Hill Canyon Trail At Santa Rosa Valley Park In Camarillo

Santa Rosa Valley Park Location

The Wildwood Hill Canyon Trail starts at the Santa Rosa Valley Park.

There are two parking lots where you can park upon arrival at Santa Rosa Valley Park. The first lot is located to the right of Hill Canyon Road behind a park gate.

There is a restroom at the end of this parking lot with running water, along with a water fountain. There are also some picnic tables with BBQ pits behind the restroom.

The second parking lot is located to the left of Hill Canyon Road, right across from the Hill Canyon Trailhead.

Santa Rosa Valley Park can get busy on the weekends, but there is plenty of parking, so I’ve never had an issue finding a parking spot.

The park gates open at 7:30 am and close at different times depending on the month and sunset:

• 5:00 pm in January & February
• 6:00 pm in March
• 7:30 pm in April & May
• 8:00 pm in June, July, August
• 7:30 pm in September
• 6:00 pm in October
• 5:00 pm in November & December

At the main lot and at the beginning of the trail, you will see a large trail sign with a map, park rules, and some things to look out for during your hike.

My Experience Hiking Hill Canyon Trail

To start the hike, you will need to walk through a small metal enclosure and walk across a bridge.

The beginning of the trail has a picnic table, trash cans, and some shade from eucalyptus trees.

The Hill Canyon Trail is a multi-use trail that is used by hikers, trail runners, bikers, and equestrians. I usually see a few horseback riders when I hike this trail.   

This nature park also allows dogs, so I often bring my pup along for some exercise. There are some trash cans along the trail for waste disposal.

The Hill Canyon Trail follows a wide path next to a creek for 2 miles out and back. There are options to go down narrow side trails to the creek for better views. If you do, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes that are known to live in this area.

During the hike, you’ll be able to enjoy views of eroded canyons, rugged ridgelines, and beautiful nature.

In the spring months, this area can be covered in spring flowers, especially after a rainy winter season.  

Wildwood Hill Canyon Trail is flat, so it’s a great trail option for families with little kids. I usually bring my toddler in a running stroller to do this hike.

Some sections can be a bit bumpy and rocky when navigating a stroller, but overall the hike is super easy.

The Hill Canyon Trail is the shortest trail option at Santa Rosa Valley Park. If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, you can extend the hike to Hawk Canyon for a total of 3.7 miles out and back.

Most of this trail is exposed to the sun, but there are some areas where you can take a rest break at picnic tables under oak trees.

In 0.9 miles, you will reach a junction where the trail splits off into several different directions. At this point, you can turn around and head back to the trailhead or extend the hike along one of the other routes.

If I have my running stroller with me, this is where I usually turn around as the rest of it becomes more challenging to navigate.

Overall, Hill Canyon Trail is great for beginner hikers and families to get out in nature and enjoy some time in the fresh air!

Other Visitor Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for hiking at Conejo Canyons Open Space:

• Santa Rosa Valley Park is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
• There is a restroom at the main visitor parking lot.
• In the warmer months, I recommend wearing sunscreen, lip balm, a hiking hat, polarized sunglasses, and bringing lots of water. Most of this trail is exposed to the sun with very few trees.
• This park does allow dogs, but they must be kept on a short leash and cleaned up after. There are some trash cans along the trail for waste disposal.
• If you plan to hike with your dog I recommend bringing a collapsable dog bowl, plenty of water bottles, and extra poop bags.
• Many wild animals live in this preserve. During the hike, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions.
• In this park, you’ll find a variety of vegetation, including Coast Live Oak woodlands, riparian habitats, sage scrub, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub.
• This area is known to have poison oak. Keep an eye out for poison oak and bring poison oak scrub in case you accidentally touch it.
• I always pack a first aid kit, headlamp, and a portable phone charger, even on a short hike. It’s always best to go prepared!
• This area does not allow drones.

Conejo Open Space is a great place to get out in nature and go for a quick hike in Camarillo.

Looking for more things to do in the area? Be sure to check out these posts next:

• 10 Best Parks In Camarillo, California
• Calleguas Creek Bike Path In Camarillo
• How To Hike Paradise Falls Trail In Thousand Oaks
• Visiting Conejo Valley Botanic Garden In Thousand Oaks
• 26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California

This post is written by Laura. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 50,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.

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