Sulphur Mountain Recreation Trail [east to west downhill w/car shuttle] (Ojai)

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DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderately-strenuous-to-strenuous 10.4 miles one-way with 300’ of elevation gain and 2,200’ of gradual elevation loss (with a car shuttle between the beginning and end points).

Our hike will begin at the east (upper) end of the Sulphur Mountain Recreation Trail after we drop off our shuttle vehicle(s) near Hwy 33 at the west (lower) end of the trail. The drive to the eastern trailhead will take us through scenic Ojai Valley and a dense oak forest. The trail (actually a dirt road) loses elevation gradually as it passes through the beautiful pastoral countryside on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain providing continuous vistas of rolling hills dotted with oak trees, grassland meadows, and valleys. There are also views of the Oxnard Plain and several of the Channel Islands (visibility permitting). Eventually we’ll be treated to views of the Ojai Valley and the distant towering mountains to the north and west and of Lake Casitas to the west.

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. Since there is abundant poison oak growing along our route long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended.

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.

Drive south 1.4 miles on Madera Road to its junction with Royal Avenue [at a traffic light]

Turn left (east) onto Royal Avenue and immediately turn left into the first driveway on your left (north)

Park near Donut Delite and wait for the hiking leader(s) who will distribute specific driving directions to the Matilija Canyon trailhead.

NOTE: Because a car shuttle is required for this hike, everyone MUST meet at the carpool location in Simi Valley (to ensure that we have enough vehicles to facilitate the car shuttle).

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.