Crystal Lake to Throop Peak
2026-08-29 07:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura, CA, 91301, US
DESCRIPTION: This is a scouting hike on a trail that’s new to me, so spots are limited. RSVPs will be waitlisted, and I’ll confirm attendees after a quick look at recent hiking history.
This is a big-day summit hike into the high country of the San Gabriels, and one of the most rewarding peaks we can reach within a couple hours of Santa Clarita. The route climbs steadily from Crystal Lake to the 9,138-foot summit of Throop Peak, where on a clear day the view stretches from the Mojave to the Pacific—Mt. Baldy, Mt. Baden-Powell, and Catalina Island all in one sweep. You earn it: the trail gains roughly 3,400 feet over exposed ridgeline, most of it in the first half.
From the Windy Gap Trailhead at the upper end of the Crystal Lake Recreation Area, the trail climbs about 2.1 miles through pine forest to Windy Gap, crossing two roads along the way (both clearly signed—stay on the Windy Gap Trail). At Windy Gap you join the Pacific Crest Trail heading toward Vincent Gap. From here the PCT climbs gently along a beautiful ridge with big views of the high peaks, past the Hawkins Ridge Trail junction and an unmarked spur to Mt. Hawkins, to an easy-to-miss use trail that leads up to Throop Peak. (If you reach the PCT sign for the Dawson Saddle Trail, you’ve gone too far—turn back.) After summiting, return the same way. This is high, dry, and exposed terrain with very little reliable shade and no dependable water—come prepared to be self-sufficient for the day.
DETAILS:

Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
Meet: Windy Gap Trailhead parking, upper lot of the Crystal Lake Recreation Area, Azusa, CA 91702, at 6:45, departure at 7:00 sharp (Aug 29).
Distance: Approximately 11.8 miles (out-and-back).
Elevation gain: Approximately 3,398 feet.
Summit elevation: Approximately 9,138 feet (Throop Peak).
Time: Approximately 7–8 hours hiking, depending on pace and time on the summit.
Conditioning: You need to be in strong physical condition. This is a sustained, high-altitude climb with continuous elevation gain, long exposed stretches, and thin air above 8,000 feet. Prior experience at altitude and on hikes of this length is strongly recommended.
Dogs: Not Allowed.
Restrooms: Available at the trailhead parking area. None along the trail.
Adventure Pass: Required. A National Forest Adventure Pass (or equivalent Interagency/federal pass) must be displayed in your vehicle to park at Crystal Lake.

IMPORTANT NOTES: There is little shade and no reliable water on the route—carry everything you’ll drink. The turn-offs for the peaks are easy to miss; stay on your downloaded map. Altitude affects people differently, even the fit—pace yourself and turn around if you feel unwell. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Sturdy trail shoes or boots with good tread for rocky, uneven footing. Trekking poles recommended for the sustained climb and descent. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing—this trail is mostly exposed. A warm layer and windbreaker for the summit, where it’s cooler and windier than below. Snacks and a packed lunch. Refillable water bottles or reservoir with at least 3 liters; there is no reliable water on the trail.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RATING: Level 5, Advanced (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) hike rating scale of one to five, assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?
SCVH HIKE RATING SCALE:

Beginner: 1–3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
Beginner/Intermediate: 1–7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate: 5–10 miles, 1000–2000 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate/Advanced: 7–12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
Advanced: 10–17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Windy Gap Trailhead, Crystal Lake Recreation Area (upper parking lot), Azusa, CA 91702 — approx. coordinates 34.3267, -117.8323. If your GPS struggles, navigate to the Crystal Lake Visitor Center (9877 N Crystal Lake Rd, Azusa, CA 91702) and follow signs to the Windy Gap trailhead parking.
Driving Directions (link)
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service is unreliable up here—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home. The route follows the well-signed Windy Gap Trail and the PCT, but the summit use trails to Throop Peak are unmarked and easy to miss. Stay on the AllTrails route.
GPS Trail Map (link)
USFS Angeles NF – Road Status & Alerts (link)
If You Need Help on the Trail
In AllTrails, swipe up on the Navigate drawer and tap “GPS details” to see your coordinates. Screenshot them, then call 911 and read off the numbers. As a backup, the What3Words app names any location with three words that are easy to read aloud to a dispatcher. Your GPS works even without cell service—you just need signal to make the call.
We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute via cash or Venmo at each hike.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) and its volunteer organizers from any liability or responsibility in connection with your participation in this activity. Hiking is inherently risky. By signing up, you are taking full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
SCVHikers and its organizers are not trained, certified, or compensated guides, and the club does not confirm the qualifications of any member to lead or participate in its events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions and judgment.
By signing up for any SCVHikers event, you are releasing SCVHikers and its organizers from all liability for possible injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service (available at the bottom of the Meetup website). Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are confirming that the hike is within your current abilities.
At the trailhead, we will ask every participant to read and sign the SCVHikers Release of Liability and Express Assumption of Risk before the hike begins. If you are unwilling to sign, you will not be able to join the group that day. Signing up on Meetup does not substitute for the trailhead sign-in.
The outing begins and ends at the trailhead. SCVHikers does not organize, advertise, or coordinate carpools. Transportation to and from the trailhead is your own responsibility, and all risks of that travel are yours alone.
This event may be cancelled or modified due to weather, trail conditions, or other safety considerations.

