The 8.6-mile Arroyo Simi Bike Path traverses Simi Valley in Ventura County. The majority of this rail-with-trail follows the Arroyo Simi, the creek for which the trail is named, and which serves as a flood-control channel. The trail runs along both the northern and southern sides of the creek for much of the trail. Multiple bridges allow users to switch between the northern and southern sides.
To follow the southern side, begin at Tierra Rejada Road and Stargaze Place. From here, users will enjoy a short on-road segment within a residential neighborhood featuring lovely landscaping, flowers, and a soft surface. The surface quickly changes to paved as the trail transitions to a greenway heading up a somewhat steep hill with scenic views. Users with accessibility needs may want to skip this part of the journey and start at Madera Road, 0.8 mile east of the western endpoint. Madera Road is also the first point at which you can access the trail’s northern side.
The trail continues over a footbridge and then takes its typical formation along the Arroyo Simi. This main part of the trail includes some minor hills, dips, and bumpy sections that could be challenging for wheelchairs. In addition, many of the street access points and crossings are heavily trafficked and lack on-street bicycle infrastructure.
For most of the journey, the trail sits above the Arroyo Simi. Near East Los Angeles Avenue, however, the trail goes beneath an on-street bridge and brings users down closer to the creek. Be on the lookout for turkey vultures, hawks, greater yellowlegs, belted kingfishers, killdeers, common yellowthroats, American kestrels, and ducks.
A highlight of the trail is the beautiful Rancho Simi Community Park, which includes sports facilities, water fountains, restrooms, and the tree-rimmed Rancho Simi Park Lake, a popular local duck pond and fishing hole. About a half-mile farther down the trail, you will arrive at the much smaller Frontier Park, which boasts a historical cannon and playground equipment. The portion of trail following the southern side of the creek ends at Vista Del Arroyo Park, a modern facility with a playground, a gazebo with a picnic table, and a basketball court. Adjacent to the park is the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center. Horseback riding, while permitted on the trail, is more popular on the regional trails around the equestrian center, especially heading east from here.
The portion of trail following the northern side of the creek continues past the Simi Valley rail station, where Metrolink’s Ventura County Line and Amtrak are both available. You may even catch a glimpse of a train on this rail-with-trail segment. Near the end of the trail, you will find the grassy Arroyostow Park, which offers mountain views and play equipment. The trail ends at Yosemite Avenue near Damon Street.
The Simi Valley station serves as a stop for the Simi Valley Transit (SVT) bus system, the Ventura County bus system (VCTC), Metrolink trains, and Amtrak.
Parking is available at Rancho Simi Community Park (1765 Royal Ave), at Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center (2900 Royal Ave), and at Simi Valley Transit Station (5050 E Los Angeles Ave).
Visit the TrailLink map for all options, available transit lines, and detailed directions.
The newly paved portion is especially nice! And our doggie (Ruby) loves the ride too¿¿
Distance is good and enjoyable sights
We started at the Simi Valley Metrolink. Parking on a Saturday was easy and plentiful. If it's a hot day, park in the shade. The path itself is nice. A bit rougher at the beginning, but when you hop over to the improved side, much, much nicer (that's at Vista Del Arroyo Park. Which has bathrooms and water BTW.)
The work they're doing to the river is looks great. If you're travelling from the Metrolink, you've got a few miles of river that's being worked on. It gets nicer as you go. We ended up at Stargaze Park, which is an open green space, great for a snack, but a little sparse on the shade. On the ride back, we decided to go past the Metrolink, but will skip it next time. At that point the river looks terrible (just concrete and trash) and the path is dirty. It really only adds an extra mile or so.
I ride my electric scooter on this trail and I love it. The distance is perfect for me. I ride from Madera to Erringer, stop at the park, and ride back. Very enjoyable. I recommend it ¿¿¿¿
Thoroughly enjoyable ride with plenty of wildlife, running water, great trail, would do again and again
I really enjoyed this trail as well as my whole family very good road to relax on
Great experience at Arroyo Simi !
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!