Space Mountain To Angels Crest

by Josh Spiker
4 years ago
Near Westlake Village Area, US

47 views

With lots of hills, this tough upward climb will provide amazing views of Thousand Oaks and Newbury park, as well as reward you with Ocean views at the turn around point. Starting in Thousand Oaks, as a relatively flat trail, within a mile you will be on the ascent up space Mountain's switchbacks. Climb the switchbacks for just over 2 miles to for the first of two lookout points, with a view of the entire Conejo Valley. Keep going along the ridge of the mountain and cross the fire road to a second but briefer ascent to Angels Crest. On any given day, a complete view of hidden valley and the conejo valley on either side of the mountain make for stunning views. On a particularly clear day, look west to see the Pacific Ocean. The way down space mountain is as technically challenging as the run up is physically difficult. Watch your feet for rocks, uneven terrain and sandy turns. Don't worry about the difficulty, take at any pace for a challenging long run or a scenic walk-jog.
When you've gotten back to the base of the switch backs, head back to your car for an shorter 6 mile run, or add a valley loop in the connected Los Padres open space to make a 10-miler.
To get to the upper valley loop, the easier incline up from the Los Robles main trail will take you to the valley loop, a meadow valley in the hills. Finish the loop and move out of the Los Padres trail to your car to finish your run.

Location: From north of Thousand Oaks, head south on the 101 freeway to the Moorpark road exit in Thousand Oaks. Exit right and drive to the end of Moorpark Road
From South of Thousand Oaks, take the 101 Northbound and exit Moorpark Road to the Left
From Moorpark and Simi, take the 23 freeway to the 101 northbound and exit Moorpark Road going left.

Parking: Parking is free in the Moorpark road parking lot. If the lot is full, take Greenmeadow Ave to an alternate trail head with additional free parking.