Tame/Wild/Tame Hike & Margaritas Too? (Eagle Rock/Rustic Cnyn/Eagle Springs/Loop

Please join me for an adventurous and interesting hike that will take us to Eagle Rock (tame)via the lush MuschTrail. From there we'll traverse the Garapito Trail to Bent Arrow to dirt Mullholland (all tame portions of the hike). We'll pick up the Rustic Canyon Trail (wild)here and wind down into the valley and arrive at the floor to follow the creek to the elusive Bay Tree Trail (wild). From there we'll have an easy jaunt back to the HUB and onto Eagle Springs. Our final descent will take us back to the parking lot and our cars!

Distance:about 12 mile loop hike. I have a map that I've used to put all the parts together and calculate the distance.

Elevation Gain: no more than 700 ft. in separate parts of the hike. We'll be going up and down throughout the hike.
Difficulty level: moderate to strenuous because of distance and some elevation gain
What to Bring:3 liters of water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

How long will the hike take? I think we'll be done at the latest by 3PM. It does depend on how fast the group hikes as a whole though.

What to Wear: need to wear long pants and long sleeves because the Rustic Canyon/Bay Tree Trail portion of the hike is unmaintained. We may have to cross the creek multiple times and you may get your hiking boots wet. If this is of concern bring an extra pair of socks for later. Suggestion: Bring a clean pair of pants for the restaurant just in case we get a bit wet around the bottoms. I just hiked the Rustic Canyon and Bay Tree Trail and did get my boots wet. I was also glad I had on long sleeves and long pants.

Optional Margaritas in Topanga Canyon at Abuelita's Restaurant. Just an idea. Click to see restaurant info.

http://www.abuelitastopanga.com/index.html

NO DOGS allowed as we'll be in the State Park system.

DIRECTIONS:
From the Ventura Freeway (101), exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road (not Entrado!) and turn left. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile)

From Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of "town," then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile).

Parking
There is parking in the lot for $10. You can also park on the road outside of the park for free.

Dogs are not allowed on this hike as it is a state park.

I'll collect $1 at the trailhead.

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

Outdoor sports and other events we plan are inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Thousand Oaks New Hikers Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The TOaks New Hikers Group events, you are releasing the TOaks New Hikers Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience.

Responsibility: I am not responsible for you. You are responsible for you. You should be self-sufficient and be able to find your way to safety in the event you find yourself on your own. I will not lead you back to the trailhead if you decide to turn back.

Disclaimer: The organizer and assistant organizers take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during this hiking event. Hiking can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By participating in this hike posted on this meetup web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.