Hiking with Dean

Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - Willow Staging Area
2023-09-26 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Willow Staging Area, 20101 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, US
The hike we will be doing is a loop at about 5.5 miles with 725 ft. of elevation gain. We will meet at the Willow Staging Area that is right off of the 133.
we will start up Willow Canyon Road. We will take this up to Bommer. We will come down Lizard to Laurel Canyon and back to the lot.
Please note: The Willow Staging Area is at a different entrance than the park’s main address.
Please see the map for exact location and details: http://ocparks.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=45106 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Willow+Staging+Area/@33.5798512,-117.7648612,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x80dce66d5dd71901:0xd8ff26c1dc92b835!2sWillow+Staging+Area!8m2!3d33.5798512!4d-117.7626672!3m4!1s0x80dce66d5dd71901:0xd8ff26c1dc92b835!8m2!3d33.5798512!4d-117.7626672
Dogs are not allowed at this park.
There is a restroom in the parking lot.
Parking is $3, unless you have an OC Parks Annual Permit. If you hike a lot, it’s totally worth it: http://ocparks.com/about/fees/pass

Oakbrook Vista and Sandstone Hills Trail ~ Gentler Intermediate
2023-09-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Oakbrook Vista Trailhead, 3222 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, CA, US
This out-and-back, about 5 miles hike with an elevation gain/loss of +/-1000’ provides a great overview of the Thousand Oaks area, the ocean and the western Santa Monica Mountains. The first portion is a narrow trail that zigzags its way up and if you reach the top, you’ll be enjoying 360 degree views toward Boney Mountain on the west, Lang Ranch and Woodridge trails on the north and more.
Directions:
From 101: Exit at Westlake Boulevard and turn north (away from the ocean). Drive 4.2 miles to Lang Ranch Parkway, then turn right. Continue 0.2 miles along Lang Ranch Parkway to the trailhead, across from the park and vault toilet.
Please review the guidelines (https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list.
Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace, or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No “Plus Ones” or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.

DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY – PLEASE READ 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.

Fall on Autumn Ridge - A Seven Trail Walkabout
2023-09-26 09:00 - 11:30 | Autumn Ridge Trailhead, N. Westlake Blvd and Oak Valley Ln, Thousand Oaks, CA, US
Let’s celebrate the first full week of fall with a seven (7) trail tour in and around the Lang Ranch Open Space. From our Lang Ranch starting point (end of North Westlake Blvd) we will take the Autumn Ridge Trail to the Sunrise Trail and the Woodridge Connector which climbs up and over the ridge to Wood Ranch. From there we will use the Long Canyon Trail to climb to the first of our panoramic vistas at the top of Long Canyon. Then we rollercoaster down and up the Meadow Vista Trail to sweeping views of the Woodridge Open Space (and our old friend the Albertson Motorway). To complete our circuit we return via Rocky Incline Trail (aka ‘Hidden Canyon”) to Alapay Trail to Autumn Ridge.
Sounds like a lot but don’t worry, our 7 trail adventure is just under 6 miles with 1,100 foot elevation gain/loss. But, keep in mind that the route is exposed and sometimes steep so bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and bring trekking poles if you use them.
To get to the trailhead, exit 101 at Westlake Boulevard, and drive north until it dead-ends at the transition between Oak Valley Lane and Autumn Ridge Drive. This is about a half-mile north of Lang Ranch Parkway (Chumash Museum), but offers an alternative entry into this area.
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.
Please no dogs or plus-ones. All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Stage Coach - Andora Trailhead - Easy Intermediate and Easy Option
2023-09-26 18:00 - 21:30 | 9861 Andora Ave, 9861 Andora Ave, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, US
3.5 miles, 800′ gain, easy intermediate
Easy option: 450′, 50′ gain, short walk.
The Easy Option does not start at the same place, but gets you to the social event.
This hike will include an extended stay at the top, where we’ll have a snack share social event for 30-60 minutes.
Nearly the entire trail is an incline. Fit beginners can complete this hike, but it will certainly get their blood pumping.
There are no super steep sections, but much of the trail is rugged, much like a stair climb. This is not a conditioning hike, it’s a social hike. We’ll be stopping at various points to let people catch up and to make sure they make any turns.
The hike covers a portion of an old stagecoach road that linked LA with San Francisco in the 1860s. You can see holes that, according to others, were drilled into the rock for chains to help the stagecoaches up the steeper sections, during which passengers had to get out of the vehicle.
We will begin near the intersection of Andora and Valley Circle. We’ll proceed up a rocky trail past a plaque erected in 1939 to commemorate the old stagecoach route, then we’ll proceed to the top of the pass for a great view overlooking the valley. There, we’ll have a social event lasting 30-90 minutes, sharing snacks and beverages.
There are a few different places all at the top, where we have been having our social event, depending on wind level and direction, plant growth for blocking sound, etc.
There are a variety of ways of getting to the same place and returning. Please follow the host to take the chosen route. The return route may be slightly different than the way up through a parallel path. The host may mark the path on the way up using baking soda.
Easy Option
The group should arrive at the Social Event area about 7p, and will likely be visible from the easy option Lilac trailhead parking lot.
From the Lilac trailhead, walk straight ahead from the lot, moving east. After about 350′, bear right at the fire road. Follow it as it curves right. After 25′, find the group 50′ on the left. If we aren’t there yet, wait for the group to make their way up, or turn right and do a mini hike down the trail until the group reaches you, then go back up with the group. Click to see image.
The Hike
Distance: 3.5 miles, Easy Option: 450′
Gain: 800′, Easy Option: 40′
Distribution: Most of the incline is in the first half.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Trail Variations: Some parts of the trail are rugged.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes.
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Park on the street.
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
We won’t be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.
Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include a stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point.
Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.
Group separation:
Hikers moving significantly ahead and not waiting at designated stopping points, are on their own regarding route and navigation.
Directions
Stage Coach Trail, Andora trailhead
9861 Andora Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
34.249626, -118.619625
Easy Option: 7822 Lilac Ln, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Coordinates : 34.263770, -118.633435
From CA-118
Topanga Canyon (CA-27) south, 1.4 mi
Right (west) on Devonshire St for .4 mi
Left (southwest) on Valley Circle for .6 mi
Right (west) on Lassen for 43 ft.
Left (southwest) on Andora for 157 ft.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Books, Beer, and WTC Buddies
2023-09-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Radiant Beer Co., 1566 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA, 92801, US
The Book: The High Sierra A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson
The New York Times bestselling novelist, KSR, first ventured into the Sierra Nevada mountains during the summer of 1973. he returned from that encounter a changed man, awed by a landscape that made him feel as if he were simultaneously strolling through an art museum and scrambling on a jungle gym like an energized child.
Learn about the geologic forces that formed the mountains, the history of its exploitation, and the original people who made it home. The High Sierra is a gorgeous, absorbing immersion in a place, born out of a desire to understand and share one of the greatest rapture-inducing experiences our plant offers. Packed with maps, gear advice, more than 100 breathtaking photos, and much more, it will inspire veteran hikers, casual walkers, and travel readers to prepare for a magnificent adventure.
******
Please read or listen to this book and join us for a lively and insightful discussion.
Venue: Radiant Beer Co in Anaheim is an award winning brewery with a great menu for all taste buds (alcoholic and non) as well as a lovely outdoor gathering space. Bring a jacket.
Host: Our discussion will be led by Kathleen, a 2023 OC student.
Thank you Mel (2022 OC WTC student for the previous book selection and discussion), and Carl (OC WTC 2023) for the one before that.
Have a great book idea? Bring it to our next meetup.

