Begintermediate Loop Hike at Corriganville in Simi Valley

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This will be a 'Begintermediate' hike because there are 2 options: you can do a shorter, much easier hike, or you can do a longer, intermediate version. Both are described.

Easy option: You can explore the heavily shaded Corriganville Park on your own after hiking with the rest of us up to the wildlife tunnel that runs under the 118. On the way up, we'll see the cement pool where you can see the ports that let cameras film underwater scenes for a great many films. When the intermediate group continues, you can return to the park by the same route, then explore the remainder of the park, which is quite flat and an easy walk, where you will see the foundations of several now-gone buildings used for numerous film sets in the mid-20th century. The total distance depends upon how much you explore, but can be 2 or 3 miles. The elevation gain is only a couple hundred feet.

Intermediate Option: From the wildlife tunnel, we'll follow a steep trail until it meets with the Rocky Peak fire road, just above the lower bench, if you are familiar with Rocky Peak.

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On one short section, if you don't have hiking poles you may need to use your hands to climb up a few feet on a steep rocky part of the trail. From the top we'll follow the fire road back down to the Rocky Peak trail head, and continue a couple hundred yards or so along the side of the Santa Susana Pass road back into Simi Valley until we get to a hidden trail at the bottom of Lilac Lane. That trail will take us back to Corriganville. We'll follow the trail directly over the train tunnel, so as not to cross the railroad tracks. Once inside the park again, we'll take a different route back to our cars so we can see some more of the placards and foundations marking the sites of numerous old movie scenes.

There are a few water fountains inside the park, BUT on Monday I saw a couple that let their dogs drink directly from the fountain on their hind legs. Disgusting.

I suspect there may be after-hike libations at nearby Chuy's on LA Ave @ Yosemite.

Distance: 2 or 3 for Easy option, 5 miles for Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 200' or so for Easy option, 1000' for Intermediate
Difficulty: Two options: Easy or Intermediate
Dogs: Leashed, per State law (Must be strong for intermediate option)
Restrooms: Port-a-Potty
Water Fountain: In the park (but see caveat)
Parking: Free in Corriganville
Trail: Single track and fire road, excellent condition
Sunset: Irrelevant. We will be done before the sun sets.

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, small patch of poison oak

Directions: From the 118, take the Kuehner Road exit on the east end of Simi Valley and head south (toward the ocean). Turn left at Smith Road, just before Kuehner goes to the left and becomes the Santa Susana Pass road. Drive past an active movie set on your right and private homes on your left, until you reach the gated park entrance, turning left into the HUGE, dirt parking lot. Park all the way toward the far end.

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.

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