Conejo Canyons Strenuous Hike – Lichen Trail from Conejo Center Dr

This strenuous 8 mile hike with about 1300′ of climbing starts in Newbury Park and climbs to the top of the Lichen Trail, at the peak of the ridge that separates the Western Plateau from the Santa Rosa Valley, where you’ll have amazing views in all directions. At this point, you’ll be ten feet shy of the highest point on the ridge that surrounds the Western Plateau and 150′ higher than the top of Lizard Rock in Wildwood.

Park in the dirt lot on Conejo Center Drive next to the Municipal Service Center and start down the Western Plateau Edison Road. At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto the Hawk Canyon Trail and follow it almost 0.4 miles before crossing the stream (left) and continuing on Hawk Canyon Fire Road. When you reach the junction with Hill Canyon Fire Road, turn left up the hill on the Western Plateau Edison Rd. After 0.6 miles, turn right and follow the unnamed trail (known locally as the “Outlaw Trail”) around to the right (southeast), soon bending north. About a third of a mile along, there is a short spur to the right that leads to an overlook of Hill Canyon. Continuing up, bear left at the Elliott Mountain Trail which is to the right. 250 yards past the Elliott Mountain Trail, the Lichen Trail forks off to the right. It drops down to a saddle then switchbacks up a steep face to the top. Pause for a few minutes to enjoy the view and have a snack (or lunch!), turn around and retrace your path to get back to your car.

Exit the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks at Rancho Conejo Blvd and follow it north for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Conejo Center Drive and after 0.2 miles you will find the dirt parking area on the right.

Map of This Hike