Potraro Ridge Glory View Sunset Hike - 4 mile - Rancho Dos Vientos, Newbury Park

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/e/2/8/event_78176872.jpegJoin us for a 4-mile sunset hike on a segment of the Portraro Ridge trail, featuring glorious views of the Dos Vientos valley, Conejo Valley and beyond.

From the corner of Via Ricardo and Rancho Dos Vientos (nearest parking to the trail head), we walk to, and then along a wildland ridge nestled between housing tracts and McMansions with vinyards. The trail circles the ridge peaks above the neighborhood to render vast 360-degree views of the region, from Santa Barbara to the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

This hike is meant for slow hikers and fast talkers. This event is more about socializing and enjoying the sunset and evening sky than it is about serious hiking. It's for both beginners and advanced hikers who can slow down and savor the experience.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/e/f/0/event_78177072.jpegTrail Conditions: The trails are new and in great condition. Total climb is about 300' on moderate grades. Most of the route is wide but not quite double-track.

Preparation: The hike starts just before sunset and should end after sundown, so be prepared for cold and some hiking in the dark. Running shoes or light-duty hiking shoes should be sufficient. Flashlights with red lights are recommended. (Red light preserves night vision.)

Directions: Find Borchard Rd. in Newbury Park (the western part of Thousand Oaks). From the 101, use either Wendy or Borchard exits. Take Borchard Rd. west up the steep hill until you pass Dos Vientos Community Park (very hard to miss). Turn right on Rancho Dos Vientos. After about 3/4 mile on Dos Vientos, turn right on Via Ricardo and park on Via Ricardo near Rancho Dos Vientos. (There is no parking on Rancho Dos Vientos.)http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/f/c/6/event_75020422.jpeg

Dog Policy: Though we love dogs dearly, please don't bring dogs on these hikes. We would rather these hikes be more about socializing and having dogs along seems to take our focus off the people and dogs limit our flexibility too. Sorry!

Late Arrivals: We'll wait for you up to ten minutes past the posted start time if you're signed up and we expect you. Because we wait for you, please be responsible to us and let us know ASAP if you must cancel.

Cancellation: Rain or nasty cold cancels.

DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

The organizers, leaders, hosts and volunteers of Newbury Park Adventure Association (NPAS) events take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for injuries or accidents. The organizers, leaders and hosts are volunteers and do not represent themselves to have any particular leadership or safety qualifications. Treat NPAS events as outings with a group of friends. Though safety is a priority, adventure activities are inherently dangerous.

By participating in NPAS events, you agree:

To take responsibility for your own safety and well-being. To KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES. To HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Newbury Park Adventure Society, its organizers, officers, employees, participants, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. That all participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/0/8/0/event_78177472.jpeg