Big Sky Trail – Play Your Hiking Adventure in Simi Valley
Nestled in the heart of Ventura County, Simi Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Among the many Simi Valley hiking trails, the Big Sky Trail is one of the city’s options and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. In this post, we’ll explore what makes this trail so special and provide you with all the information you need to plan your adventure.
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The Big Sky Hiking Trail
The Big Sky Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail that offers a moderate challenge for hikers. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet, the trail 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.
Big Sky Trail Map
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 end our hike before the heat began peaking (around 11 am). This trail is easy to traverse if you have a couple of hours.
Getting to Big Sky Trail
The Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley offers several convenient trailheads for hikers to begin their journey. Two primary trailheads are situated at the northern and southern ends of the trail.
The northern trailhead is easily accessed from Lost Canyons Drive. Hikers can locate this trailhead entrance approximately 700 feet west of the intersection with Goldstone Lane.
At the southern end, the main trailhead is found along Erringer Road. From Falcon Street, head east until it terminates at Erringer Road. The trailhead will be visible from there, just north of an elaborate water pumping station and fire station.
In addition to these two main access points, the Big Sky Trail has additional trailheads where the path intersects with roadways at four different junctions along the route. These offer extra options for starting or concluding a hike at various intermediate points.
We drove up Erringer Road, where we found a very small parking lot at the intersection of Falcon Street. Here, we parked our car in the corner lot. Crossing the main street, Erringer Road, we next entered a trailhead on the east side of the street.
You can also find parking available at Big Sky Park. You can start the trail less than half a mile away from there.
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.
Views of Whiteface Mountain
We started towards a loop that would route us in the direction of Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface Mountain elevation is nearly 2,794 feet above sea level.
Memories came back to us of prior hike, when we scaled the near-vertical cliffs at Whiteface to reach the top of that mountain. Our legs would not let us forget that arduous adventure for many days.
Moderate to Easy Hiking Here
The trail is decently maintained, and while there are some minor elevation shifts, the hike is easy to moderate.
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 old iron were a further 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 would continue 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.
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.
Tips for Preparation
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction to tackle the varying terrain.
- We recommend hiking with trekking poles.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as no water sources are along the trail.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun, as some sections of the trail offer limited shade.
- Pack a light snack or lunch to enjoy at the summit or one of the many scenic viewpoints along the way.
Testimonials and Community Insights
Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some local hikers and community members have to say about the Big Sky Trail:
“Beyond gorgeous sunset on the way back going counterclockwise. The trail is clean and generally had good footing. Excellent for a suburban hike. Bonus that we didn’t see a single person on the trail, just on the streets. This would be perfect for someone who wants to stay close to civilization or doesn’t want to drive far.” – Alaina S., All Trails reviewer
“Almost had the trail to myself, barely any shade. Enjoyable quiet hike. Pretty straight forward once you find the trail head. You have to cross through the neighborhood a couple of times but, it’s still pretty peaceful. Lots of flowers still, overgrown in a good portion..” – Lisette X., All Trails reviewer
Conclusion
This hike presented a mix of nature and constant reminders that we were just steps beyond dozens and dozens of homes. You could spend as little as an hour to several hours here, depending on which of the paths you choose.
The Simi Valley Big Sky Trail is more than just a hiking path – it’s a gateway to adventure, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. It’s a lovely hidden gem in Simi Valley that will leave a lasting impression.
#BigSkyTrail!
Learn more about the Big Sky Trail via the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District website
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