Rosewood Trail to Angel Vista - Gentler Intermediate
2023-09-27 08:30 - 10:30 | 150 Regal Oak Ct, 150 Regal Oak Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, US
Meet at the Rosewood sign, which is on the Regal Oak Ct. and Lynn Rd. intersection. The hike is about 5 miles with an elevation gain/loss approximately 900’.
We’ll walk a short distance on Lynn road to the lower Rosewood Trail, then take the dirt trail up a shaded ravine and continue on the Rosewood trail to the Angel Vista peak.
Rosewood trail presents a clear view over the 101 Freeway carving up the Conejo Valley. This is a preview of the panorama to come at Angel Vista, and the view grows larger as you hike higher up the mountain. At the top, the picnic table at Angel Vista offers one of the magnificent panoramic viewpoints in the Santa Monica Mountains in a coastal area including the Boney Mountains, Sandstone Peak and the rocky crown of Santa Monicas with Conejo Valley, the Oxnard Plains and (on a clear day) a couple of the Channel Islands.
Directions: From the 101 Freeway take Ventu Park Rd. south, turn right on Lynn Rd. and left on Regal Oak and park near the corner.
PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY
Please review our guidelines to participate in our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list.
Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace, or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No “Plus Ones” or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
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.

Newton Canyon to the Fire Road and a Bit Beyond
2023-09-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Newton Canyon Trailhead, 1600 South Kanan Dume Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, US
Having trouble with the Meetup website so will make this description short. We will go from the trailhead by the outhouse and do the single track rolling trail to the fire road and go a short distance up the fire road before taking a short break and heading back.
Please bring a flashlight or headlamp as we will be in the dark for a short while.
No Plus Ones on the hike.
No dogs allowed either.
Hope to see you there.
Linda
(818) 523-8719

Adventure Movie Night
2023-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Robert B. Moore Theater Orange Coast College, 2701, Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, US
BMFF World Tour features an international selection of films that present a wide range of outdoor adventures and portraits, including climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s last great wild places!
For pre-sale tickets:
https://occtickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2924

Hike at Whiting Ranch - Wahoo's Parking Lot
2023-09-28 08:00 - 10:15, 2023-09-30 08:00 - 10:15, 2023-10-05 08:00 - 10:15 | 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.

