Please read the entire write up before signing up
*** YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead and to use on trail when it is not possible to avoid close proximity to other hikers. Please be mindful of other people’s space. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING.
*** Hike is waitlisted. For the time being, you must have hiked with us previously. Put yourself on the list and I will add you if I feel you can complete the hike AT THE GROUP’S PACE SAFELY. Also, limiting the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now.
*** DO NOT sign up if you feel sick at all, have a temperature or are presumed positive for Covid
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This route is a exploratory so bring your adventure shoes – ones you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. There will be some trail, some rock scrambling and hopefully even a waterfall or two – all dependent on the amount of rain we get. Oh, and bring a headlamp!! That’s right waterfall and headlamp. Rex shared part of this route a few years ago and it’s an adventure worth sharing for CARMEN’S 500TH EVENT!!! Whoo hoo! There are a couple surprise features and possibly some route finding. This will take most of the day so don’t sign up if you have somewhere to be later. We won’t be in a huge rush so bring layers for the multiple stops.
Rain does NOT cancel. Bring lunch.
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STATS – they’re all a guess
Distance: 12 miles?? with exploration
Gain: ~ 2000 ft??
Rating: 7/10
Trail: fireroad, single track, rock scrambling, route finding
Parking pass/fee: NO
Part of the write up is Don’s:
We’ll start the hike on the Rocky Peak Rd trailhead. We’ll be heading up the Rocky Peak Trail for .8 miles with an elevation gain of just over 500 feet then all downhill on a nice scenic trail. The Rocky Peak Trail is a fire road and the other trails will be single track. We’ll stop on the way down for some exploring. Looking for a waterfall, a tunnel with some water flowing through and some rock scrambling. There are also other areas to wander off and explore. From here, we’ll attempt to connect to a bike trail with some cool features along the way. Once we reach the fireroad, we’ll head up to Rocky Peak. Weather might be on the cool side so our lunch break will probably be before the peak. Plan on spending a few minutes here to take in the views then head down the fireroad back to the cars.
This hike takes you up and over some very interesting rock features including giant boulders, unusual caves, and various huge rock outcroppings. The views are quite nice, and on a clear day you can see to the ocean. The only down side to the hike is that it is adjacent to a major freeway, so don’t expect wilderness solitude.
Directions: From the 118 fwy, exit at Rocky Peak Rd. Only space for a few cars at the trailhead right off the fwy but plenty of parking on Santa Susana Pass Rd in a dirt turnout. Park here and walk walk over the overpass to the pinpoint provided on the map.
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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 to1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 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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