Full Moon Hump Day Hike in Tapo Canyon

NOTE: I just updated this to include a short and a long version. For the short version, we'll get to a trail junction, and I'll point the way back to a place we have already been, about 0.75 miles away and from there it's an easy 1.4 more miles downhill to your cars. NO chance of getting lost. The rest of us will continue, adding an additional 3 miles and probably one hour to the hike. If you are worried about doing the short version without a hike leader, then you should drop off, but there is only one trail and it will be VERY clear how to get back to your cars.

This will be a new Hump Day hike for us, although we did do this location a few weeks ago on a Saturday. We will begin at Tapo Canyon Trailhead just a couple miles north of the Simi Valley courthouse. This will take us into a canyon that has outstanding views (pictures below) of the surrounding Santa Susana Mountains, around a loop, and then back. With a 100% full moon, we should be able to enjoy these views with plenty of light. Bring a flashlight, but you may not really need it at all.

The shorter version is actually not a difficult hike because the elevation is rather mild, and it's spread out over the whole hike, although true beginners will find it hard. The longer version is certainly intermediate, but not even a difficult intermediate, and we'll have WONDERFUL night time views of the Simi city lights, not visible on the shorter version.

Distance: 5 miles / long option 8 miles and about one additional hour
Elevation Gain: 700' / long option 1400'
Difficulty: Easy intermediate / long option intermediate
Dogs: Yes, but only if leashed, per State law
Restrooms: Haha, no!
Parking: Free along Tapo Canyon Road
Trail: Single track and Fire Roadish, excellent condition
Sunset: 5:39 pm, but with a 100% FULL MOON, it will be bright

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes (not likely, but still possible even in March), slip-'n-fall

Directions: Take the Tapo Canyon exit from the 118 in Simi Valley. Turn right from the off-ramp onto northbound Tapo Cyn and keep going 1.7 miles. The trailhead will be on your right. If you get to Lost Canyons Drive on your left, you have gone a wee bit too far. Here is a link to Google Street View of the trailhead: Tapo Canyon Trailhead (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.304698,-118.720457,3a,69.7y,93.92h,90.4t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1svRHdp7FenigPZ3zwLQ1PGw!2e0) The GPS coordinates of the trailhead are: 34.304410 N, and 118.720291 W, but trust your GPS at your own risk. They OFTEN take you to the wrong location.

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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.