Hike at Boat Canyon to Bommer Ridge
2023-09-28 08:00 - 10:15 | Boat Canyon Trail, 518 Dartmoor, Gate 14, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, US
The total distance is around 4.6 miles with 870′ of elevation gain.
We will take Boat Canyon Trail up to Bommer Canyon. We will take Bommer to Water Tank trail. We will take this and then take a lower trail back to the beginning.
Address: Dartmoor Trail Lookout Laguna Beach, CA 92651 https://goo.gl/maps/6N8c88XfdSeYu85M8
Dogs are not allowed on these trails.
Parking is free on the street.

Talepop Flip-Flop
2023-09-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Rd, Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, US
We haven’t been on the Talepop Trail for quite some time, so let’s go!
When I pre-hiked the route on Sunday morning, I saw four or five deer, lots of crows, some vultures, and a tarantula, but no snakes, poison oak, or thistles on the trail.
Why Flip-Flop? I did find a pair of abandoned flip-flops near the top of the ridgeline, and stuck them, very visibly, in brush next to the trail. We’ll see if they’re still there on Thursday 🙂
We’ll start at Juan Bautista De Anza Park, at the corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes. We’ll hike down the Talepop Trail, on the ridgeline between Liberty and Malibu Canyons, across the North Meadowlands Trail, then up the Las Virgenes Fire Road, back to the park. The total distance is 4.2 miles, with an elevation gain and loss of about 500 feet.
While relatively short, this is a gorgeous hike, with sightlines into Malibu Creek State Park, into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and across to the area that is south of the new wildlife bridge.
Brunch / Lunch afterwards at Eastern Bagel / Sea Casa at Westlake Boulevard and Agoura Road (we’ll finish too early for the restaurants at Agoura & Las Virgenes). I’ve confirmed with both that they’ll be open by 9 am on Thursday.
DIRECTIONS
Exit 101 at Lost Hills Road, and drive south one mile. Just before getting to Las Virgenes Road, turn right into the De Anza Park parking lot.
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, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
By now you should know the guidelines to participate in our morning hikes. Please review them before you sign up for the hike. And just in case, 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
Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No dogs on this hike
Bring ample hydration
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult

Two Peaks in the Conejo Canyon Western Plateau
2023-09-28 09:00 - 11:30 | 1993 Rancho Conejo Blvd, 1993 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, US
This hike is an intermediate hike but at a gentler pace. About 7 miles with 1200+/- ft of elevation gain. The Western Plateau is accessible by way of Hill Canyon Fire Road or from the end of Rancho Conejo Blvd., This area is a beautiful system of deeply eroded canyons, plateaus, and ridgelines in the northwest portion of the Conejo Valley.
From the end of Rancho Rd. we will drop down into the Arroyo Conejo/Hill Canyon area and start gaining elevation via the Western Plateau Trail to the bench at Elliott Peak, which affords views of the inland peaks of the Topa Topas to the Ventura coastline views of the Channel islands and Camarillo. We will then make our way via the Lichen Trail to the power station. We’ll head back along the ridgeline, join the Peninsula trail and then head back up the hill to our cars.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/3/6/event_278199222.jpeg
Please read these restrictions before signing up.

Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list
Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
No “Plus Ones” on this hike

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/3/9/4/event_239205972.jpeg
101 Freeway to Rancho Conejo Blvd. exit. Take Rancho to near the end, turn left on Conejo Center Drive and park in the gravel lot on the right.
Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.
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.
** Anyone under 18 years of age must be acompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
**No dogs allowed on the hike.

