Places To Hike Near Prospector Ranch
Exercising more is a common New Year’s resolution. In our busy lives, we all try and find time to keep our bodies in shape. Exploring the outdoors, such as taking a hike, can give people a chance to breathe some fresh air and explore the beautiful world around them. Here at Prospector Ranch, we're just a short distance away from some beautiful hiking trails, both in the Thousand Oaks/Westlake area, as well as the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu. There are multiple trail heads within minutes from Prospector Ranch, a great hop on, hop off point. In the spirit of a new year and fresh beginnings, we present to you some places to not only get your exercise, but explore the world as well.
All of the areas listed below are about 15-20 minutes from Prospector Ranch.
Backbone Trail
This trail is about 67 miles long, spanning from the Ray Miller trailhead on one end to the Will Rogers trailhead on the other end.
It has a lot of different scenery, ranging from majestic mountain views to ocean views.
To hike the whole trail takes multiple days, but there are shorter sections to hike if you don't want to commit to traversing the entire 67 miles.
If you're looking to start on the trail from Prospector Ranch, the nearby places of Will Rogers State Historic Park or Point Mugu are places to hop on.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrail.htm
Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop
This trail is located at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and loops around.
It’s a moderate hike, spanning about 5.7 miles.
The Echo Cliffs not only make for beautiful views, but are also a popular spot for rock climbers. The scenery from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration Point can have some beautiful views as well.
For more information, visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/backbone-trail-to-sandstone-peak-and-mishe-mokwa-trail-loop
Sycamore Canyon
Sycamore Canyon is another great place to hike. Meggan has often explored this area, both on horseback and on foot with her dog.
Some of its trails go down to the ocean, where you can get some beautiful aquatic views.
For more information, visit https://conejo.com/trails/sycamore-canyon-trail/
Rancho Sierra Vista National Park
This area has different trails to explore, ranging from easy to more challenging.
The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is part of the park.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm
Chesesbro/Palo Comado Canyon
This is another trail to explore, located in Agoura Hills.
When hiking this trail you can experience views of the local cities down below, while having the feeling of being in nature.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/cheeseboropalocomado.htm
Solstice Canyon
This hiking area is located in Malibu, and the trails range from easy to challenging.
A popular spot to visit is the Solstice Waterfall. You can also see the remains of the Keller House and the Roberts Ranch house while hiking toward the waterfall.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/solsticecanyon.htm
The Grotto
It’s located in the Santa Monica Mountains, and is about 2.5 miles. It's a one way trail, so you'll be going back on the same path on your way out.
At the end of the hike is the Grotto. It consists of a small waterfall that falls off of a rock into a small enclosed pool of water below. There are places to explore around the area before heading back.
For more information, visit https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/grotto-hike-malibu/ and https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/grotto-trail
Meggan enjoys hiking, and does it as often as she can. The weather has been so clear lately, resulting in some beautiful views and enjoyable experiences while hiking. Some of her favorite trails include the ones near Sycamore Canyon and the Rancho Sierra Vista National Park.
While hiking and losing herself in the beauty around her, she has sometimes found herself lost, forgetting which way will lead her back to the beginning of the trail. As she likes to both traverse them on horseback and on foot with her dog, the scenery can look different, almost akin to driving during the night versus driving during the day. Though it may take a little longer and more thinking to translate scenery on horseback versus on foot, she always finds her way back.
Next week will be our suggestions on places to bike, so stay tuned!
Background picture on thumbnail by Orlando Vera on Pexels.