Cave of the Munits (After seeing the Movie "Wild")

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This is the 2nd part of the PM hiker meetup to see the movie "Wild" (https://www.meetup.com/The-PM-Hikers/events/218885945/) (<-click link for details) in West Hills. After the movie, everyone will hopefully be inspired to get out and hike. Luckily, there's a great hike just a few miles away from the movie theater - the "Cave of the Munits".

Don't the mileage fool you. This is a moderate hike with rock scrambling and a very steep incline on loose dirt.

Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 700 ft
Difficulty: Moderate with Rock Scrambling
Dogs: No
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Schedule Sunset: 4:45 pm
What to Bring: Water, Snacks, Sweater/Jacket, and Flashlight. You may also want to consider long pants if you are worried about scrapes and bruises.

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This hike, will take you up into the Cave of Munits. If there is sufficient light we may do some rock scrambling. If we do, there will be helpers to assist on the rock climbing areas, and this is considered class 3 rock scrambling, so know your limits.

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Once we reach the top of the cave, we will continue up a slippery hillside trail to a notch in the ridge. At this point, some may take a well traveled trail to the peak, while others, who want more of a challenge, will follow a less used ridge line trail to the peak where we will all meet.

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About:

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The 'Cave of Munits' is a large cave on the side of Escorpión Peak within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. Please try to respect the historic and natural qualities when exploring Munits' Cave.

The cave is important because stories about its significance are still known by Chumash people today. According to oral history, this cave was the home of a very powerful shaman who eventually met his end after murdering the son of a politically important chief. Cumash culture was here for 10,000 years.

Source: http://wikimapia.org/9163597/Cave-of-Munits-Escorpi%C3%B3n-Peak

Directions:

From Valley Circle Drive in West Hills, turn west on Highlander Rd. and park just past Elmsbury Ln. See map above.

From the Promenade 16 Movie Theater, where we see "Wild": 1) Turn right (North) onto Topanga , 2) Turn left onto Vanowen St. 3) Turn right onto Valley Circle, 4) Take the 1st left onto Highlander Rd

Rain will postpone this hike.

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.