Las Llajas - Suitable for beginners
2023-09-28 18:00 - 21:30 | Las Llajas Canyon Trail trailhead, 5715 Evening Sky Drive, Simi Valley, CA, Simi Valley, CA, 93063, US
5 miles, 500′ gain, Beginner
This hike is a great trail for beginners because all the elevation gain is distributed. It is a walk down a rolling fire road through a really cool canyon, and you will find no difficult or extended elevation climbs.
This is one of my favorite trails for people new to hiking. It is an “out-and-back” hike, where we return the way we came, so there is virtually no chance of getting lost. You may be amazed that such a place exists right here in Simi Valley.
From the trail head, we’ll walk down an asphalt path for several hundred steps and turn right onto a gravel fire road. After that, there will be no more turns. We may take a detour up a trail off to the right to see the first bee sanctuary, then return back to the fire road.
We’ll continue on the fire-road for about 1 mile. We’ll stop there (in the shade if summer) to allow others to catch up.
Then we’ll take a 200′ detour to the left to see another bee sanctuary, which continues in a half circle back to the fire road. Even though I haven’t seen any actual bees there in a while, it’s still interesting to see.
We’ll continue for another 1.5 miles and have a social event, right on the trail. We’ll share snacks and beverages. For the return, we go back the way we came.
There is a lot of wild life along this trail because it is the only area with water for quite a distance.
This is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. Still, for those that aren’t interested in the beverage and/or snack share and want more of a workout, just continue on for another mile, then turn around and come back. That’s about how long we’ll be before packing up and heading back the way we came.
Interesting Notes:
Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)
Elongated yellow flowers. The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands.
It does not contain nicotine. It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic.
Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke it.
The Hike
Distance: 5 miles
Gain: 500′
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Beginner
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road.
Trail Variations: Rolling stroll.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Hosting
Route and Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
We won’t be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.
Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. This hike does not have any junctions or turns once past the initial path down to the fire road. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.
Since this hike is out-and-back on a wide fire road with no turns after the first 500′, one cannot get lost. Therefore, for this hike, it will be acceptable to split from the group moving faster, slower, or otherwise at your own pace.
Group separation:
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.
Directions
Las Llajas Canyon Trail
5715 Evening Sky Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93063
From the west
23-N to 118-E, Exit 29 Yosemite.
From the east: 118-W, Exit 29 Yosemite.
Head north on Yosemite for 1.25 miles. Turn right (east) on Evening Sky Drive and proceed for 0.5 miles.
See the trail head on the left. Park along the street.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Chumash trail
2023-10-01 08:00 - 10:30 | Chumash Park, 3200 Flanagan Dr, Simi Valley, CA, 93063, US
https://www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/trails/chumash_park_and_trail.php
Hello Fellow Hikers,
Gonna be doing the Chumash Trail in Simi Valley to the junction of Rocky Peak then make our way back. It’s a great moderate hike and a great workout with scenery of rock formations and mountain tops. The Chumash out and back is not on AllTrails but the above website will give you info pics and some direction to the trailhead. We will be meeting off Flanagan Dr you can either park on the street or in the park both are free parking. Please follow the pin below for directions…
Miles 5.2
Rated moderate
Trail out and back
Elevation Gain about 1200 ft
Dogs are allowed
Parking street or in the Chumash park
As of now there is no sweeper for this hike so please know if you feel you can not finish for any reason please turn back early
Please check back on hike info as rain, heat advisory, strong winds or low attendance may cause the hike to be rescheduled
We will always follow Jim’s Golden Rules:

Hike your own hike

Please stop at every junction and split to wait for others to catch up

Please remember to bring all essentials you’ll need for a hike
(water,hat,sunglasses,hiking boot/hiking shoes poles if needed snacks)
Liability Disclaimer:
And last….The Organizer, Co Organizer, Assistant Organizers and Event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a Event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guest. Remember this is your hike all responsibilities are of your own once you attend please be aware of your limits. During outdoor activity you can encounter bodily injury, snake bites, sunburn, overheating, etc. This is not within our control and we ask that you are prepared for any of the above once you sign up for an Event. If you need to take several breaks (not counting quick breather breaks) and stops throughout a hike, the hike maybe too much for your ability. Please check each event for miles, elevation gain, and difficulty rating. The higher the elevation gain means more incline and less leveled off sections. We offer all levels of hikes from moderate to hard to advanced only. We encourage everyone to not give up work on your core by joining our easier moderate Events and then joining our harder hikes once you are ready. 😊

Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - Nix Nature Center
2023-10-01 08:00 - 10:30 | Nix Nature Center Parking Lot, 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, US
The hike we will be doing will be around 5 miles long with 875 ft. of elevation gain. This will be a loop starting at the parking lot of Nix Nature Center. As you will see on the map, this is at the main park entrance off of the 133 (Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area). Please reference the map for a detailed location as there aren’t many streets to list for directions.
The hike we will be doing will start on the Little Sycamore Canyon Trail. Then we will turn left onto the Serrano Ridge Trail, then another left onto the Camarillo Canyon Trail. We will make a left on the Stagecoach South Trail and take that back to the beginning.
Most of the trails are moderate, with one part having a decent incline.
Here is a link to the park map:
https://ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Dogs are not allowed at this park.
Parking is $3, unless you have an OC Parks Annual Permit. If you hike a lot, it’s totally worth it: http://ocparks.com/about/fees/pass

