CoBa Arch

The climb and the views

The approach is part of the adventure. From trailheads on the Lang Ranch and Westlake side the route climbs from roughly 1,450 feet up to the arch at about 2,220 feet, gaining more than 1,600 feet of elevation. Early on the trail requires some scrambling and steep pitches; one popular loop, the so-called "Secret Passage to Simi Peak," runs about 6 miles round trip and is rated challenging. Parts are unsigned and can be overgrown, so navigation by GPS or downloaded track is the norm, and trekking poles help on the steep, boulder-strewn sections.↗↗

What makes the effort worth it is the panorama once you crest the ridge. Looking out, hikers take in Lindero Canyon Boulevard and Ladyface Mountain to the south, Simi Peak close by to the east, and the western end of Simi Valley to the north. The last stretch to the arch runs along an open ridge trail that is easy to follow, and the surrounding hillsides hold other natural rock formations worth a wander. On a clear day the views and relative quiet are the main draw; expect to share the trail with a handful of other hikers and plenty of dogs.↗↗

Getting to the trailhead

There are two well-used starting points. From the Lang Ranch side, park on the street near Lang Ranch Neighborhood Park (around 3222 Lang Ranch Parkway), pass through the yellow gate, and follow Oakbrook Vista Trail; the arch is reached via a junction often described as the Secret Passage to Simi Peak. From the Westlake Village side, start at the top of Falling Star Avenue and climb the indirect ridge route to the arch, allowing roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for the round trip. Either way the route threads the Conejo Valley and Thousand Oaks open-space network, where hiking and biking are permitted and no fee or permit is required.↗↗↗

Making the most of the hike

Because much of the trail runs across exposed, sun-baked ridgelines, carry more water than you think you need and start early to beat the heat. Wear shoes with real grip for the scrambling stretches, bring trekking poles if your knees mind steep drops, and load a GPX track or offline map before setting out so you can find the unsigned junctions through the brush. Allow 3 to 4 hours round trip depending on your pace and route. The terrain is narrow and hilly throughout, so plan it as a genuine hike rather than a casual walk, and respect the open-space basics of staying on the trail, keeping dogs under control, and packing out everything you bring.↗↗↗