It rained yesterday, and today, the unsettled weather produced cloud-enhanced views of the Simi Valley and Boney Mountain from the Chumash Trail.

In the title photo, beyond the foothills of Simi Valley, is Boney Mountain. More than just a peak, Boney Mountain is a prominent volcanic massif at the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains.

In the photo, Sandstone Peak (3116′) — the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains — is on the left side of the massif, and Tri Peaks (3040′) is on the right. (Elevations are from PeaKBagger.com.)

The views from the Chumash Trail underscored the season, as did the Spring wildflowers. Like many other low-elevation areas of Southern California, a forest of black mustard covered the first few hundred yards of the trail.

Farther along the trail, bright yellow patches of bush sunflower amplified the scattered patches of sun, and yellow pincushion and golden yarrow added dabs of color to the chaparral.

Several species of Ceanothus are found along the trail. Hairy-leaved Ceanothus was in bloom. It is one of two local Ceanothus species that are 3-veined from the base but the only one with finely serrated leaves.

Notable for its beauty and dangerous character, this poisonous Fremont’s star lily was found about halfway up the trail.

Some related posts:
– Chumash Trail Out and Back to Rocky Peak Road
– Chumash – Las Llajas Loop Plus
– Chumash Trailhead to Rocky Peak