Almost-Blue-Moon potluck hike Angel Vista
2023-10-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Rosewood Trailhead, 305 Regal Oak Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA, US
3.0 miles, 800′ gain, easy-intermediate.
Moonrise 8:09pm
Let’s enjoy the gorgeous sunset and the almost full moon, and fun loaded potluck picnic at the beautiful Angel Vista!
This is a potluck hike. Please bring food, drinks to share. If your item requires utensils/plates/toothpicks, etc., please bring them.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
This hike is rated easy-intermediate because it is a continuous incline for 1.5 miles. This isn’t real steep, but it is continuous, and many beginner hikers have indicated this should be rated intermediate.
That said, there is no reason a fit beginner cannot complete this hike. If needed, just stop and rest along the way, even if it’s every 50 steps. This is not a conditioning hike, it is a social hike, and you really can’t get lost.
The only junction is 200 yards before the top, where we’ll turn right to complete the climb.
At the top, there is a picnic table and 360 degree incredible views that are especially wonderful at night. We’ll have a snack-share social event at the top for 30-60 minutes before heading back the way we came. Please bring some food and drink to share, and utensils of your item requires it.
The top has been known to sometimes be very cool and windy. Please bring something to put on in case it is that way at the top.
Interesting Notes
Tree Tobacco
The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands. It does not contain nicotine.
It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic. Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke.
Elderberry
The blue or purple berries are gathered and made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea. Spit out the seeds. Elderflower water is also used in perfumes and sweets.
Most agree that they do need to be cooked if you are going to eat more than just a few out of hand. That’s because they have a small amount of cyanide producing glycosides, which are released upon digestion. Fully ripe black berries are not toxic and you can eat as many as you like. Boiling or baking takes care of any “toxic” issue as does drying raw berries.
Directions:
Rosewood Trailhead
398 Regal Oak Ct.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
From the 101
Ventu Park exit, South (toward ocean).
Right on Lynn Road for 1000′.
Left on Regal Oak Ct. for 1/3 mi.
Park on the street
Hike Distance: 3.0 miles
Gain: 800′
Distribution: Most of the incline occurs in the first half, which is a continuous climb.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along the street.
What to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Hike at Aliso and Wood Canyons Park - Up Cholla, Down Rock-It
2023-10-03 08:00 - 10:30 | Canyon View Staging Area, 22124 Utility Access, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656, US
We are going to be starting at the Canyon View Staging Area.
This hike will be a little over 5 miles with around 850 ft. of elevation gain. We will be starting at Canyon View Park and taking Cholla up to West Ridge and coming down Rock-It.
Link to Parking from Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Canyon+View+Staging+Area/@33.585273,-117.7465062,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dce61b6bd45c2d:0x5ef3f1ad687cc8b5!8m2!3d33.585273!4d-117.7443175
Dogs are not allowed at this park.
Parking is free on the street.

Wildwood Central Park ~ Gentler Intermediate
2023-10-03 08:30 - 10:45 | Wildwood Regional Park, 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, US
Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks is one of the most versatile local parks there is, with 27 miles of trails skittering through rocky cliffs, cacti-filled desert environs, volcanic rock, riparian forest, and a cool, watery canyon. Highlights of the hike include waterfalls incorporating 40’ Paradise waterfalls along with a long creek, Indian caves, volcanic rock cliffs, and wildflowers throughout. Wildwood’s archetypal western look served as the set for The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Wagon Train back in the day, as well as the movie Spartacus. We will start at Moonridge Trail and pass through various trails with bridges, waterfalls, crossing streams and tree canopies over approximately 5-6 miles with about a 1000’ elevation gain/loss.
Directions:
From the 101 in Thousand Oaks, turn north on Lynn Road and continue 2.6 miles to Avenida De Los Arboles, then turn left. Continue for about a mile to the end and turn into the Wildwood parking lot on the left.
From the 118, travel west to the 23, exit at Avenida De Los Arboles and turn right. Drive further than you remember having to drive to this trailhead (10 or 15 minutes). Turn left into the parking lot when the road ends.
Please review the guidelines (https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list.
Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace, or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No “Plus Ones” or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – PLEASE READ 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.

Parker Mesa Overlook with extension - Intermediate Hike
2023-10-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Trippet Ranch, 20825 Entrada Road, Topanga, CA, 90290, US
School traffic and traffic on Topanga Canyon Blvd can make the drive longer than you expect, so please allow enough travel time!
Topanga State Park is 36 square miles of natural wonder ensconced within Los Angeles’ city limits. Starting at Trippet Ranch, we’ll ramble through a shady oak grove favored by mule deer and into stretches of grassland.
Beyond the ranch, the trail begins to rise along the ridgeline between Topanga and Santa Ynez Canyons. Giant slabs of sandstone mark the route to their former home beneath the Pacific Ocean.
When the rising is done, we’ll rest on Parker Mesa Overlook, with the entire LA Basin stretched below us, the majestic San Gabriel Mountains to our north, Catalina Island to the south, and the sweeping crescent of the Santa Monica coastline to the east.
This is about a 6.7 mile out and back hike, with 1200’ feet of elevation gain. We will add an extension midway up of roughly 0.7 mile to make it (sort of) an even 8 miles.
Directions:
From the 101, exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard (CA 27), drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road (not Entrado!) and turn left. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park’s main parking lot (about one mile)
From the Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of “town,” then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park’s main parking lot (about one mile).
Parking is $10.00/$9.00 for seniors (exact change, although I think they take cc) in Park. There is some street parking (free) outside of the park on the road.
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, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
By now you should know the guidelines to participate in our morning hikes. Please review them before you sign up for the hike. And just in case, 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
Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
No dogs on this hike
Bring ample hydration
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult

