This trail is part of the Conejo Recreation & Park District, managed by the Conejo Open Space Foundation. It’s a moderate 6.3 mile round trip that gains about 700 feet in elevation, so you’ll want a dog with decent stamina.

Start at the Wildwood parking lot at the west end of Avenida de Los Arboles where it meets Big Sky. From there, head west on Mesa Trail for about a quarter mile before turning right onto Santa Rosa Trail proper. The hike rewards you with nice overlooks of both the Conejo and Santa Rosa Valleys—on clear days the views stretch across the valley floor, and the breeze at higher elevations helps keep things cool. The trail itself is mostly well-maintained dirt and packed earth, and your dog will appreciate the mix of open terrain and shaded sections.

Just before the eastern end of Santa Rosa Trail, you’ll spot a connector trail heading east that loops through the hills above California Lutheran University’s campus. This section adds some nice variety to the route and takes you away from the main valley views for a bit. After completing the loop, you simply retrace your steps back to the Wildwood parking lot.

A few practical notes: your dog needs to stay on a leash no longer than six feet, and you’ll need to pack out whatever you pack in. The trail can get busy on weekends, especially nice weather days, so starting early helps avoid crowds. The elevation gain comes gradually rather than in one steep push, which most dogs handle better than sudden climbs. Bring plenty of water since there aren’t reliable water sources along the route, and the exposed sections don’t offer much shade during midday hikes. The trail is open year-round, though it’s most comfortable in fall and spring when temperatures are moderate.