rocky Peak, and a third trail to Santa Susana Pass.
17. Rocky Peak Trail
Length: About 6 miles
Trailhead: The Rocky Peak Road exit off the 118. Most people park on one side and walk across the bridge.
The long one. Corriganville, Hummingbird, Chumash, and Las Llajas all connect to it. Popular with mountain bikers.
18. Stagecoach Trail
Length: 0.5 miles
Trailhead: Off Santa Susana Pass Road, across the freeway from Rocky Peak. Limited roadside parking.
A short, fun one for kids that ends at a small historical park.
Before you go
Distances come from the park district’s trail guide as I described them in the video. Trail conditions, closures, and parking change, so check the latest trail guide at rsrpd.org before you head out. Bring water, and start early on hot days.
Living near these trails
Curious about the neighborhoods right next to these trails? My real estate team has guides to homes near Mount McCoy, Wood Ranch, and Long Canyon, plus a guide to all of Simi Valley’s neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions
How many hiking trails are in Simi Valley?
The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District trail guide lists 18 hiking and biking trails in Simi Valley, plus many unofficial side trails.
What is the easiest hike in Simi Valley?
Hummingbird Trail (2 miles, with caves near the top), Big Sky Trail, Stagecoach Trail (0.5 miles), and the flat loop at Corriganville are all good, easier options.
What is the hike to the cross in Simi Valley?
That’s Mt. McCoy. The trailhead is at the end of Washburn or Los Amigos, south of Royal Avenue, and the steep trail leads to a large cross with views of the valley.
What is the longest trail in Simi Valley?
Rocky Peak Trail, at about 6 miles. Corriganville, Hummingbird, Chumash, and Las Llajas trails all connect to it.
Where can I get a Simi Valley trail map?
The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District publishes the trail guide at rsrpd.org.
Filmed January 2023 by Steve Hise for Simi On Video. Trail info is from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District trail guide. Check rsrpd.org for current conditions.
