Hike and Peak

Reaching a stunning peak vista in under a mile? If it sounds too good to be true, you haven't been to Camarillo Grove Park. The 1-mile (round-trip) Upper Loop Trail in this unassuming park is your peek into a world of chaparral growth, wildlife, and a magnificent bucolic view that sweeps across Ventura County. Though this destination is right off the 101, as you take the winding Camarillo Springs Road down from the freeway, you'll feel the busy world melt away behind you, along with the sounds of the speeding cars. If you didn't know it was there, it would be easy to miss the trailhead, hidden away in the back corner of the park. It's your VIP access to the wild hills surrounding the grove. As you spiral up the trail, signs help you identify the various desert flora, like purple sage, California buckwheat, sweet fennel, and prickly pear cactus. At the top you can breathe easy as you take in the views: a neighboring meadow with goats and horses, a sprawling vineyard, and the beaches of Oxnard out in the distance. Mile oh mile, that's a good view!

Parking at Camarillo Grove Park is $2 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. After you pay at the parking entrance, drive straight to the back, past picnic area #1, and park. The trailhead will be on your right. To take the upper loop, make a left at the first junction and follow the trail as it spirals up to the peak (staying left at the second junction). To complete the loop, come back down from the peak to the second junction and go the other way to spiral back down. Dog-friendly!