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Lizard Rock Loop

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Lizard Rock Loop

Easy Intermediate, 4.5 miles, 900′ gain.

This is a unique loop through Wildwood Park that takes us to the famous Lizard Rock.

There are several extended inclines and a few short but steep climbs that cause this to be rated on the easy end of the intermediate spectrum. Beginners will still have no problem completing this hike, but they may be cursing some of the inclines and will not be zooming along on the steps or inclines at high speed.

There is nothing wrong with taking it slow because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. We’ll be waiting for folks to catch up at the major junctions, and I’ll be putting down white arrows so that nobody gets lost if they fall way behind.

We’ll be starting from the tennis court parking lot 4 blocks east of the trail head parking lot and across the road.

We’ll cross to the park side of the road and turn right (west) for 1 block, where we’ll see an entrance to the Moonridge trail that runs parallel to the road. We’ll enter and make a right, following it around past the first set of junctions, continuing for about 1/4 mile, and then follow it around to the left instead of taking the stem to the right.

This will take has past the steps to the trail head parking lot and continue along the Moonridge trail. We’ll follow it around for another 1/2 mile and make a right at the North Teepee Trail fire road and continue for about 200′.

Next, we’ll make a left at the Stagecoach Bluff Trail for about 500′, where it will dead end at a trail of the same name. We’ll make a left and continue for about 1000′ until it dead ends. We make a left, then the next right to head up to Lizard Rock, where we’ll share snacks and beverages (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).

Finally, we’ll head back down from the rock, make a left, and continue for about 1500′ where it will dead end at the Mesa Trail. We’ll turn right and take this fire road all the way back to the main Wildwood parking lot, then turn right and follow the road for about 1500′ back to our cars.

Returning Early
For those that wish to head back instead of hanging around for the snack share, you are responsible for finding your own way back. Please follow the posted route and map.

Interesting Notes:

You will see several entities of note:

Sugar Bush

Looks almost like Laurel Sumac. Pointy leaves, which is one way to tell it apart from the Lemonade berry. Has fuzzy red berries in long clumps that can be used to make a lemonade like drink. Sap from the fruit can be used as a sweetener. Leaves are edible. Can only be found in the California hills.

Lemonade Berry

Some saps can produce skin allergic reactions. Good kindling. Usually, the berries are toxic. They are covered with a gooey sour (like lemon) coating. Hikers sometimes drop a seed or two into their water bottles to give the water a tang. Wide leaves, rounded tips, edges are smooth, dull on back. Can only be found in the California hills.

Directions:

Wildwood Park
635 W Avenida De Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

From the 118:

CA-118 west to CA-23.
Continue south on CA-23 to exit 15 for 4.8 miles, Avenida de los Arboles
Turn right (east) on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until 4 blocks before it ends. There will be tennis courts on the right with a parking lot.

From CA-23:

CA-23 to exit 15, Avenida de los Arboles
East on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until it ends.
Trail head on the left.
Turn right (east) on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until 4 blocks before it ends. There will be tennis courts on the right with a parking lot.

The Hike:
Distance: 4.5 miles, 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 900′
Pace: 2.0 mph
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Easy Intermediate
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes – at the start.
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free.
Trail: Double and single track, fire road.

What to Bring:
1-2 liters of water.
Snacks and/or beverages (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772)to share.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes.
Repellent – lots of bugs this year (2019).

Release of Liability:
https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/

January 13 2022

Details

Date: January 13, 2022
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Hiking Group:
RSVP: Visit Meetup Website

Venue

Tennis Court parking lot

635 W Avenida de Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks,CAUS

+ Google Map

Organizer

Hiking Plus
Website: Visit Organizer Website

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Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.

Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.