Labor Day Calorie Burner: Las Llajas Cyn to Chumash Trail Loop
Details
NEW START TIME IS 4:30 pm!!!!
People have requested some longer hikes, so here is one to help you burn off those Labor Day calories. We'll begin at the trailhead for Las Llajas Canyon where there will be some shade for this earlier part of the hike, where we'll have a long, very gradual uphill climb. After about 3 miles we climb up to the top of a ridge line and over to the Rocky Peak fire road, which will lead us past stunning views and a hill encrusted with lots of fossilized shells toward a junction with the Chumash Trail. We'll take this single-track back down, passing through beautiful sandstone rock formations, and on to "ball bearing hill". Here I will point out where I broke my ankle by slipping on the damn pebbles a year and a half ago. After 2.7 miles on the Chumash Trail, we'll reach a short connector trail over to Evening Sky Drive, and a brief walk to our vehicles.
I'm allowing 4 hours, but hiking with a group is always slow and it could easily take 5. Therefore BRING A FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP to be safe, as it will become completely dark by about 8 pm. If we do come down the Chumash in the dark, you will be treated to some wonderful night views of Simi Valley's lights.
Important: This is a long hike and it may be quite hot when we begin, so bring a LOT of water, 2L or more, a hat, and use sunscreen!
Update: I did this hike today (sort of) and you can click this link (http://alltrails.com/tracks/4911-track-aug-25-317-pm) to see my GPS track and lots of photos. They are beautiful (and I'm not even a good photographer). I intended to do the loop, but instead of descending on the Chumash Trail as we'll do, I ended up continuing on to Rocky Peak to meet up with some hiking buddies of mine, and went on down to the RP trailhead and caught a ride back to my car.
A few of these photos appear below.
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500'
Difficulty: Strong Intermediate
Dogs: Yes, but Fluffy better be strong and have lots of water!
Restrooms: No
Water Fountain: No
Parking: Free, street side by trailhead
Trail: Single track, fire road
Sunset: 7:19 pm
Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes are not uncommon on this hike, poison oak, slip-'n-fall
Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its 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. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.
Labor Day Calorie Burner: Las Llajas Cyn to Chumash Trail Loop