Home › California › Thousand Oaks › Hillcrest Open Space Preserve
Hillcrest Open Space Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Running trail in Thousand Oaks, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hillcrest Open Space Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking locale with views of the city and valley.
What runners say about Hillcrest Open Space Preserve
“Beautiful countryside with incredible views and a mildly challenging trail.”
Nice little hiking trail. Best time to visit here is during Spring when wild flower blooms. Kids friendly trail. If you are around here Spring you should visitz
This hike can be short if you do the Hillcrest portion loop. It’s pretty hilly but the views are worth it. Once at the top (at the rock heart) you can walk out towards Arboles and Westlake Blvd but I’m not sure where exactly it comes out.
Beautiful open space to come take a walk bring your doggy go hiking right now I’m here on Sierra in this park which is beautiful it’s very hot but it’s definitely worth climbing up the hill wanted to share with other people that there’s plenty of places to go exercise and do the walk or exercise Have a happy beautiful…
I do sunrise hikes here 2-3 times a week with my friend. It's fantastic.
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to get in a quick hike or trail run, big rolling hills for a great workout with amazing views!”
“Great place to get in a quick hike or trail run, big rolling hills for a great workout with amazing views!”
“You must park on Blue Mesa dr or in the Ralph’s parking lot ( blue Mesa is closer but no cross walk)”
“This trailhead leads to a 6 miles hike loop that goes up and down three hills.”
Plan your run at Hillcrest Open Space Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Thousand Oaks
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mission Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Conejo Ridge Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Mountainous nature preserve of undeveloped chaparral, woodlands & sage scrub, with a walking trail.
Sapwi Trails Community Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Skate park featuring a pump track, a BMX trail and a skate track.
Conejo Creek North Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 911 reviews
Outdoor recreation area with 2 ponds & a stream, plus a playground, picnic shelters & restrooms.
Sapwi Trails Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 122 reviews
Landscaped space featuring multiple trails and a disc golf course plus picnic areas.