This trail is part of the Conejo Recreation & Park District and managed by the Conejo Open Space Foundation. It’s a moderately easy 3.5 mile round trip with about 800 feet of elevation gain and loss—doable in an hour or two if you’re moving at a decent pace.

The trail itself is well maintained and shaded by plenty of foliage, which is nice when you’re hiking in Ventura County heat. You’ll climb steadily but not steeply, and the path is clear enough that you won’t spend time second-guessing which way to go. What really makes this hike worth the effort is the payoff at the top: Angel Vista has a picnic table where you can catch your breath and take in views across the Conejo Valley and the Oxnard Plains. On clear days, you can actually see a couple of the Channel Islands from up there, which is a pretty cool bonus for a local hike.

It’s the kind of trail where you feel genuinely separated from town despite being pretty close to civilization. The elevation gain means your dog will need to be in reasonable shape—this isn’t a casual stroll—but it’s not so steep that you’ll be hauling a struggling pup up the mountain.

Dogs need to be leashed with a six-foot maximum and under control at all times, which makes sense on a popular trail. Bring water for both of you since there’s no shade once you get closer to the ridgeline, and remember to pack out what you pack in.

Getting there is straightforward: take Ventu Park Road south from the 101 Freeway, then turn right on Lynn Road and left on Regal Oak. The trailhead parking is on the left near the end of Regal Oak, and there’s enough space for several cars without the crowding you sometimes find at more famous spots.