Spidey Senses

Hike Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks Then Visit Tarantula Hill Brewing

10.27.2021
A woman sitting on a bench at the top of Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks California

How many legs does a tarantula have? Hint: We’ve got eight good reasons to visit Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks: incredible 360-degree vistas, good workout, easy suburban access, perfect for all skill levels, dense chaparral flora, a neighboring botanic garden, a bonus brewery and, of course, opportunities to see the hill’s namesake arachnids—tarantulas! Spin a hiking web on a 1-mile out-and-back up Tarantula Hill, followed by a 1-mile DIY loop through Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, then refresh with a local witch’s brew (okay, tasty beer from Tarantula Brewing).

A woman standing at the Tarantula Hill sign at the base of the hill

A tarantula ornament on the fence at Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks California

A woman hiking the wide, paved trail at Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks California

Find the trailhead along Gainsborough Road in Thousand Oaks, with ample street parking under giant oaks. Start on a paved road heading southwest that climbs 275 feet in just a half a mile, wrapping around the hill with constant views of surrounding suburbia. Pass impressive thickets of prickly pear cacti and plenty of tall grasses, under which apparently the eponymous specimens can be found scurrying (and it's mating season so chances are good you'll spy some spiders!). If you don’t catch sight of a live creepy crawler, the trailhead has replicas celebrating the hill’s namesakes. 

A woman looking out to the Santa Monica Mountains from the trail at Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks

A woman walking on a trail at Tarantula Hill with cacti off to the side of the trail.

A couple taking a selfie at Dawn Peak on Tarantula Hill overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains

At the apex (1,057 feet), also known as Dawn’s Peak, take a bench seat by the reservoir, and drink in the awesome vista. From here you can see Boney Mountain Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains framing the surrounding suburban landscape, as well as the Topa Topas of Los Padres to the north. 

Woman passing by the official signs for Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Conejo Community Park Thousand Oaks

BONUS BOTANICAL AND BREWS: After descending, cross the street to find the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, a hidden suburban oasis full of indigenous and exotic floral discoveries. Wander the many paths, meandering under coast redwoods and towering pines, and by Chilean, South African, and Australian gardens, to name a few. When you’ve had your flower fill, go celebrate a different type of plant—hops! Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. is just down the road, offering great beers and great food (try the pizzas) in a huge space. Hopheads will have their spidey senses tingling for the bitter varieties, but they’ve spun a nice web of rotating drafts (like a POG sour) and guest taps too. Talk about creepin’ it real! 

Two beers in front of beer making equipment at Tarantula Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks California

pizza and two beers at Tarantula Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks California

Woman standing outside of Tarantula Brewing Co. in Thousand Oaks California

To get to Tarantula Hill trailhead and street parking, take the US-101 to the Lynn Rd. exit and head north. After 0.7 mile, turn right onto Gainsborough Rd. Find the trailhead on your left after another 0.7 mile. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View