December 26th 2008

2.9 miles        765 ft  elevation change

A new trail, or at least new to us, and right on our doorstep. We have no idea how this has escaped us all these years. I had been driving around to charge up a flat battery and saw the trailhead at the top of Highgate not more than a mile or so from the house. So we set out on the day after Christmas (and the day after that as we had no camera on this first jaunt) not knowing if this was a hundred yards or miles of trail.

Highgate dead ends at a barrier with pedestrian entrance to a short paved road and a Conejo Open Space sign. We proceed up this short roadway and think we are on a trail behind some upscale houses. This goes nowhere. We retrace our steps and climb up a bank that reveals a trail heading to a ridge. We follow this taking the high route at any side trails and are soon rewarded with a staggering view of Las Virgenes Reservoir just above our house.

Las Virgenes Reservoir

Before even reaching the crest of the ridge we have an almost 360 degree view including the peaks of Boney Ridge, Ladyface, Simi Peak and way beyond in all directions.

As we continue, the dam enclosing the reservoir comes into full view. If those people living below us, in this part of the Three Springs development, had seen this view they might have thought twice or at least made sure their insurance covered flood damage. A little further on we see Lake Eleanor below us to the right.

Lake Eleanor

This is absolutely fascinating as we pick out areas we know or have driven past. Across the 23 below us is a peak I have always wanted to climb and hello there are two people on its peak. I must find a way up!

This is turning into a great stroll and the trail continues on. Eventually it descends to houses at the end of the Three Springs development. Here we turn back and decide to follow the lower trails. A mistake as the view is not as extensive and overlooks too many dwellings. As we regain the ridge the sun begins to set, and what a glorious sunset it is. 

Sunset Over Boney Ridge

The sun descends behind the Boney Ridge the whole sky is alight with a red glow that reflects off the reservoir. If we didn’t know better, we could be a hundred miles from civilization in the middle of nowhere.

In the dark we make one wrong turn but are soon back at the car determined to make this a regular alternative to our usual before dinner walk.