New Year, New Hike – We’ve never done this route out of Corriganville to the not so secret swing cave so the stats are a guess. If you can’t join us for the main event, feel free to walk around the ranch (approx 1-1.5 mi) and join us for a post hike BBQ. It’s mostly flat and has some interesting history. A New Year’s Day hike has become a bit of a tradition – catching up with old friends and meeting new ones is always a great way to start the year.
THE STATS
Distance: 6-7 miles, not for beginners
Elevation Gain: >1,500 ft
Rating: Moderate 5/10
Trail: single track, slightly overgrown, optional scrambling
BRING
There are plenty of picnic tables to spread out on but might want to bring something soft or warm to sit on
A snack for the trail and something to eat or throw on the BBQ when we return to the ranch for lunch
Reusable serviceware and cup to reduce the impact on the environment
Choice of beverage – sharing optional
10 essentials and whatever else makes you comfortable – a JACKET is highly recommended
THE PLAN
We’ll start our adventure at Corriganville Park and head immediately uphill to the tunnel under the freeway. Once we connect with the Hummingbird Trail, we’ll make our way to the Swing Cave for some play time and a snack break. A bit more uphill will take us to the Rocky Peak Fireroad then back down the Hummingbird Trail to the cars. We’ll get the grills started for anything you’d like to eat. No potluck this time but feel free to share a beverage with the group.
THE STORY
I had a few paragraphs on the history of Corriganville but it didn’t save so you can look up some interesting stories here (no one reads this far down anyway 😆):
https://www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/historical_landmarks/history_of_corriganville_park.php
https://obscurehollywood.net/corriganville.html
DIRECTIONS
From the valley, take the 118 and exit Keuhner. Drive south and turn left on Smith Rd. Go through the gate into the parking lot and park as close to the end as possible. We’ll meet by the last gate at the end of the lot. You can also exit at Rocky Peak. Go south to Santa Susana Pass Rd. Make a right and follow it as it winds around to Keuhner. Make a right onto Smith Rd.
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The Fine Print
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.
The Farzan Rule: Posted hike times are the time the hike starts or we leave from a posted shuttle location. I’m aware other Meetup groups offer a grace period for late arrivals; we don’t. It’s your responsibility to know the location of the meeting spot and be there and ready to participate at the posted time. If you have any concerns about the directions feel free to contact the organizer of the event, preferably in advance of the event and not at the start time. I’m of the opinion that it’s not fair to delay an event when the majority of attendees have arrived on-time. (so named after a conversation I had with a certain un-named member)
RSVP’s: If you RSVP for an event be responsible and update your RSVP if your plans change. If your plans change at the last second and you’re not able to update your RSVP also let us know. In my opinion a no-show is someone who has no regard for following the guidelines we request from our members and will risk being removed from future events that have a limit.
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 to 1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 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 Valencia Hiking Crew 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 Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Crew 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.
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