With rolling mountains, hidden waterfalls and spectacular panorama views, Ventura County offers some of the best hiking locations for all to enjoy.

Each location has a variety of hikes ranging in not only beauty, but in levels of difficulty and popularity, depending on the hiker’s desire for adventure while on foot.

For a day filled with breathtaking sceneries, explore these five trails listed below to make your next trek into the wilderness.

Rocky Peak Trail

Located directly in the Santa Susana Mountains between Chatsworth and Simi Valley, the Rocky Peak Trail is for anyone looking for an easy to moderate hike that is suitable for hikers, bikers and even equestrians.

The five mile hike is encompassed by sandstone rocks and rolling hills with paved out trails that are friendly to all, including children and pets.

Chief Deputy Director for Santa Monica Conservation Rorie Skei, favors the hike for its accessibility and the prize view at the end.

“You get some spectacular views when you get to the highest point,” said Skei. “Also, you can get a real cowboy feeling when up there, so it can be a very cool experience.”

There is very limited shade on this trail, so choose a mild-temperature day when planning this trip.

The hike can be accessed directly off the 118 exit onto Rocky Peak Road. There is limited parking so using the alternative parking parallel to the freeway is suggested, according to Skei.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Fall, one of the more well-known hiking trails, is famous for its rewarding and exhilarating waterfall at the end.

Located in Wildwood Park, the well-shaded trail overlooks a running Indian Creek, and shortly drops down to the sight of a magnificent 70-foot waterfall.

Kevin Desouza, a 19-year-old accounting major, says the three mile trek is worth it.

“It first seemed like it was kind of far, but when I got there, I thought it was really cool,” said Desouza. “When you get there you see the waterfall and it’s very calming.”

The hike also features a teepee, formally used by the Chumash Indians who lived on the terrain for nearly 8,000 years.

According to Desouza, it makes for a great location to hang out with friends and family.

“I actually had a little picnic in the teepee with my friends” Desouza added.

The hike is definitely a little slice of paradise in the middle of Ventura County.

Lizard Rock

Also a part of the Wildwood Park location, Lizard Rock is a moderate hike that stretches over a three mile loop.

The trail is great for those who enjoy not just hiking, but mountain biking and trail running as well, as it only elevates to 100 feet while being surrounded by spectacular scenery.

According to conejo-openspace.org, there are “more than 250 plant species have been identified within the park, as well as 60 species of birds, 37 species of mammals and 22 reptiles can all be found there.”

The open wide trail is decorated in with bright green grass and wildflowers for a bright terrain during the trip. However, there is very limited shade during this hike, so starting early or going on a cooler day is recommended.

When reaching the top of Lizard Rock at the end of the hike, you can enjoy a 360 view of the surrounding terrain.

To learn more about Wildwood Park and how you can help preserve the wildlife, visit www.conejo-openspace.org.

Hummingbird Creek

Less than a mile north of the 118 freeway, Hummingbird Creek trail expands down along Hummingbird Creek that crosses over magnificent sandstone rock formations.

Located off of Kuehner Drive at the eastern end of Simi Valley, Hummingbird Creek boasts an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet and the opportunity to observe American-gold finches and enjoy the deep crevasses and caves.

According to the Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, “It is one of the very few places in Simi Valley where you can visit a usual setting with running water. Its first tributary north of the freeway, Hummingbird Creek is a watery oasis within a dry world.”

About midway up the mountains, you will encounter a deep gorge in the rocks where caves on each side can be examined for thrilling discoveries.

The trail is patrolled by the Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol and it is suggested to bring a minimum of one quart of water, trail snacks, sunscreen, dark glasses and good shoes or hiking boots for the journey.

For more information or for further questions, call (805) 584-4400.

Canyon View

Along the top of the ridge, south of Long Canyon Village in Wood Ranch, lies Canyon View, a trail that was used frequently by the Chumash Indians.

The trail relishes striking landscapes of both Simi Valley and Wood Ranch. It is located on the northern side of Long Canyon Road, a few hundred feet east of Wood Ranch Parkway.

According to Simi Valley Trail Blazers,“A low pass into Long Canyon is formed by the presence of gray, silty claystone and siltstone, so don’t go hiking after a rain or when the ground is very wet.”

A great variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures may be viewed and photographed when embarking on the trail.

To learn more about Canyon View or for more information call (805) 584-4400

We come out to these spots to get fresh air and enjoy nature and we also want these trails to remain intact for future hikers to explore. You too should do you your part in preserving the wildlife by practicing safe hiking and keeping the parks clean to help your local trails stay beautiful.