In the middle of town stands a notable hill that is the focus of everyone’s attention once each year – known locally as Fireworks Hill. However, during the rest of the year, it goes mostly unnoticed, though it provides one of the nicest and easiest-to-access short hikes in the Conejo Valley.
Though technically not part of the recognized open space system, the hill and its surrounding environs offer more than 20 acres of native vegetation and oak trees. An easy-to-moderate hike up a dirt road takes you to a graded plateau at the top. Once there, you are rewarded with a splendid 360-degree view of the Conejo Valley and beyond. The trailhead is easily accessible from the sidewalk on McCloud Avenue.
For an urban hike or dog walk, stroll up the winding driveway to the Hillcrest Center.
There are also things to see on the south side of the hill at 401 and 403 West Hillcrest Drive, which the City of Thousand Oaks developed for its City Hall in 1973. They referred to the building as the “eyebrow on the hill” because of its unique architecture and setting. After City Hall was relocated, the Conejo Recreation and Park District moved into the “403” building in 2002 after it had been vacant for several years. For more than 20 years, what is now referred to as Hillcrest Center has been the hub for all park district activities. The administrative functions of the park district take place at Hillcrest Center on a daily basis, and the board of directors holds meetings there twice monthly.
The soul of the facility is its many recreational programs, camps, community events and cultural and performing arts activities. From early morning to late at night, including weekends, something is always taking place somewhere on site. And as the home base for the Young Artists Ensemble and the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, the Hillcrest Center for the Arts is constantly buzzing with young artists, backstage technicians and performers. Whether scurrying to practice in street clothes, attired in costume awaiting the next curtain call, or waiting in the courtyard with friends for a ride home, energy is always present at The Theatre on the Hill. The artwork that regularly adorns the Hillcrest Center main hallway adds to the cultural flair. Recently, the Therapeutic Recreation Unit has been added to the mix and can be found next door at 401 West Hillcrest Drive.
For an urban hike or dog walk, stroll up the winding driveway to the Hillcrest Center, also accessible from McCloud Avenue. There is a wide sidewalk along the driveway up to the parking lot and buildings, and it meanders through some oak woodlands. The vista from the top of Hillcrest Center (yes, you can stand on top of the building) is not as extensive as from atop Fireworks Hill, but the view of the 101 freeway corridor and Newbury Park, especially at sunset, is well worth the walk.
Keep these two convenient hiking options in mind the next time you’re desperate to reconnect with nature but don’t have a lot of time for your favorite trek through the open space. Perhaps after finishing shopping at the mall, you can get away for a while on what may be the Conejo Valley’s most-recognized hill.
Doug Nickles is a Director/Board Member for the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. The views expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the District, Agency or the respective Boards. He can be contacted via email at [email protected].
