A Stroll Into Conejo Valley History

For 19th century travelers, the Conejo Corridor was part of the stagecoach route connecting Los Angeles with Ventura. For hikers today, the corridor is a trail network that extends west from Westlake Village all the way to Point Mugu State Park.

Offering bed and board to stagecoach passengers and horseback riders, the Grand Union Hotel (later called the Stagecoach Inn) opened for business in 1876 near the spot where present-day Ventu Park Road meets the Ventura Freeway in Newbury Park. The two-story, Monterey-style building featured a wraparound balcony and fine dining. The structure later served as post office, military academy and restaurant. The inn was saved from the wrecking ball in the mid-1960s by the Conejo Valley Historical Society and moved to its current location. These days it’s a museum with displays on local history--and the starting point for the hike I’m featuring this week.

A fire destroyed the building in 1970, but it was rebuilt to emulate its original appearance. Outlying buildings include an old schoolhouse and a carriage house with a collection of tack and coaches. (The museum is open for docent-led tours 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children.)

For an enjoyable introduction to Conejo Valley life yesterday and today, visit the museum, picnic in Stagecoach Inn Park and then hike the Rosewood Trail, which starts just south of the museum.

Directions to the trail head: From the Ventura Freeway in Newbury Park, exit on Ventu Park Road and drive south. After about half a mile you’ll notice the entrance to Stagecoach Inn Museum; go a block farther to Lynn Road and turn right (west). Then make another right on Susan Drive, which looks like a long driveway, and park along the edge of Stagecoach Inn Park. (You can walk through the park’s back gate to the museum when it’s open.)

Carefully cross Lynn Road and join signed Rosewood Trail.

The hike: The path crosses a creek, passes homes and climbs some hills. The sights get better and better, culminating in the ridge-top views at Angel Vista Point, a grandiose name for a little flat spot with a picnic table.

Catch your breath before joining signed Los Robles Trail heading west. The path dips into a draw and passes junk piles and a rusted tractor. It continues across private land (courtesy of a trail easement) and meanders up and down the ridge until it reaches a parking area off Potrero Road.

To extend your walk, cross Potrero and join the connector trail that leads west half a mile to a property called Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ambitious hikers can continue a mile or so to a Native American cultural center, then connect with the extensive trail system in Point Mugu State Park.

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For more of John McKinney’s tips, visit www.thetrailmaster.com.