It was another pleasant Simi Valley Saturday there in steep ridge land...
I did the "Las Llajas Canyon and Ridge Loop" (link) and it was... OK. There were four basic parts to it and the first was the best. That was a couple miles of at times steep sections. Not as steep as the Lawlor firebreak but steep enough to give you a good calf workout. I probably wouldn't want to descend that section if I could avoid it.
Then, it turned into a gently rolling ridge trail for a little bit.
Then, there was an extra section I added: I decided to try to go to Rocky Peak but, after a bit, I realized that I'd either come back in the dark or I'd need a lift from the trailhead two freeway stops down from where I started. So, I came back to finish the loop.
Then, there was a steep section where I descended to Las LLajas canyon on a dirt road.
Finally, there was an interminable largely flat section back to the car (with a short uphill near the end). That goes through (more or less) the canyon bottom with a nice babbling brook. However, the fact that you're on a dirt road detracts from the aesthetics.
It was a good workout, but I'd want to do something else if I do it again. It'd be great if I could carry my bike on my back so I could cruise through the road area. Or, I could arrange a shuttle so I could work in Rocky Peak.
The flora in this area is reminiscent of Griffith Park on the south-facing slopes but there's more vegetation on the north-facing slopes. The canyon has a lot of nice oaks. You can also see Oat Mountain; as with the trip there I saw plenty of evidence of cows on the upper reaches of the road and on the side trip to 2484'. I saw a couple of them off in the distance, but thankfully they didn't see me. I had bear spray but didn't want to use it.
Finally, on the way back, there's a display that some might find creepy. Perhaps it's a variant of a Keep Out sign, or some sort of art project.
Was it worth the drive? Yes, kinda. It could be better with a better route. I had no problems parking on the street, unlike with the other Rocky Peak trailheads. I saw absolutely no one on the ridge section and the partial side trip to Rocky Peak, but several bikers and walkers in the canyon.
