Calabasas Peak: “The Secret Trail” to Red Rock Canyon (Calabasas)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/4/2/8/event_205254312.jpegDESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate 5 miles one-way with 900’ of elevation gain [with a car shuttle back to the trailhead at the end of the hike] for a total of 5 miles.
The Calabasas Cold Creek Trail [aka “The Secret Trail”] initially heads south through an oak woodland and then crosses a ridge to the east and rises to meet the Calabasas Motorway. Our hike will then follow the dirt motorway southward to the short spur trail leading to Calabasas Peak (2,129’) which affords a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. After leaving the peak we’ll continue southward to a junction with the Red Rock Canyon dirt road which we’ll follow down into Red Rock Canyon Park. Our route will take us by many lovely sculptured sandstone rock formations with colors ranging from white to dark red; many of the formations have small caves and arches.

PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.

NOTE: At the beginning of each outing you will be required to read and sign a liability release form (a sign-in sheet).

DIRECTIONS TO THE CARPOOL LOCATION IN SIMI VALLEY:
NOTE: Everyone must meet here first.

Take Hwy 118 to the Stearns Street exit in Simi Valley.
If you’re approaching FROM THE WEST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive north under Hwy 118, make a U-turn at the first opportunity, drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.
If you’re approaching FROM THE EAST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.
Park and wait for the hiking leader(s) who will distribute specific driving directions to the trailhead.

DISCLAIMER:

The organizer(s) or leader(s) take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during any Rancho Simi Trail Blazers Club (RSTB) hike/outing. These events can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen.

By participating voluntarily you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being and acknowledge, appreciate, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in any way you further agree:

1. The risk of injury from the many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and
2. TO KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for your participation; and
3. To willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, you observe any unusual significant hazard during your presence or participation, you will remove yourself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and
4. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, its organizers, officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, 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.

Activity participant agrees that this release will apply to all known and unknown as well as unanticipated claims, injures and damages resulting from group activities, as well as those now disclosed and all rights under section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and hereby are expressly waived. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California reads as follows:
“A general release does not extend to claims which the (participant) does not know or suspect to exist in his (or her) favor, at the time of execution of the release, which if known by him (or her) must have materially affected his (or her) (participation and agreeing to) the release.”

By participating in any group event or activity, you hereby, for yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, your executors and administrators, waive any and all rights and claims for damages you may have against any and all entities and individuals associated with the group, their representatives, successors and assigns and will hold them harmless and free of all liability or claim of negligence related to any and all injuries, disability, illness, death, loss or damage to person or property, suffered in connection with any and all activities organized by the group.