Long Canyon - Back to Front
2023-10-03 18:00 - 21:30 | 572 Bannister Way, 572 Bannister Way, Simi Valley, CA, 93065, US
4.5 miles, 1000′ gain, Easy Intermediate
The address given is not the address of the hike. It is nearby and may cause you to drive past the trailhead if navigating by GPS.
Easy Option: From 1.5 miles, 500′ gain.
For something less, head up from the trail head at the parking lot to the bench at the top. Once there, knowing the rest of our group will be heading to the bench for the social event, either wait, or do your own out-and-back mini-hike, perhaps moving towards where the group will be coming from.
There are several extended inclines and a couple short but steep climbs.
From the Long Canyon trailhead parking lot, we’ll cross the street to the north side, move along the street for about 1/4 mile, then head up the back side for 3/4 mile until we come to a bench. We’ll regroup, then hike along the ridge and back down to the road for about a mile.
We’ll regroup, then cross the road and head along it back towards the parking lot for about 1000′. We’ll turn left to enter into the front side.
We’ll follow a fire road for 1.3 miles until just before it dead ends, where we’ll make a left (not right!) and head 1000′ to the 5-points intersection.
We’ll make a hard right, go another 1000′, and stop at a bench to have a snack share event. After, we continue 3/4 mile down to the parking lot.
Interesting Notes:
Turkey Mullein
Smashed leaves can be thrown into the water to stupefy fish, causing them to float to the surface, a practice illegal in most states. The seeds are not toxic to birds and are enjoyed especially by doves and wild turkeys.
Ancient Greeks rolled and dried the leaves, then used them as wicks for oil lamps. It stalks were used as torches burned at funerals. Many tribes employed the use of mullein leaf tea for coughs, colds, and rheumatism. They considered it to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant. The astringent and demulcent properties of the leaf tea were found useful in cases of diarrhea.
Wild Oats
The mature seed of the plant is used as a cereal grain. All oats have edible seeds, although they are small and hard to harvest in most species. Oats are hard to tell apart from weedy relatives, so the term “sowing wild oats” came to be used to describe unprofitable activities and destructive sexual liaisons of an unmarried young male that could result in children being born out of wedlock.
Hike
Distance: 4.5 miles
Gain: 1000
Distribution: A couple extended inclines and a couple shorter but steeper inclines.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate
Shape: Loop, clockwise.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, single and double track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations: The beginning is a flat walk.
The middle will have 2 extended inclines of about 1000 steps and a couple shorter inclines that are steeper but only about 150 steps.
The end is downhill, but somewhat steep.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free in the paved parking area in front of the trail head.
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
The return is a single trail that leads back to the parking lot.
Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the 4/5 point.
We stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something is used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or sticks.
Directions:
Where of Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley. There is a free paved parking lot at the trailhead on the southwest corner.
From CA-23 and I-101:
North CA-23, exit Olsen Rd.
Right (east) on Olsen Rd., which becomes Madera Rd., for 2 miles.
Right (south) on N. Wood Ranch Pkwy., which becomes S. Wood Ranch Pkwy., for 2 miles.
Right at dead end (intersection with Long Canyon Rd.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.
From CA-118 and CA-27:
West CA-118, exit 23 onto 1st St.
Left (south) on 1st St., which becomes Long Canyon Rd., for 5 miles.
Cross at dead end (intersection with S. Wood Ranch Pkwy.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.228330, -118.803130
A nearby address that should get you to pass by the trailhead: 572 Bannister Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Rosewood Trail: Lynn to Angel Vista - Gentler Intermediate
2023-10-04 08:30 - 10:30 | 150 Regal Oak Ct, 150 Regal Oak Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, US

Potrero Rd. & Wendy Dr. Roller Coaster Ride to Angel Vista (Fast Paced)
2023-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Wendy Trailhead, Portrero Road & South Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, ca, 91361, US
Please note this hike will start at the trailhead we use for the Boney Hike (junction of South Wendy Drive and Portrero Road). We will take the single track trail about one-half mile to where the Angel Vista TH begins to add about an extra mile to the hike. Hoping to get back before it gets dark, but please bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case.
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/2/1/c/600_358949212.jpeg
Our usual conditions and restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

Don’t show up unless you’re shown on the “Attending” list
Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
No dogs on this or any other Weekday Trailblazers hike
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

We’ll take a little roller coaster hiking trip to enjoy the Island views from the Angel Vista picnic area. Reminder: This hike starts at the Boney trailhead going toward Hidden Valley.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/2/e/4/600_358949412.jpeg
A nice moderately strenuous about 6 miles OAB with an elevation gain/loss of 1300 ft. and open space views of the Conejo Valley, Hidden Valley, and the Pacific Ocean/ Channel Islands. We will stop at the Angel Vista rest stop/ picnic area to enjoy the views, take in a snack before heading back to the parking area. Hope you can join me!
Essentials:
Please wear – brush-resistant pants/shorts , one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack.
Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.
Parking:
Free off-street parking is available at the junction of South Wendy and Potrero Road.
Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.
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.
Hope you can join me.
Linda
Cell: 818-523-8719

