Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley: Hiking Guide, Map, Parking & Tips

Last Updated October 2026, including trail information updates

Big Sky Trail offers a different kind of hiking experience in Simi Valley—one where open hillsides, local wildlife, and native vegetation share the landscape with views of the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. We found the hike relatively easy and especially enjoyed the changing scenery, from stretches that feel surprisingly removed from the city to overlooks where homes and streets remind you how close you are to town.

As Simi Valley locals, we’ve hiked many trails around the city. Big Sky stands out because it combines surprisingly expansive valley views with one of the most convenient trailheads in town. One of our favorite views along the trail is toward Whiteface Mountain, a familiar Simi Valley landmark rising above the surrounding hills. Depending on the season, hikers may also see wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife as they walk through the area’s grasslands and chaparral.

For us, that’s part of Big Sky Trail’s appeal. It isn’t a remote wilderness hike, nor does it try to be. Instead, it offers an accessible way to spend a few hours outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy broad views of the Simi Valley landscape without traveling far from the city.

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Big Sky Trail at a Glance

Trail Detail	What to Know
Location	Northeast Simi Valley, California
Trail Type	Interconnected trail system commonly hiked as a loop
Distance	About 4 miles for the commonly mapped loop; route variations can be longer
Elevation Gain	About 600–650 feet on the commonly mapped loop
Difficulty	Easy to moderate; we found the hike relatively easy
Time Needed	About 1.5–2 hours for most hikers
Terrain	Dirt trails, rolling hills, exposed ridgelines and some residential street connections
Scenery	Simi Valley views, surrounding neighborhoods, local hills and views toward Whiteface Mountain
Wildlife & Plants	Birds, local wildlife, chaparral, grasses and seasonal wildflowers
Shade	Limited overall, with more shade in some lower sections
Dogs	Allowed on leash; follow Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District rules
Mountain Bikes	Permitted unless otherwise posted; hikers and cyclists share portions of the trail
Restrooms	None directly along the trail; facilities are available at nearby Big Sky Park
Water	Bring your own water for the hike
Best Time to Hike	Fall through spring; spring can be especially scenic after winter rains
Summer Hiking	Start early because much of the trail is exposed to the sun
Best For	Local hikers, visitors wanting an accessible Simi Valley hike, wildlife viewing and valley scenery

Big Sky Trail is a moderate hiking trail system in northeast Simi Valley, California, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The district lists about 3.5 miles of trail surface, while the commonly hiked loop is roughly 4 miles with about 636 feet of elevation gain and usually takes 1.5–2 hours.

How Long Is the Big Sky Trail?

Big Sky Trail isn’t a single out-and-back path, so you may see different mileage figures online. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District lists approximately 3.5 miles of total trail surface, while the route commonly mapped by hiking apps forms a loop of about 4 miles. Depending on your starting point, street connections, and side trails, your hike may be longer.

The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet; it rewards those who take on its slopes with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. The trail is located in the north central section of Simi Valley.

Where Is the Big Sky Trail?

The Big Sky Trail is located in northeast Simi Valley, California, in Ventura County. The trail winds through the hills around the Big Sky neighborhood, offering a mix of open-space scenery and city views.

Multiple access points include a southern trailhead near Erringer Road and Falcon Street and a northern access point from Lost Canyons Drive near Big Sky Park. Because the trail system connects to neighborhood streets in a few places, review your route before you start.

If you’re visiting from outside the area, Big Sky Trail can fit easily into a larger day of sightseeing. Our Simi Valley itinerary includes additional ideas for things to see and do before or after your hike.

Big Sky Trail Map

Big Sky Hiking Trail via Google Maps

Where to Park and Which Trailhead to Use

Big Sky Trail has several access points, but the two main trailheads are on Lost Canyons Drive at the northern end of the trail system and near Erringer Road and Falcon Street at the southern end.

