Sunset Hike - Rancho Sierra Vista, Newbury Park - 1 Hr - Dos Vientos Ranch Park

Join us for a one-hour, 3-mile loop hike around the beautiful Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa park, the crown jewel of Newbury Park. The mid-hike highlight is a glorious sunset view of the Channel Islands and the western Santa Monicas. The event starts and ends at a developed city park with picnic tables perfect for apres-hike lingering.

The hike starts just before sunset and ends after sundown, so be prepared for cold and some hiking in the dark. We will follow trails in the wildlands while it is still light but the dark portion will be on pavement for comfort and safety. Both dirt trails and pavement are wide and ideal for walking side-by-side.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/9/d/a/event_74683482.jpegBring snacks for the mid-hike break and trail's-end socializing and cameras to capture the sunset over the Santa Monica Mountains and the Channel Islands beyond. Also bring snack food and/or drink (non-alcohol) to share, sample, and surprise, if so inspired. The start and end are at a great city park with tables and convenient parking so it's possible to leave stuff in your car until you need it at the end. For last-minute munchie grabbing, there's Fresh and Easy on Wendy and Old Conejo, and also a Trader Joe's at Reino and Borchard, which are both on the way (hint, hint).

We park our cars and meet at Dos Vientos Ranch Park, then cross Lynn and enter Rancho Sierra Vista. The trail follows a broad, mostly level valley that tops out on a low hill with a spectacular view in all directions. The way out is a paved road that takes us back to Lynn, which we cross and then use the sidewalk back to the park.

This event is meant for moderate and slow hikers or fast hikers who can control themselves. Elevation gain is maybe 100 feet. The area is urban wilderness borderland that lends itself to easy access at dusk. Be cautious of numerous gopher holes along the trail that are hazardous to the unwary. The truly motion challenged need be careful of the numerous street curbs and sidewalk cracks that are present in the suburban portion of the journey. The socially challenged may be intimidated by the frequent opportunities to talk to pleasant strangers. Rain cancels.

Directions: Find Lynn Rd. in Newbury Park in the extreme western part of Thousand Oaks. Take Lynn west until one block past the main entrance of Rancho Sierra Vista (Via Golita), then turn north on Via Andrea (opposite the stables). Park on the street just past the corner of Lynn and Via Andrea and meet at the entrance to Dos Vientos Ranch Park.http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/a/c/event_74683692.jpeg

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