We will meet near the bathrooms in the parking lot. We will hike down Sycamore Canyon and then take Ranch Center Road to the Hidden Pond trail. From there, we will take Hidden Pond trail and hopefully we will see a little water in the pond. After stopping at the pond for a brief break we will return to the cars. We will take Ranch Center Road to Sycamore Canyon Road and (unfortunately) up the asphalt to Satwiwa, the RSV parking lot, and our cars.
This out and back hike will be 7.5 miles with 1300 feet of elevation gain.
From Steve J’s January, 2019 hike description:
Local ranching history in the western Santa Monica Mountains (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Monica_Mountains) began in 1803 when former soldiers Jose Polanco and Ignacio Rodriquez were granted Rancho El Conejo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_El_Conejo) by the King of Spain.
Hidden Pond in Dry Times:
Ten years before the Danielsons appeared on the scene, wealthy petroleum geologist Carl Beal purchased the northern section of the old rancho in 1936 and christened the area Rancho Sierra Vista. Beal explored the ranch for water and developed a system of dams, wells, springs, and reservoirs that provided the water for a variety of agricultural products and horses. He was the person responsible for building 25 miles of roads and 18 wells feeding the 14 miles of steel pipe that is seen alongside today’s trails.
Hidden Pond was used store water for the staff and livestock of the ranch. The network of pipes leads up to the pond from the house and other areas in Point Mugu State Park and SMMNRA. The pond is at a high point in the hills, providing gravity-fed water to outlying areas, but requiring that water be pumped uphill to the pond during wetter times. The ruins of the pumps and other equipment can be seen nearby at the ranch ruins at the west end of Ranch Center Road.
NOTE: Please review the guidelines to participate in our hikes. Here are some highlights and a link to the guidelines:
https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
Plan on completing the entire hike at an intermediate pace or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No dogs allowed.
Do NOT leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.
DIRECTIONS:
Exit Ventura Fwy (101) at Lynn Road. Take Lynn Road southwest 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Rancho Sierra Vista entrance (through the stone pillars and arch) is on the left. Drive to the end, and park near the restroom facilities.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
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 and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
** Any last minute issues… Peter’s cell phone – (805)443-6174.
