Angel Vista West Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks California

Los Robles Trail in Thousand Oaks crosses a chaparral-covered mountainside leading to Angel Vista, one of the premier overlooks on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are a few routes to the viewpoint, including this 7.6-mile round trip hike up the east end of West Los Robles Trail. The hike charts a steady course along a mountain slope, gaining 800 feet to reach the vista above the Conejo Valley. For a shorter climb, check out the 4-mile round trip hike to Angel Vista via Rosewood Trail.

The ascent is quite gradual and the start of the hike is easy, beginning with a fairly level half mile. There are a few junctions to be concerned with during the opening act, but once West Los Robles Trail begins to climb, the route is very straightforward.

Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks
The start of Los Robles Trail

West Los Robles Trail enters Los Robles Open Space from the end of Moorpark Avenue, just half a mile from the 101 Freeway. Pass through the Moorpark Gate and get warmed up hiking over level terrain, entering Hope Nature Preserve, a 359-acre park donated by Bob Hope. After a tenth of a mile, stay to the right past a trail that heads up into the mountains. At the following junction, stay to the left past a marked junction with a connector to Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail, a 0.8-mile nature trail loop.

Next the trail will split, with East Los Robles Trail heading off to the left. Stay to the right on West Los Robles Trail. Finally turn left at a junction with Spring Canyon Trail, about half a mile from the start, to remain on West Los Robles Trail as it leaves the flatland and begins to climb.

The popular mountain biking trail eases higher and higher, delivering mounting views back over the start of the trail. At around 1.7 miles from the start, the switchbacks lead to broad view over the Conejo Valley. The 101 Freeway runs below complimented by a panorama of hills around Thousand Oaks.

Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks
West Los Robles Trail

Juan Bautiste de Anza, after whom Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is named, led a group of settlers from Mexico to San Francisco, passing through the Conejo Valley in 1776. Amazingly, much of the 101 Freeway still follows his original route, including the lanes of traffic seen below.

Los Robles Trail parallels and overlooks Anza’s route, and was designated as the official recreational route of the historic trail by the National Park Service.

After 2.15 miles of hiking, Los Robles Trail passes a landing on the mountainside and actually turns temporarily downhill. A short spur to the right delivers a panoramic eastward view. Ahead, you will pass a private property sign, which explains that hikers are permitted to continue as long as they stay on the trail. Los Robles Trail levels out, offering easy to enjoy views over the Conejo Valley. The trail gradually ascends to 1,475 feet before dropping 125 feet over a series of switchbacks down to a dirt road, 3.15 miles from the start. Cross the road, which leads up the mountain to a nearby ranch, and continue toward Angel Vista. The viewpoint is just 2/3 of a mile away!

Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks
Looking up the trail toward the ridge containing Angel Vista

Angel Vista comes into view after another third of a mile, when you also gain sight of the ranch. Reach a junction with Rosewood Trail and turn right. Hike a short distance to a split and take the path to the left for Angel Vista, reaching it after less than a tenth of a mile. There is a bench and a picnic table at Angel Vista, so relax and enjoy the view.

Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks
The end of the trail to Angel Vista

Angel Vista lies at 1,600 feet and delivers the most sweeping view of the hike, looking west over Thousand Oaks into Ventura County. Conejo Mountain is the most prominent summit in sight, directly to the west. The north side of the Boney Mountains rise to the south, containing Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountain Range.

Los Robles Trail Thousand Oaks
Angel Vista

Return the way you came. This trail is dog and mountain bike-friendly. No fee or permit is required to hike West Los Robles Trail to Angel Vista, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the 101 Freeway to Thousand Oaks to exit 44 for Moorpark Road. Drive south for half a mile. Pass Greenmeadow Avenue and pull into the dirt lot on the right. The trail begins from the kiosk at the northwest corner of the turnout.

Trailhead address: Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Trailhead coordinates: 34.1719, -118.881 (34° 10′ 18.84″N 118° 52′ 51.60″W)

Elevation Profile
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Trail Map

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Photos

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These photos were taken in April and May of 2012. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Rosewood Trail Thousand Oaks hike Rosewood Trail to Angel Vista
This 4-mile round trip hike is the most direct route to Angel Vista, a panoramic viewpoint in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Conejo Valley.
Oak Creek Canyon Trail Oak Creek Canyon Trail
This 0.8-mile loop starts with an all-access nature trail with signs in English and Braille before transitioning to a less developed dirt single track, looping through chaparral and oak woodlands in Los Robles Open Space.
Tarantula Hill Thousand Oaks hike Tarantula Hill
This 1-mile round trip hike follows a paved trail to the top of a small, round hill in Thousand Oaks with views across the Conejo Valley into the surrounding mountains.
Paradise Falls Thousand Oaks hike Paradise Falls
This 40-foot waterfall is located within Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks and is reachable via several trails.
Thousand Oaks Wildwood Park hike Lizard Rock
To add extra mileage and views to a visit to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks, consider placing Lizard Rock on your itinerary.
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2 Comments on Angel Vista via West Los Robles Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains

  1. Melanie wrote:

    Is this an off or on leash hike?

  2. Andrea wrote:

    We inadvertently walked through a pack of coyotes on this trail yesterday evening! Be aware and carry a stick or something.

    Andrea's ratings for this hike: Andrea gives a rating of 3Andrea gives a rating of 3Andrea gives a rating of 3Andrea gives a rating of 3Andrea gives a rating of 3

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