🏫A Back to School Hike to the CLU Rocks
2026-08-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Wildflower Playfield – HWD, 635 W. Avenida de Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, US
The “CLU” rocks are located on Mount Clef Ridge overlooking the Cal Lutheran University campus. They have been a fixture of CLU’s landscape since its second academic year (1962). Every year, in one of Cal Lutheran’s longest-standing traditions, freshman and transfer students paint the rocks.
To get there we’ll be taking a “slightly” 😜more difficult route than the students use: From Wildwood Park via the Santa Rosa Trail. We will return via the Lower Butte Trail. Along the way there will be breathtaking views of Santa Rosa Valley, Thousand Oaks, and the CLU campus.
Hike is about 7.6 miles with 1,300 ft total ascent and rated MEDIUM+ See the HWD Hike Rating Guide
Note that “CLU” is misspelled. It should read “HWD” 😆
DIRECTIONS
Meet in the east parking lot on Canna st (not the tennis courts)
Take either Lynn Rd or the 23 to Avenida de los Arboles. Turn west and drive (0.6 miles from Lynn Rd) to the Wildflower Playfield. Turn right on Canna St then left into parking lot, or park on street.
To Post Hike Lunch
Head down Ave de los Arboles and turn right in the first driveway past the 23, then right again in parking lot.

Early Hike at Whiting Ranch - Wahoo's Parking Lot (Cactus Hill/Whiting Road)
2026-08-30 07:00 - 09:15 | Wahoo’s Fish Taco, 27412 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, CA, 92610, US
This hike will be about 5.4 miles total with 820 ft. of elevation gain.
We are starting at the parking lot at the Wahoo’s parking lot. We will take Live Oak Trail. This turns into Serrano Road which will take us to Serrano Cow Trail. At this part of the trail, we usually see a ton of deer, so cross your fingers! We will get on Sleepy Hollow Trail. This will take us up to Santiago Ranch Road to Cactus Hill. We will take a short break at Four Corners. Then we will come down Whiting Road. Then we will take us back to Serrano Cow Trail and head the same way back to the parking lot.
Here is a link to the park map: http://ocparks.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=15841
If you have any questions, let me know! I’m looking forward to the hike!
*Dogs are not allowed at this park.
Parking is free in the lot.

API Test
2026-09-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street, Ventura, CA, 93001, US
ignore this. Attend at your own risk 🙃

Vasquez Rocks Extended Loop via PCT
2026-09-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA, 91350, US
Join us for a scenic hike through Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center in Agua Dulce. This moderate loop combines the park’s dramatic rock formations, high-desert scenery, and a section of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail.
Distance: Approximately 3.3–3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500–600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5–2 hours, depending on group pace and stops
Trail Type: Loop
Terrain: Dirt trail, sandy areas, uneven and rocky sections, and moderate climbs/descents
Shade: Very limited
The hike winds through one of Southern California’s most distinctive landscapes, surrounded by massive, sharply angled rock formations created by millions of years of geologic activity. Vasquez Rocks is also the ancestral Tataviam village of Mapipinga and has a rich cultural history.
Our route incorporates a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) before continuing through the network of trails within Vasquez Rocks. Expect rolling climbs and descents, sweeping views of the Soledad Basin, desert vegetation, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy and photograph the famous rock formations. LA County describes the comparable PCT/Apwinga loop as a moderate 3.4-mile hike with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain.
What to Expect
This is a moderate hike appropriate for hikers who are comfortable walking several miles over uneven terrain and handling moderate elevation changes. The trail is highly exposed, so sun and heat can significantly increase the difficulty. There is very little natural shade along the route.
Bring: Plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, hat, sunglasses, snacks, and any personal medications you may need.
Wildlife: This is rattlesnake habitat. Stay alert, watch where you step or place your hands, and give all wildlife plenty of space. Dogs should remain leashed.
Highlights