Potrero Ridge from Mountain Creek Dr – Gentler Friendly
2023-10-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Mountain Creek Drive, Mountain Creek Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, US
For this adventure, we’ll hike a lollipop loop, starting at the Potrero Ridge trailhead off Mountain Creek Drive in Newbury Park, climb to the top of the ridge and follow it west to the heart of the Dos Vientos trail system. From there we’ll make a clockwise loop along several trails, starting with Sierra Vista, then return to the cars via Potrero Ridge. About half of this hike will cover trails from our normal Dos Vientos loop hike, but the other half we be on different trails. If is it clear we will see views of Oxnard and perhaps the islands.
The distance is 6 miles and the elevation gain is 1200 feet.
There is no cover on this hike as it climbs up and down the ridges of Dos Vientos, so be sure to bring plenty of water and protection from the sun.
UPDATE: Please review our 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:
Proof of vaccination required
Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
No “Plus Ones” on this hike
Plan on completing the entire hike at a reasonable pace or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
Driving Directions:
Driving Directions: From the 101 freeway, turn south onto Wendy Drive, towards the ocean. Continue for about 0.7 miles and turn right at Borchard Rd and head west 0.5 miles. Turn left on S. Reino Rd taking this south for about a mile. You will pass an Albertson’s supermarket, then turn right onto Maurice Drive and right on Mountain Creek Drive. There is plenty of street parking in this residential neighborhood near the trailhead.
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.
No “Plus Ones” on this hike; please have your friends join The Weekday Trailblazers, and register for the event.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Do it for Bob!
2023-10-05 17:30 - 19:30 | 1 Concordia, 1 Concordia, Irvine, CA, 92612, US
To honor Bob’s life and his love for hiking, we are dedicating this hike to him. We hope you can join us.
Turtle Rock and French Hill hike. There are several hills with sweeping views of the coastline. The hike starts with a cardio warm up on a sustained hill, then goes on to a series of rolling hills and some neighborhood connections. 4.2 miles, 900 feet of overall elevation gain. Although not considered easy, it is certainly a great doable training hike and a wonderful opportunity to meet other hikers.
Bring a flashlight or a headlamp (days are getting shorter) Also, bring water, a snack, sun protection while the sun is out, and an extra layer of clothing in case it cools down.

