Tarantula Hill

Tarantula Hill is a great place to hike for beginners. Its a short hike with a rewarding view and plenty of bunnies to watch run around.
Its a great hidden gem in Thousand Oaks that my wife and I were lucky to hit up first thing in the morning.

If you’re looking for a short hike in the Thousand Oaks area then Tarantula Hill (aka Dawn’s Peak) is a decent option.
It’s a bit steep but the short, ½ mile hike picks up 275ft in elevation change. The road/​trail is paved and wide enough for one car but since it’s gov’t property only permitted vehicles are allowed. Once you get to the top (about a 15 – 20 minute walk) you’ll have panoramic views of the Conejo Valley. There’s one bench atop the hill for those who want to sit/​relax and get a birds-​eye view of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Be cautious on hot days because there is virtually no shade except for the large oak tree at the bottom of the hill. Fortunately there is plenty of parking along the shoulder of Gainsborough although there is not anyplace to lock your bike.
I have yet to see any tarantulas on Tarantula Hill although I’ve never been here in the Fall time. Tarantula Hill seems like a good option for those with minimal time but want to get outside and get some steps in.