Iconic Vasquez Rocks formations
Hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail
Panoramic high-desert and Soledad Basin views
Fascinating geology and cultural history
Native desert plants and seasonal wildflowers
Excellent photography opportunities
A fun moderate loop without committing to an all-day hike

Trailhead: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA. The park has an interpretive center, picnic areas, trails and restrooms/facilities; drinking water at the Interpretive Center is available during its business hours.
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 2, Beginner/Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the THC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?
THC HIKE RANKING SCALE:

Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3,000 feet elevation gain.
Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3,000 feet or more elevation gain.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing The Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Hiking Club (THC) 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 our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing The Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death 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. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.

(Tentative) White Mountain car camping and day hike
2026-09-11 14:00 - 2026-09-13 14:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US

Cucamonga peak 💯✌️
2026-09-12 06:00 - 21:05 | Online event
Cucamonga Peak is a challenging summit in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, known for its strenuous hike, typically accessed via the Icehouse Canyon

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #1 – Will Rogers to Skull Rock
2026-09-12 07:30 - 15:00 | Skull Rock Trailhead – Topanga State Park, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272, US
Come join the Wilderness Adventures Section as we hike the entire Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail (67 miles) in eight hikes over four Saturday Sunday weekends. All outings will be one-way shuttle hikes. Our first 2026 Backbone Trail outing will be 10 miles with 2600 elevation gain on the BBT from the start at Will Rogers Park. We will first hike up the Rivas Trail and then take the High Ridge Trail over Goat Peak and past Temescal Peak. Then we will leave the BBT taking the Temescal Ridge Trail for 3 miles to our car shuttle point at the Skull Rock Trailhead. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet initially at 7:30 AM at the Skull Rock Trailhead near the corner of Via Las Palmas and Via La Costa in Pacific Palisades. From PCH take Sunset then left on Palisades Drive, drive 3.5 miles then continue onto Chastain Parkway going 0.5 miles to a right on Via Las Palmas past a small traffic circle and then left into the trailhead parking area. From the Skull Rock trailhead, we will car shuttle 8 miles down Palisades Drive and then across Sunset Boulevard to the start at Will Rogers State Park. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #2 – Skull Rock to Trippet Ranch
2026-09-13 07:30 - 14:00 | Trippett Ranch, 20829 Entrada Road, Topanga, CA, 90290, US
Our second Fall 2026 Wilderness Adventures Section Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 8 miles on the BBT with 1000 elevation gain from Temescal Ridge to Trippet Ranch. We will start at the Skull Rock Trailhead taking the Temescal Ridge Trail for 3 miles to pick up the Backbone Trail. We will than take the BBT past Hub and Eagle Junctions to Musch Camp. We will then take the Musch Trail finishing at Trippet State Park, our car shuttle point. The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
Meet at Trippet Ranch parking lot at 7:30 AM. Take PCH to Topanga Canyon Boulevard, North 4 miles to Entrada Road, 1 mile, 2 left turns to lot; or 7 mi S of 101/Ventura Freeway on Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Entrada Road). Park free on Entrada Road and walk in or in lot (fee, or free with appropriate parking permit including state parking pass obtainable from your local library). From the meeting point at Trippet Ranch, we will car shuttle 12 miles down Topanga Canyon Boulevard to PCH and then up Palisades Park to the Skull Rock Trailhead. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

CARMEL VALLEY BACK ROAD
2026-09-14 16:30 - 19:30 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US
This is the first ride of a four day road trip near the central California coast which will take place Sept. 14th – 17th. You can sign up for all of them or whichever ones you choose to.
FIRST RIDE – CARMEL VALLEY BACK ROAD
After checking into a hotel in the Monterey area, we will meet near the beginning of a secluded, narrow and winding back road in Carmel Valley. The photo shows what the paved road looks like.
Make sure that you have a head light and tail light, as well as having your tires or inner tubes filled with slime to help avoid flats.
MEETUP LOCATION AND TIME: 28010-28018 Robinson Cyn Rd, Carmel at 4:30pm.
RESTROOMS: No
ROUTE This will be our planned route.
TERRAIN: A secluded, narrow, winding paved road
DISTANCE: Up to 18 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: Up to 2400′
DURATION: 3 hours
THE PACE: 6 MPH on up.
LEVEL: Easy intermediate
MY CELL # IS 805-358-5972

