Stats:
Distance: 9-10 miles, 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 2700 ft.
Rating: Moderate 8/10
Not for beginners, no sweeper!
Trail: Looped, will be on mostly rocky and regular trails with a very short stretch of pavement. WARNING: There will be some short stretches of steep uphill climbs where some might feel more comfortable on their hands and knees. Consider bringing gloves.
This loop hike will take us along some nearby beautiful and isolated trails in the Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area of Point Mugu State Park to the spectacular rock formations of Tripeaks and then just a quarter mile further to the Boney Overlook. After lunch at Boney , we’ll head back down via the Upper Cabin Trail after pausing briefly at Boney, past the old cabin site (Danielson Memorial) and back to the cars.
The Western Ridge trail gets quite a bit of use but is not officially maintained so it is very narrow in places. Overall it is quite steep, climbing 1200 feet in 1.2 miles, and it has some short and very steep sections. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are strongly recommended to help protect against scratches from the chaparral. A few scratches, however, are worth the outstanding views we’ll have to the west and south. The trail back isn’t quite as steep, but it is loose and rutted in many places and therefore presents other slip and fall hazards.
Tripeaks: A jumble of sandstone formations with huge boulders, caves and a nifty crevice to traverse. We could spend hours exploring just this little area, but we’ll only have enough time to look at a few main features
Boney: Commands sweeping views of Ventura County, Westlake, Malibu, Point Mugu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day the Channel Islands are visible to the west. Despite its modest elevation, Boney Peak rises dramatically from Sycamore Canyon near Camarillo. Much of its north and western face is marked by a 1,500 foot precipice lined with jagged formations and rocky crags.
Bring lunch.
Directions: From the Los Angeles area take the 101 freeway north to Newbury Park in Ventura County. Exit at Wendy Drive. Turn left onto Wendy and continue to Lynn Road. Turn right onto Lynn and continue to Via Goleta. Turn left onto Via Goleta (see 1st pic) and continue to the end
4126 1/2 W. Potrero Rd, Newbury Park CA 91320 is for Satwiwa Culture Center for accurate directions
******************************************
The Farzan Rule: Posted hike times are the time the hike starts or we leave from a posted shuttle location.
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring snacks and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike and the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water and/or water crossings or bouldering and/or rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!
1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination
Class 3 Scrambling: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands at times to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of boulders, steepness and extreme terrain. Some Class 3 routes have ropes in place for assistance.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The VHC Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any VHC Meetup events, you are releasing the VHC Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience
