Encompassing 4,800 acres in the Santa Susana Mountains between Chatsworth and Simi Valley, this extraordinary Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor property includes the 4,400-acre Runkle Ranch formerly owned by entertainer Bob Hope. Rocky Peak Park stretches from the 118 freeway five miles northward to Las Llajas Canyon, and forms the most critical wildlife habitat linkage between the Simi Hills and the Santa Susana Mountains. Spectacular sandstone boulders, outcroppings, oak savannahs, and perennial water sources provide diverse habitat for birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Trails:
• The Rocky Peak Trail
Five miles, easy to moderate.
The trail is accessible from the westbound 118 Freeway at the Rocky Peak Overpass. Traveling eastbound, take Kuehner Drive south to Santa Susana Pass Road, which takes you to the Rocky Peak overpass. Parking is limited at the trailhead (do not block the fire gate), but overflow parking is available across the freeway bridge. The trail terminates north of Blind Canyon in Las Llajas Canyon. You must then double back to return to the trailhead, or take the Chumash Trail down to the westernmost boundary of the property if you have arranged with a friend to shuttle back to the Rocky Peak Trailhead.
• The Chumash Trail
Three miles, moderate.
The trail leads up to the main Rocky Peak Trail, intersecting the trail just south of Blind Canyon. The trail will take visitors on a steady climb upward, with beautiful views and abundant wildflowers in spring. It starts at the terminus of Flanagan Street in a residential subdivision of Simi Valley. Take the 118 Freeway to Yosemite Avenue, going north on Yosemite. Turn right on Flanagan and follow to the end, parking along the street. You will see a park rules sign and information kiosk.
• The Hummingbird Trail
Easy. Built by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSPD) the trail starts on RSPD land near Kuehner Drive and the 118 Freeway. The trail leads up to the main Rocky Peak Trail. During and just after the rainy season, the trail passes cascades flowing down the sandstone boulders and cliffs. Take the 118 Freeway to the Kuehner exit, go north a short distance to the parking area.
Directions:
From the San Fernando Valley, head west on the 118 Freeway and exit at Rocky Peak Road. Park on the north side of the off-ramp. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE BRIDGE or in front of the gate.
From Simi Valley, head east on the 118 and exit at Kuehner Drive. Go right (south) on Kuehner until it becomes Santa Susana pass Road. Follow it east to the top of the pass and the parking area.Address: 118 Freeway to Yosemite Avenue going north. Turn right on Flanagan and follow to the end.