Starting Near Big Sky Park

For first-time visitors, we recommend starting near Big Sky Park at 2251 Lost Canyons Drive. The park has designated parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains, making it the most convenient place to get ready before your hike. The Big Sky Trail is located across Lost Canyons Drive, southeast of the park.

The northern trailhead is on Lost Canyons Drive, approximately 700 feet west of Goldstone Lane. Starting here puts you close to the upper portion of the trail system and makes Big Sky Park a convenient landmark for finding your way back after the hike.

Southern Big Sky Trailhead

You can also begin from the southern trailhead near Erringer Road and Falcon Street. The trail starts on the east side of Erringer Road near the fire station, crosses the streambed, and climbs into the hills.

This is a good starting point if you are approaching Big Sky from central Simi Valley or want to start your hike with the climb toward the ridge. However, hikers who value easy access to designated parking, restrooms, and drinking water may prefer starting near Big Sky Park.

The hills around Big Sky also connect to Simi Valley’s long history as a filming destination. Nearby Big Sky Movie Ranch has been used for numerous film and television productions over the years. If you enjoy spotting Hollywood-connected places, our Simi Valley filming locations guide highlights more locations around the city that have appeared on screen.

Our recommendation: If this is your first hike on Big Sky Trail, use Big Sky Park and the Lost Canyons Drive trailhead as your starting point. Whichever entrance you choose, review the route before you leave, because neighborhood streets interrupt portions of the Big Sky Trail system.

Preparing For Our Big Sky Hike

On what would be a very hot Southern California Saturday (mid-90 degree temperatures), we decided our hike would start early and close to home. To beat the heat, we planned to finish before the heat peaked (around 11 am). This trail is easy to traverse if you have a couple of hours.

Getting to Big Sky Trail

We drove up Erringer Road and found a small parking lot at the intersection with Falcon Street. We parked in the corner lot. After crossing the main street, Erringer Road, we entered a trailhead on the east side.

You can also park at Big Sky Park. You can start the trail less than half a mile away.

Big Sky Trailhead Map via Google Maps

A Series of Several Hiking Trails

The Big Sky Trail encompasses a series of trails in this general area that veer off in various directions. Sometimes, a trail ends near some homes, to be resumed nearby after crossing a street or walking past some homes.

View from Big Sky trail in Simi Valley of Whiteface mountain — **Whiteface Mountain, Simi Valley, California**

Views, Wildlife and Spring Wildflowers

Views of Whiteface Mountain

We started toward a loop that would take us toward Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface Mountain elevation is nearly 2,794 feet above sea level.

Memories came back of a prior hike when we scaled the near-vertical cliffs at Whiteface to reach the top. Our legs would not let us forget that arduous adventure for many days.

The trail is decently maintained, and while it has some minor elevation changes, the hike is easy to moderate.

Looking for another hike with broad Simi Valley views? Watch our Mount McCoy hiking video for another local trail experience.

Hiking trail on Big Sky trail in Simi Valley, California — **Hiking Trail, Big Sky Trail, Simi Valley, California**

Visions of the Past

On our walk, we saw remnants of old ranches. At the base of one hill, we could see the remains of an old horse corral no longer in use. In another area, scattered pieces of rusted iron were another sign of ranch life from decades ago.

Wildlife on the Trail

Wildlife was in abundance this morning. On one of the overlooks towards Simi Valley, we spied a coyote descending a hillside into the bush below. We stayed briefly to see where he would go and if any of the coyote’s pack might appear. The lone animal eventually continued in the bushes at the bottom of the hillside.

Several hawks floated in the sky, looking for food. Jackrabbits were plentiful on the trails this morning.

**Poppy Clusters, Big Sky Trail, Simi Valley, California**

Spring Wildflowers in Bloom

With the spring rains behind us, a variety of flowers were in bloom. We spotted clusters of orange poppies.

The trail, known for its stunning wildflower displays during the spring months, offers a serene escape. Vibrant blankets of California poppies, lupines, and other native flowers gently paint the hillsides in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a truly enchanting and peaceful experience.

