Fossil Trail Loop in Pt Mugu State Wilderness Area

Hike Stats: The hike will be 7.5 miles with about 2000' of climbing total. The Fossil Trail is quite steep in places so this hike is not recommended for people who don't like a challenging climb up. Also, some short segments of our route may still be damaged from the December mud slides so we might need to climb over some rocky spots.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/7/9/1/600_437718321.jpeg

Most of the hike will be along the flank of Boney Mountain in the state wilderness area, but we'll start (and end) with a meander through the grasslands of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Over 90% of the hike will be very tranquil, being off limits to mountain bikes and too hilly for tourists. And all of it will have spectacular views, either of Boney Mountain as in the photo above, or down into Sycamore Canyon. And, if we pay attention, we'll see some ancient fossils on the aptly named Fossil Trail!

Pace: We'll hike at a moderate pace and there will be time to take photos. We'll need to hike together as a group so that nobody gets lost by taking a wrong turn at one of the several forks we'll pass.

Driving Directions: From the 101 Freeway, take the Wendy Drive exit in Newbury Park. Drive south 3 miles to the trailhead and parking at Potrero Road.

Map: Use this Google Map to help you find your way

http://bit.ly/zg3ht2

Dogs: Please leave your pets at home for this hike. Dogs should only accompany their human companions on hikes that are billed as “Dog Friendly.”