Cheeseboro and Palo Comado are adjoining canyons of rounded hills in the northern Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura, managed by the National Park Service and used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Details
- Type
- Point of Interest
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The gently rounded hills here are geologically older than the steeper Santa Monica Mountains to the south. Ranchers worked these canyons for more than 150 years, and grazing replaced many native plants with European annuals such as wild oats, mustard, and thistle. Native plant communities remain, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland. Oak trees and sedimentary rock provide nesting habitat for owls, hawks, and other raptors; deer, bobcats, coyotes, and rabbits also live in the canyons.
Trails and Use
A route leads to Sulphur Springs, and a longer climb reaches Simi Peak, with views back toward the surrounding cities. The wide canyon roads suit hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The terrain is open and exposed, so summer heat is a factor.
Know Before You Go
The main parking area at 5792 Chesebro Road in Agoura is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset, and admission is free. Two vault toilets are available; water is not provided on site. This is NPS-managed land, so leashed dogs are allowed (six-foot maximum leash) and must stay on the trail.