Sunset Hike - Rancho Sierra Vista, Newbury Park - 1 Hr - Top of Wendy Dr.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/b/3/6/event_76451062.jpegJoin us for a one-hour, 3-mile hike around the beautiful Rancho Sierra Vista park in Newbury Park for some quick exercise. The hike starts just before sunset and ends after sundown so be prepared for cold and some hiking in the dark. Bring snacks for the mid-hike break and cameras to capture the sunset over the Santa Monica Mountains.

We take the Lower Loop and Wendy trails, a very modest hike that makes a circuit around the relatively flat but very scenic areas of the park. There's an initial steep climb of 100' or so but after that's it easy. The terrain is varied, with some of the trail bordering chaparral, some in oak forest and the rest in open meadow. Great views and fresh sea air. The trails are mostly packed clay and dirt and some is paved road. They are often wide and lend themselves to walking side-by-side for easy conversation.

This hike is meant for modest-at-best hikers who don't want to set the world or the trail on fire with their demonstrations of Olympic-class speed and endurance. Think of this as a chance to slow down, get some fresh air and regular exercise.

This is a standing, weekly event (usually for Tuesdays but subject to change). Start times will be about a half hour before sunset and will adjust with the sun. Cancels for only the worst weather.

Directions: Find Wendy Drive in Newbury Park (the western part of Thousand Oaks). Take Wendy Drive south until it ends in a T at Potraro Rd. There is a large dirt parking area right there. We will be waiting at the trail entrance.