MONTERY PENINSULA - 17 MILE DRIVE +
2026-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US
This is the second ride of a four day road trip near the central California coast which will take place Sept. 14th – 17th. You can sign up for all of them or whichever ones you choose to.
SECOND RIDE – MONTEREY PENINSULA – 17 MILE DRIVE +
This scenic coastal ride on the Monterey Peninsula is one of the best in California, The photo shows what to expect to see during the ride.
Make sure that you have a head light and tail light, as well as having your tires or inner tubes filled with slime to help avoid flats.
MEETUP LOCATION AND TIME: 49-1 Beach Way, Monterey at 10:00am.
RESTROOMS: Yes
ROUTE This will be our planned route.
TERRAIN: A scenic paved road that follows the Monterey Peninsula coastline for the most part. After that we’ll follow several paved roads back to the cars.
DISTANCE: 33 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: Up to 2000′
DURATION: 5+ hours
THE PACE: 6 MPH on up.
LEVEL: Easy intermediate
DEBRIEFING: Near the end of the ride we can stop for a late lunch at the London Bridge Pub.
MY CELL # IS 805-358-5972

THE OLD COAST ROAD BY THE BIXBY BRIDGE
2026-09-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US
This is the third ride of a four day road trip near the central California coast which will take place Sept. 14th – 17th. You can sign up for all of them or whichever ones you choose to.
THIRD RIDE – OLD COAST ROAD BY THE BIXBY BRIDGE
This scenic coastal ride just above Big Sur is one of the best in California. We’ll be doing a loop on this ride starting out on Hwy 1 just south of the Bixby Bridge. The ride starts out with beautiful coastal scenery as we make our way down the coast. Once we arrive at the Old Coast Road, we’ll head into the hills on a well maintained dirt road that’ll offer awesome views of the coastline below. Further along this old road, we’ll be dropping into a forest of Redwood trees along Sierra Creek as we make our way down to The Bixby Bridge on the coast.
Make sure that you have a head light and tail light, as well as having your tires or inner tubes filled with slime to help avoid flats.
MEETUP LOCATION AND TIME: at 9:00am.
RESTROOMS: 9 miles into the ride at Andrew Molera State Park
ROUTE This will be our planned route.
TERRAIN: A very scenic 9 mile paved road and a 10 mile well groomed dirt road.
DISTANCE: 19 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: Up to 3000′
DURATION: 6 hours
THE PACE: 6 MPH on up.
LEVEL: Intermediate
DEBRIEFING: After the ride, we can stop for a late lunch at the
Nepenthe Restaurant, a little slice of paradise which sits high above the Pacific in the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains.
MY CELL # IS 805-358-5972

A Game Night that leads to Backpacking Trips!
2026-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Sports Basement, Kalama River Avenue 10800, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, United States
You’ve seen the beautiful hikes, waterfalls, the lakes, the forests, and all the breathtaking IG Reels. You want in, but don’t know how to get started?
Come meet WTC instructors and alumni. This will be a fun session designed as a game night allowing you to find out what the course includes, pricing, needed gear, and more.
The Wilderness Travel Course, a unique and fun, affordable, challenging, and engaging course that can change your life.
Students who complete the course have priority participation on backpacking trips lead by WTC instructors. Leadership opportunities and training are also available for those interested in continuing the WTC life.
Bring friends, bring questions, and let’s live on the Wilderness side!

⛏️Gold Dust & Pine Rust: Big Horn Mine & Vincent’s Cabin Loop
2026-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Vincent Gap, Vincent Gap, Angeles National Forest, CA, US
Join us for a classic San Gabriel Mountains adventure that pairs high-elevation alpine views with rich Southern California mining history!
📅HISTORY OF THE AREA
This trail traces the steps of Charles “Tom” Vincent, a Civil War veteran and hunter who lived in solitary self-reliance in these mountains starting in the 1860s. In 1895, while tracking a bighorn sheep along the steep crags of Mount Baden-Powell, Vincent spotted quartz veins gleaming with gold. His discovery sparked the creation of the Big Horn Mine. Tens of thousands of dollars in gold were extracted over the following decades, leaving behind fascinating historic structures hidden high above the canyon floor.
👁️HIKE OVERVIEW & VIEWS
We’ll tackle this hike as a ~4-mile loop (with roughly 1,000 feet of total ascent) combining dense timbered gulches, historic artifacts, and sweeping canyon vistas.

