This is a 6- 7 mile out and back hike with about 1150’ of elevation gain from Lang Ranch Parkway in Westlake Village on the Albertsons Motorway. Our route on the Albertson Fire Road, which goes from the trailhead eastward all the way to Upper Las Virgenes Canyon, and is a favorite route for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The trail is mostly a gently climbing, well-travelled fireroad, with a section of broad singletrack. When we get to China Flat, we will make a right onto Palo Comado trail and go approximately 1/2 mile to see how much water is in the China Flat pond. After taking a short break at the pond, we will return to the cars.
Statistics: 6-7 miles with about 1150’ of climbing.
The Albertson Fire Road is an especially scenic route in both directions, rising up above the Simi and Conejo Valleys and offering westward views of the Pacific and offshore islands.
This hike is exposed almost the entire way, and the sun has a way of sneaking up on you even on a temperate day. Bring plenty of water and portable shade.
Free on-street parking is available at the trailhead.
Directions:
From the East, West & South – take the 101 toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at Westlake Boulevard and turn north (away from the ocean). Drive 4.1 miles and turn right on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left.
From the North – take the 23 south toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at the Avenida De Los Arboles exit and turn left (east) on Avenida De Los Arboles. Drive 1.5 miles and turn right on Westlake Boulevard. Drive 0.2 miles and turn left on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No dogs
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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.
There are no “Plus One’s” on this hike. If you want to bring someone along, have them sign up, and make sure they’re aware of, and agree to, this disclaimer.
