Devil Canyon to Johnson Motorway

NOTE: The weather.com forecast in Chatsworth is “Partly cloudy skies. High 81F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. (and a low of 59 degrees early in the morning).

START TIME: We’ll meet at 7:30 AM at the starting point of the hike in Chatsworth (see below). NOTE: Sunrise is at 6:49 AM.

DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate (5.7 miles with 1,200’) of elevation gain/loss.

We’ll start our hike by dropping into lower Devil Canyon just north of Hwy 118 near Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth. Follow the partially shaded course of the long-abandoned Devil Canyon Motorway for about 1.2 miles. Then take a trail west leading up to the northern portion of Indian Springs Estates to the actual beginning of the unpaved Johnson Motorway. We’ll then hike westward through a landscape of dramatic rock formations, climbing steadily but not steeply, until we reach the ruins of the ranch house that was built by Ann and Neils Johnson. Then return the way we came

PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy. NOTE: The trail may be slightly overgrown in spots (including poison-oak-loving-areas) so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are highly recommended.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD -- NOTE: You should be at this location by 7:30 AM.

In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 east to the Topanga Canyon Blvd exit.

NOTE: When exiting Hwy 118 get in the left lane on the exit ramp.

Turn left (north) and get in the right lane as you drive under Hwy 118.

Turn left (west) on Poema Place and drive 0.25 mile uphill as the road curves northward to the second driveway on the right into Summerset Village.

Reference: 11500 to 11524 North Poema Place.

Park on Poema Place [NOT in Summerset Village] and wait for the hiking leader (s).