Vincent’s Cabin: Starting at Vincent Gap (~6,600 ft elevation), we drop down the forested Vincent Gulch Trail into a shaded ravine lined with towering Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, and white firs. Hidden in the trees sits Vincent’s remarkably preserved 19th-century log cabin.
The Connector & Mine Road: From the cabin, we climb a short, steep connector trail that ascends through pine duff to join Big Horn Mine Road. As we head along this wide shelf carved into the cliff face, the canopy opens up to dramatic, sweeping views overlooking Mine Gulch, the East Fork San Gabriel River gorge, and the rugged wilderness of the Sheep Mountain area.
The Stamp Mill Ruins: The highlight of the route is the massive, weathered wooden stamp mill clinging to the mountainside. Here, we can admire the historic timber framework and catch the chilly draft flowing from the gated mine portal.
Flora & Fauna: Along the trail, keep an eye out for high-country wildlife—including Nelson’s bighorn sheep perched on the rocky ledges, mule deer, and Steller’s jays—and don’t forget to catch the butterscotch-vanilla scent of the Jeffrey pine bark along the ridge!

🚶‍➡️TRAIL DETAILS

Distance: ~4 miles round-trip (Lollipop)
Total Ascent: ~1,000 feet
Difficulty: Medium due to terrain. See the HWD Rating Guide.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, 2+ liters of water, snacks/lunch, sun protection, and a camera for the mountain vistas!

🚗DIRECTIONS
On Angeles Crest Hwy park at the Vincent Gap Parking lot. No pass is needed. Parking is free for us
⚠️Angeles Crest Hwy (Hwy 2) is closed in some areas. There is no access from La Canada or Azuza. Consult Google Maps for best directions from your location.

AVILA BEACH - SEE CANYON ROAD
2026-09-17 10:00 - 17:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US
This is the fourth ride of a four day road trip near the central California coast which will take place Sept. 14th – 17th. You can sign up for all of them or whichever ones you choose to.
FOURTH RIDE – AVILA BEACH – SEE CANYON ROAD
This event has us riding on the back roads of Avila Beach as we head inland on a beautiful, quiet, shady and narrow road towards San Luis Obispo. We’ll start-off on the Bob Jones Trail. Near the midpoint of our ride we’ll have an awesome view as we look down to Morro Bay and Morro Rock.
On our route back, we’ll first stop at See Canyon Fruit Ranch for a glass of cold apple cidar before heading a bit further to the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards to have a glass of their hard cidar wine. Once we reach Avila Beach, we’ll have lunch at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill with an ocean view before finishing the ride along the coast back to our cars.
OPTION ONE: After returning to the cars, we’ll first head over to the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort for a one hour hot tub soak.
OPTION TWO: Drive to The Avila Valley Barn. At this delightfully rustic destination, you’ll find the freshest fruits and vegetable grown locally, as well as a chance to hang out with goats, sheep and other farm animals. Enjoy locally made ice-cream, baked good, jam, flowers and more.
In the evening,
Make sure that you have a head light and tail light, as well as having your tires or inner tubes filled with slime to help avoid flats.
MEETUP LOCATION: 7009 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
ALL TRAILS ROUTE
RIDE WITH GPS ROUTE
DISTANCE: 27 miles or the optional 31 mile version which takes us along the coast and a sea cave with an additional 200′ of elevation gain.
ELEVATION GAIN: 2700′
LUNCH: Once we reach Avila Beach, near the end of our ride, we’ll have lunch at Mulligans Bar & Grill with an ocean view.
THE PACE: No faster than the slowest in the group.
DURATION: 4+ hours or all day.
LEVEL: Advanced Beginner E Biker.
TERRAIN: Winding, scenic and narrow paved roads.
RESTROOMS: At the meetup parking lot, Avila Beach and end of ride.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice
By participating in this ride – or any event I organize, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with outdoor activity, including but not limited to injury, illness, equipment failure, road hazards, weather and possible vehicle/bike – bike/bike accidents.
You agree to release me, the organizer, from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising from participation. I am not a certified outdoor, fitness or biking guide, and you are solely responsible for your personal safety and preparedness.

