The Norwegian Grade is a 2 miles (3.2 km) section of Moorpark Road from the Santa Rosa Valley up into the Simi Hills and the city of Thousand Oaks, within Ventura County, California. Completed in 1911, it may be one of the Norwegian Colony's most notable contributions to the city.[1] Until the construction of California State Route 23 Freeway, this was the most direct route between Moorpark and Thousand Oaks.[2]
After several mishaps while hauling crops down the Potrero- and Conejo Grades, men of the Norwegian Colony decided to construct a new route. Nils Olsen donated the land in 1911, land which lies immediately west of present-day California Lutheran University. Over a two-year period, the extension of Moorpark Road was completed. Tour of California bicycle riders climbed the grade in February 2006 near the end of the seven-day bicycle race.[3]
On the right side of the grade is the McCrea Wildlife Refuge, donated by actor Joel McCrea in 1981. At the bottom of the grade is the intersection of Moorpark- and Santa Rosa Roads, where one can continue north into City of Moorpark, or turn west and follow Santa Rosa Road into City of Camarillo.[4]