Distance: 3.25 miles
Gain: 750
This hike is suitable for fit beginners (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781).
Park on the south side of the CA-118 at the Rocky Peak exit.
We’ll walk west along the Santa Susana Pass Rd. for about 500 feet. Directly across from Lilac Ln, we’ll enter a trail. We’ll move along a relatively flat section for 1/2 mile. When we come to a junction, we’ll regroup.
We’ll turn right and make a gradual climb until we almost reach a wildlife tunnel underneath the CA-118 freeway, built so that animals can cross.
Next, we’ll take the switchbacks (zig-zag trail) down into Corriganville. At the bottom of the switchbacks, we’ll turn right and complete a 1 mile loop through the park, eventually ending up back at the covered picnic area.
We’ll have a social event for 30 – 60 minutes before heading back. The return route is a gradual climb for 1/2 mile, then a rolling trail until we connect back to the original outbound segment and then back to our cars.
Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:
California Sagebrush
Aromatic when crushed. AKA, common sage, coastal sage. Sunflower family. Cowboys used to ride through it and brush up against the pine-shaped leaves, coming home with the smell on their clothes and giving rise to the nickname “Cowboy Cologne.” Not a true sage. Can be used as a cooking spice and can be made into a tea. Tear off some needles by running your hand up the stalk and smell the aroma.
Purple Sage
Grey-green leaves. Aromatic when crushed. Purple flowers. Aka, Tobacco Sage, with mild hallucinogenic properties when smoked. Can be used as a spice or made into a tea. Tea has medicinal affects: Antiviral, gargle for sore throats, reduce hay fever symptoms and other drying actions. In the last summer, fall, and winter months, the flowers will have turned brown and the leaves we take on a greyer color.
Hike
Distance: 3.25 miles
Gain: 750
Distribution: Mostly single track, some fire road.
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Fit-Beginner.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Single track.
Trail Variations: The end of the first half is downhill and somewhat steep.
Duration: 3 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, at our social event.
Drinking Fountains: Yes.
Parking: Free, south side of CA-118
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
We won’t be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike.
Those that wish to return immediately instead of hanging around during the snack and beverage share, can return the way we came.
Directions:
Rocky Peak Exit, South Side of CA-118
Simi Valley, CA 93065
34.268396, -118.636139
From the 118
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.
Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.
From the 101 @ CA-23
North CA-23 for 8.4 miles.
East I-118 for 14 miles.
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.
Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.
Release of Liability:
You assume all risks of this hike. See the Meetup terms of service http://www.meetup.com/terms/)