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #3 – Trippet Ranch to Lois Ewen Overlook
2026-09-19 07:30 - 13:00 | Lois Ewen Overlook, 23300-23398 Saddle Peak Road, Calabasas, CA, 91302, US
Our third Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 8 miles with 2000 elevation gain on the BBT from Topanga Canyon to the Lois Ewen Overlook. We will hike from Trippet Ranch to behind Topanga Canyon School passing across Old Topanga Canyon Road to take Hondo Canyon and then the Fossil Ridge Trail to the Lois Ewen Overlook. We will end with a short jaunt off the Backbone Trail for views at the Topanga Lookout.The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
Meet at the Lois Ewen Overlook at 7:30 AM at the intersection of Stunt, Saddle Peak, and Scheuren Roads. From the meeting point at the Lois Ewen Overlook, we will car shuttle 7 miles across Saddle Peak Road and Tuna Canyon Road to the start point at the Trippet Ranch off Topanga Boulevard. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

Emigrant Wilderness (6 days)
2026-09-19 19:00 - 2026-09-25 21:00 | Bakersfield Sports Village, 9001 Ashe Road,, Bakersfield, CA, 93313, US

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #4 – Lois Ewen Overlook to Malibu Creek Backbone
2026-09-20 07:30 - 13:00 | Backbone Trailhead, Malibu Creek State Park, 700 Malibu Canyon Rd, Woodland Hills, CA, 91302, US
Our fourth Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 7 miles with 600 elevation gain on the BBT going from Lois Ewen Overlook to Tapia Park. The hike will climb past Saddle Peak and then descend along the Saddle Peak Trail crossing Piuma Road to the Piuma Ridge Trail back to the start. The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
Meet at the Backbone Trailhead, Malibu Creek State Park parking lot at 7:30 AM. From PCH go north on Malibu Canyon Road for 8 miles after the tunnel to the dirt lot on the left or from the 101 go south on Las Virgenes for 5 miles past Piuma Road to the dirt lot on the right before the tunnel. From the meeting point at the Malibu Creek State Park Backbone Trailhead we will car shuttle 8 miles on Stunt Road to the start point at Lois Ewen Overlook. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

Banff Film Fest Screening at OCC
2026-09-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Robert B. Moore Theater Orange Coast College, 2701, Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, US
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 is an international film festival that brings the best adventure and outdoor films to audiences around the world.
Friends of the Library at Orange Coast College host this event twice a year in the Robert Moore Theatre. Raffle prizes are donated by sponsors of the films.
You can buy tickets at the door for $20 or in advance for $17 by using this link.
Watch the Trailer
Free parking is included, concessions sold at the event in case you need snacks or drinks. Some books are available for sale too.

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #5 - Malibu Creek to Latigo Canyon
2026-09-26 07:30 - 15:00 | Latigo Canyon Trailhead, Latigo Canyon Road & Backbone Trail, Malibu, CA, US
Our fifth Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be l0 miles with 2800 elevation gain on the BBT going from the Malibu Creek area to the Latigo Canyon Trailhead. We will take the Mesa Peak Trail though the upper Corral and Solstice Canyon areas.The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Backbone Trail at Latigo Canyon Trailhead on Latigo Canyon Road, from PCH go north 7 miles on Latigo Canyon Road to a dirt lot on the right side or from the 101 go 7 miles south on Kanan Dume to a left on Latigo Canyon Road then 3 miles to the dirt lot now on your left. From the meeting point at the Latigo Canyon Trailhead we will car shuttle 14 miles to the start point at the Malibu Creek State Park Backbone Trailhead near Piuma and Las Virgenes. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #6 – Latigo Canyon to Encinal Canyon
2026-09-27 07:30 - 14:00 | Encinal Canyon Trailhead, Encinal Canyon Road & Backbone Trail, Malibu, CA, US
Our sixth Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 8 miles with 1300′ gain on the BBT through Newton, Zuma, and Trancas Canyons. We will start at the Latigo Canyon Trailhead taking the Backbone Trail across Kanan Road then taking the Zuma Canyon Trail over to Encinal Canyon.The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Backbone Trail at Encinal Canyon Trailhead. From PCH go 6 miles north on Kanan Dume Road to Mulholland Hwy then west 3 miles on Encinal Canyon Road to shoulder parking on north side of road just east of Fire Camp #13.From the meeting point at the Encinal Canyon Trailhead we will car shuttle 7 miles to the start point at the Latigo Canyon Trailhead. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