A variety of bushes and flowering plants would inspire us to pause during our hike to take photos of the spring blooms.

Hiking in Suburbia

This hike reminds us that we are in suburbia. For the most part, when looking straight ahead, you see a typical Southern California hiking trail. However, during much of this hike, a shift of the head to the left or right, or just expanding one’s view to bring in peripheral vision, brought the homes and neighborhoods into view.

Best Time to Hike Big Sky Trail

The best time to hike Big Sky Trail is generally from fall through spring, when temperatures in Simi Valley are cooler and the exposed sections of the trail are more comfortable for hiking. Because much of the route has limited shade, the time of year—and even the time of day—can make a noticeable difference in your experience.

Spring is our favorite season for this hike. After winter rains, the surrounding hills are often greener, seasonal wildflowers may appear, and there can be more opportunities to enjoy local plants and wildlife along the trail. The combination of green hillsides and broad views across Simi Valley can make this an especially scenic time to visit.

Fall and winter can also be excellent times to hike Big Sky Trail, particularly on clear, cool days. Winter rains can make portions of the trail muddy, however, so avoid hiking immediately after significant rainfall and check local trail conditions before setting out.

Summer hiking requires more planning. Simi Valley can become very hot, and many portions of Big Sky Trail are exposed to direct sunlight. If you hike during the warmer months, consider starting early in the morning, carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Our tip: Regardless of the season, we prefer hiking Big Sky Trail earlier in the day. Temperatures are typically more comfortable, and the softer morning light can also be especially nice for enjoying—and photographing—the surrounding hills and views.

Dogs, Bikes, Restrooms and Trail Rules

Big Sky Trail is managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, and a few basic rules are worth knowing before you begin your hike.

Are Dogs Allowed on Big Sky Trail?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on Big Sky Trail but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet while on Park District property. The leash must be held by someone capable of controlling the dog, and owners are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of pet waste.

Because wildlife can be present along the trail, keeping dogs leashed is especially important. If your dog needs some off-leash time, the Simi Dog Park is located above the ballfields at nearby Big Sky Park.

Are Bikes Allowed on Big Sky Trail?

Bicycles are permitted on Park District dirt and paved paths unless signs indicate otherwise. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians, ride at a safe speed and may not exceed 15 mph on District property.

Since Big Sky is a shared-use trail, hikers should remain aware of approaching cyclists, particularly on hills and sections where visibility may be limited.

Are There Restrooms on Big Sky Trail?

There are no restroom facilities directly along the hiking route, so plan accordingly before starting. If you begin near the northern trailhead, Big Sky Park at 2251 Lost Canyons Drive has public restrooms and drinking fountains. The trailhead is located across Lost Canyons Drive from the park, making this one of the most convenient places to start your hike.

Even with drinking fountains nearby, we recommend carrying enough water for your entire hike, particularly during warmer weather.

Other Big Sky Trail Rules to Know

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District parks and open spaces are generally open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Follow any signs at the trailhead, stay on established trails where possible, avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, and carry out anything you bring onto the trail.

If you plan to use the area for commercial or educational photography or video, be aware that Park District regulations require an approved filming or facility-use permit. Recreational visitors taking ordinary personal photos and videos should still be considerate of other trail users and surrounding residential areas.

Before your hike, it is a good idea to check the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District website for current rules, temporary closures, or other trail notices.

Is Big Sky Trail Worth Hiking?

Yes. Big Sky Trail is a worthwhile Simi Valley hike for anyone looking for a moderate workout, panoramic valley views, and easy access without driving deep into the mountains. It isn’t a wilderness hike—you’ll regularly see surrounding neighborhoods and cross residential streets—but that’s also part of its appeal. For us, it works especially well as an early-morning local hike when temperatures are comfortable, and visibility across the valley is good.

If you’re hungry after your hike, check out Green Acres Market in Simi Valley, which offers a very popular BBQ.

Learn more about the Big Sky Trail via the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District website

Thanks for reading our article. Happy travels, and we hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art

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