Happy Camp Canyon, Middle Range Fire Road Loop HIKE (Moorpark)

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DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate-to-strenuous 10-miles with 1,300’ of elevation gain/loss.

Our hike will begin at the trailhead in the dirt parking lot at the east end of Broadway Road in Moorpark. We’ll follow a well-maintained trail beside the Rustic Canyon golf course one mile to the entrance to Happy Camp Canyon, “a lush riparian oak woodland with an intermittent stream.” We’ll then follow an old ranch road eastward as it rises gradually in the canyon bottom between Oak Ridge and Big Mountain. At 4.8 miles we’ll reach a pleasant oak grove with picnic tables and hitching rails where we’ll take a rest-and-snack break. Resuming our hike we’ll climb up the steep gets-your-heart-pumping connector road to the Middle Range Fire Road. Once there we’ll head west along the ridge, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area as we complete the loop portion of the hike and then return to the parking lot.

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:

Take Hwy 118 to the Madera Road exit in Simi Valley.

Head south 1.4 miles on Madera Road to its intersection with Royal Avenue (there’s a traffic light at the intersection).

Turn left (east) onto Royal Avenue and then immediately turn left into the first driveway (which leads into a strip mall) and park near the Donut Delite store.

Wait for the hiking leader(s).

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD FROM SIMI VALLEY (for anyone who intends to meet us at the trailhead) – NOTE: You should be in the parking lot (see below) by 8:30 a.m.

In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 west to the New Los Angeles Avenue (Highway 118) exit

Head west 1.0 mile to Moorpark Road (Highway 23)

Turn right (north) and drive 2.2 miles to just before Highway 23 makes a 90-degree turn to the left (west)

Head straight (north) on Happy Camp Road for a very short distance to Broadway Road

Turn right (east) and drive 0.3 mile to the end of Broadway Road and park in the dirt parking lot.

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.