UTAH: Death Hollow (34 Miles RT)
2026-10-02 07:00 - 2026-10-04 09:00 | Conejo Creek Park, 1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, US

Convict Lake bp
2026-10-02 08:00 - 2026-10-04 12:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #7 - Encinal Canyon to Mishe Mokwa
2026-10-03 07:30 - 14:00 | Mishe Mokwa Trailhead, Yerba Buena & Backbone Trail, Calabassas, CA, US
Our seventh Wilderness Adventures Section Fall Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 10 miles with 1400 elevation gain on the BBT. We will take the Etz Meloy Trail starting at the Encinal Canyon trailhead. We will cross the Mulholland Highway and then take the Etz Moloy Trail, with views of Triunfo Pass and the Boney Mountains, to end at the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead.The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead. From the Pacific Coast Highway go north 7 miles on Yerba Buena Road to the Mishe Mokwa trailhead parking area on the right, one mile east of Circle X Ranch. From the 101 exit at Kanan Road. Go west 7 miles making a right on Mulholland Highway. In one mile keep straight on Encinal Canyon. Then go 3.5 miles to a right on Lechusa, then turn immediately right going north on Decker Ave (CA-23). After 0.8 miles make a left on Mulholland Highway and then 0.4 miles to a right on Little Sycamore Canyon Road. Take Little Sycamore Canyon 4 miles to the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead. From the meeting point at the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead we will car shuttle 7 miles via Little Sycamore Canyon and Decker Roads to Encinal Canyon Trailhead. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

FALL BACKBONE TRAIL 2026 #8 – Mishe Mokwa to La Jolla Canyon
2026-10-04 07:30 - 17:00 | Ray Miller Canyon Trailhead, pacific coast highway & la jolla canyon, malibu, CA, US
Our eighth and last Wilderness Adventures Section Fall Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be a 17 miles, 2100 gain BBT hike on the Sandstone Peak, Chamberlin, Blue Canyon, Wood Canyon, and Ray Miller Trails stopping at both Danielson Ranch and the Chamberlin Memorial before finishing at the La Jolla Campground. The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet initially at 7:30 AM outside the La Jolla Campground on PCH just south of the entrance (Ray Miller Trailhead). From the PCH, the La Jolla Campground Parking Area is 4.9 miles northwest of Yerba Buena Road (Neptunve’s Net); or 4.2 miles southeast of Las Posas Road. Go past the yellow gate into the parking area or park for free along the shoulder (on the east side of PCH).From La Jolla Canyon, we will car shuttle 17 miles up the long and winding Yerba Buena to the Mishe Mokwa trailhead. Carpools are encouraged. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.

UTAH: Houseboat Exploration of Lake Powell
2026-10-05 08:00 - 2026-10-09 15:00 | Conejo Creek Park, 1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, US

Telescope Peak and your way to happiness
2026-10-08 05:00 - 2026-10-11 10:00 | Rancho Sierra-Vista/Satwiwa, Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, CA, US

Fifth Annual Native Plantpalooza & Ecofest - Conejo Open Space Foundation
2026-10-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Conejo Creek North Park, 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, US
Join your friends and neighbors for the fifth annual family-friendly Native Plantpalooza & Ecofest, sponsored by Conejo Open Space Foundation. Exhibitors, vendors, music, and food!
Please do not register here – just show up!

So-Cal Desert Destinations
2026-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Sports Basement, Kalama River Avenue 10800, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, United States
As fall and winter approach, we shift focus to our local desert destinations.
Learn about numerous destinations within a few hours drive.
Where to stay and how to reserve your spots.
Short and long hikes to spectacular views.
When is the best time to go, what temps can you expect?
Special events, music festivals, art exhibits, and start gazing opportunities.
Preview:
JT & around
Palm Springs
Death Valley NP
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Salt & Sea
Mojave National Desert
Red Rocks State park

Big Sur bp-Vicente Flat-Cone Peak
2026-10-16 11:00 - 2026-10-18 13:00 | Bakersfield Sports Village, 9001 Ashe Road,, Bakersfield, CA, 93313, US