Los Padres - Easy Intermediate
2023-10-05 18:00 - 21:30 | Los Padres Trailhead, 15 Los Padres Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91361, US
3.5 miles, 600′ gain, Easy Intermediate
Easy Option: 2.4 miles, 285′ gain, Fit Beginner
We enter the Los Padres trail through a spooky oak covered section, then move through until we come to a dead end. We’ll turn right, and continue climbing up. We’ll come to another junction, where we’ll turn right onto the Los Robles trail.
After 500 feet, we’ll come to a split off to the right. We’ll take this split and continue along the Vista Loop until we come to a bench. Then we’ll start heading down, and when we come to the “Giants Picnic Table”, which I call that because its parts are super thick.
We’ll stop for a social event and share snacks and drinks for 30-60 minutes, before continuing down and around for our return.
Easy Option: In the reverse direction as the rest of the group, go 350′ to the end of Los Padres Dr., left on S. Moorpark Rd. for 1000′. Enter the trail and follow it for about a mile. It will curve left and you will arrive at the social event.
Hike Distance: 3.5 miles, easy option 2.4 miles.
Gain: 600′, each option 285′.
Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Loop.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire Road, Single-Track, and Double-Track.
Trail Variations:
Several extended inclines of 1000 steps.
Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as a link on this line.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
We won’t be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps. See “How hard is this hike” in the discussion section (LINK).
Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or sticks. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.
Interesting Notes
These are a couple plants you are likely to see on this hike:
Yucca
White flowers on stalk. Stalk is often missing, leaving only the spires from which it grows. Stalks are very strong and light, so they make good walking sticks. Needles on end of spires. Chopped up root can be uses as shampoo or soap. Roasted root can be eaten like a potato. Illegal to remove live stick in CA.
Pronounced with short u. Dried leaves make good tinder. To eat root, remove skin and core, boil 15 minutes. Then fry or bake. Flowers are mildly sweet. Adam says they taste like radishes. The fruit is also edible, but bitter if not ripe. To access fibers: Soak for a month in water, or, lightly pound leaves with rock or club, or, scrape off skin. Roll between hands, then pull and separate fibers. Weave into cordage.
Wild Cucumber
Toxic. Boil fruit in water to make spikes easy to remove. Inside is a natural luffa. Tubars (thickened part of a stem, usually underground, like the potato) can be crushed and thrown into water to immobilize fish.
Almost the entire plant is poisonous. Although wild cucumbers are related to the familiar, domestic vegetable, the prickly “cucumbers” consist not of fleshy fruit, but of two seed chambers containing lacy netting.
Directions
Los Padres Trailhead
15 Los Padres Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA, 91361
From I-101
West of CA-23, I-101, exit S. Moorpark Rd.
South on Moorpark Rd. north for 1000 ft.
Left on Los Padres Dr.
After 200 ft, trailhead on the right.
Park on the street.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Keller Ski Hut - Open Weekend
2023-10-06 10:00 - 2023-10-08 10:00 | Robert B. Moore Theater Orange Coast College, 2701, Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, US
YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE HOST IN ADVANCE. Please no walk -ins.
Host for this event is George Briggs – geob175@gmail.com
We are looking forward to your visit to Keller Ski Hut (the Hut).
Here are a few things to know for you visit to Keller Ski Hut.
· Guests need to bring their own bedding/sleeping bags, food, personal items, and a towel. Sleeping bags are common as they tend to be warmer than blankets.
· There are 2 refrigerators to keep food cold. The one under the stairs is for staff, the one next to the bathroom is for general use. If guest fridge is full, ask staff if you can use their fridge, too.
· There is a fully stocked kitchen with 2 stoves/ovens, microwave, coffee maker, dishes, pots/pans, plates, utensils, etc. We even have a gas BBQ.
· We have a large community bathroom with a hot shower.
· The Hut has two large dorm/hostel-style sleeping areas, men on one side, women on the other. We have 21 single beds with memory foam mats for your comfort.
· The Hut relies on water deliveries to the Hut’s water tank for a water supply, so water conservation is always on our mind. We encourage short showers and avoiding running water unnecessarily to help. Please, when using the shower, turn lever on shower head to off position when soaping up to conserve water.
· Jensen’s Grocery is located 5 miles away in Running Springs and they usually have any items which you may have forgotten.
· In winter, skiing is 100 yards away down the road at Snow Valley Mountain Resort, www.snow-valley.com. The proximity makes for easy back and forth to the slopes from the Hut.
· Cell service is available, but limited strength & bandwidth. Verizon is usually stronger than AT&T in the Hut.
· The Hut is operated by a group of volunteers who make up the Management Committee, work party volunteers, and Hut Hosts. They dedicate their time and treasure to keep the Hut open and available for use by Sierra Club members, guests, and the public.
· Keller Ski Hut operates on a share-the-work basis, and everyone shares chores to clean-up the Hut for the next weekend. Garbage & Waste must be taken down the mountain by those using the Hut.
· 18 years and older.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Hut or on the porches. No pets allowed. On Open Weekends, no noise producing equipment (radios TVs, cassette/CD players, musical instruments, etc.) is allowed unless agreed by all present, or as listed in the activities schedule.
· Snow cams – Snow Valley snow cam
· Current weather – Keller Ski Hut Weather
· Directions

Wilderness Access Day - Limestone Canyon - **Must sign up on LetsGoOutside.org
2023-10-07 08:00 - 11:30 | Augustine Staging Area, Santiago Cyn Rd, Orange, CA, 92869, US
I’m so excited for another Wilderness Open Access Day at Limestone Canyon. We will be doing the out and back trail to the Sinks. The hike will be about miles with roughly 630 ft. of elevation gain.
**You must sign up on https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2023/10/07/wilderness-access-day-limestone-canyon-52/
At the time of posting, there are 190 spots left of 400.
From the site:
All participants are required to have, a printed copy or on their phone, the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate.
You will need the confirmation email for you and your guests to enter the trail system.
Start your weekend off by exploring numerous opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by feet or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Participants will want to plan their day successfully by using Trail Tips to prepare.
Please note that you are asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:

Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire and footwear, first aid, medications, etc.
Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
Visiting the highly popular “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain and can take the majority of the designated event time.
OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00pm.
No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails at least one hour prior to closing.
Dogs are prohibited on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. By nature, dogs are predators; their presence and their lingering scent disturb the indigenous wildlife and disrupt vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
Minors, ages 18 and under, should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Adult mountain bikers and equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled.

2023 Saturdays in the Santa Monica Mountains #10 - Topanga Lookout Saddle Peak
2023-10-07 08:00 - 15:00 | Calabasas Peak Trailhead, 1698 Stunt Rd, Calabasas, CA, 91302, US
Hike #10 in the 2023 Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains series, will be an adventurous 9-mile, 2300’ gain loop hike, taking the Mountaineer’s Route to the 360 panoramic view at Topanga Lookout (2469’) from Stunt Road. with a stop at Saddle Peak (2805’) with ocean views and lunch with return via the Stunt High Trail. Poles could be useful on some portions of this route and long pants and long sleeve shirt recommended. Remaining 2023 Saturdays in the Santa Monica Mountains outings can be found in the Sierra Club Schedule of Activities including the upcoming not to be missed Sandstone Sextet. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
Please fill out and print the Sierra Club medical form and bring it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well. You can download the form here. https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt.
