Another hot day, so let’s get closer to the coast, and hike somewhere we haven’t been since 2017 or before – Charmlee Wilderness Park.
Although you can park in the official lot for $5, we’ll meet at the dirt strip on Encinal 50 yards uphill from the park entrance, and bushwack through the thistle and licorice plants for a few hundred yards to an “official” trail. We’ll follow the contours of the hills to a spectacular overview of the ocean, see an old reservoir, and follow a nature trail back to the interpretive center and our cars, for a total distance of 4.5 miles, but an elevation gain and loss of 1,000′. If you don’t want to get your lets and arms scratched up a bit, wear long pants or gaiters for our bushwack.
Directions
Exit Ventura Fwy (101) at Kanan, and go south to Mulholland. Take a right on Mulholland, but bear left as Encinal splits off. Take Encinal to Lechusa, turn left back onto Encinal towards PCH. 50 yards before the Charmlee driveway, park in dirt lot on the side of the road and gather there.
Please bring ample hydration. There is a hydration station at the end of our hike. I didn’t see much poison oak in my Sunday-morning pre-hike.
Do NOT leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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 this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
