The Rocky Peak area in Simi Valley is well known by the locals for having a variety or technical mountain bike and hiking trails that will test your balance (and sometimes your pads) if you are up to the challenge. Some of the more well known trails include Hummingbird and Chumash and there is even a super technical (and semi hidden) trail called G-Spot if you are into the big jumps and drops. If you live in Simi Valley and like mountain biking then you will most likely spend a lot of time in this area. |
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Johnson Mountain Way is pretty much all downhill with a few very short climbs to ruin you momentum but they are nothing to really complain about. The trail is pretty rocky but it's more of a solid rock than a bunch of loose rocks or random boulders. It's not super steep but steep enough where you don't need to pedal and will find yourself on the brakes to avoid going too fast.
Johnson Motorway Video
Johnson Motorway Review
Overall Johnson Mountain Way is a very fun trail if you are into barreling over rocks at higher speeds. Of course you should be sure to have the right type of bike such as a full suspension bike with 5+ inches of travel. If you just want to take your time and go slow then you can get away with less travel or even a hardtail. It's also a good idea to wear pads if you plan on riding this trail with any amount of speed. For the most part the trail is pretty consistent all the way in regards to how rocky it is and how steep it gets. At the end of the trail it gets a little wider and a little rougher but it's fun to find different lines to make the most of your descent.
Overall it's a really fun trail to ride down after you put in the effort going up the fire road so we think it's worth the climb. Just keep in mind that Rocky Peak Fire Road is not something you want to ride up on a hot summer day because you will regret it. If you do decide to put some speed into your run then prepare to get rocked because there are really no smooth parts to this trail which is what makes it fun. The road ride back to the car is not too difficult and shouldn't take you too long at all even though it's mostly uphill.
Johnson Motoway Pictures
Directions to the Johnson Motorway Trail
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There are a few ways you can go about doing the Johnson Mountain Way Trail. You can ride up the Rocky Peak Fire Road about 3 miles from the parking lot and it will be on your right. If you use a bike computer or smartphone you can measure 3.1 miles and you should be able to find it. You can also come down the other way on Rocky Peak if you want to start your ride from that direction. Finally if you have access to the gated neighborhood where the trail comes out then you can ride up Johnson Mountain Way and then back down. Keep in mind that when you come down the trail you will have to exit through the gated community to get out.
To get to the Rocky Peak parking lot get on the 118 Freeway towards Simi Valley and take the Rocky Peak exit. There is parking on both sides of the freeway.