Description :
This hike starts off at Old Windmill Park in the community of Woodranch in Long Canyon. There are two versions of this hike, this one and another called "West CanyonView Trail Version1" which is about 3/4 of a mile shorter than this one. This version takes you up to the ridge line just north of the park and then down into the canyon behind the ridge. You'll get a great view of the Bard Reservoir, the mountains around Long Canyon, the Woodranch Community, and the beautiful canyon behind the ridge. The last time I hiked here was in the spring and the wildflowers were blooming like crazy and there were bees everywhere. None bothered me or my dog but if you are allergic to bees you may want time your hike accordingly. In both cases these hikes will drop you back onto Long Canyon where you'll walk a short distance on the sidewalk back to the park. Old Windmill Park is pretty nice and very well maintained, although I don't think there are any bathrooms there. Nevertheless, you may want to consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family afterward. Both version1 and version2 are great training hikes as they are small enough where if you wanted to you could loop around again. I have lived in the west end of Simi for years and never hiked in this area. I'm really glad I did because this is a great little hike.
To get to the trail head walk out of Old Windmill Park and make a right onto Long Canyon Rd, you'll walk on the sidewalk a few hundred feet where you'll find the trail head clearly marked on the right. Take a look at the GPS Information for this hike and click on the google maps link to orient yourself.
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