Beginner Series Hike 1 of 4: Corriganville Movie Ranch

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This hike will take you around Corriganville Park in Simi Valley. Many years ago, this was the filming location of several movies and TV shows. Not much is left today, aside from some foundations and signs describing what was filmed.

There are many trails and they branch off in many different directions in this park. We will do our best to find the longer 2 mile loop, but we may end up doing less or slightly more.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/a/a/event_177942922.jpegLength: 2 miles
Elevation: 300ft
Dogs: Yes
Bathroom: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Schedule Sunset: 4:47pm
What to Bring: Water, Snacks, and Sweater/Jacket if you get cold easy.

About:
This low-maintenance hike winds through an oakshaded forest and the remnants of the park’s heyday as a movie set, then follows a loop trail past dramatic sandstone rock formations. It’s perfect for small children and out-of-town visitors who happen to be movie buffs. Founded by stuntman and B-movie actor Ray “Crash” Corrigan, Corriganville Park was one of the busiest movie sets in the country between the late 1930s and the 1950s. Among the hundreds of westerns and adventure films that shot scenes here were The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Robin Hood, The African Queen, and Fort Apache.

In 1949, Corrigan opened the property to the public as an amusement park featuring stunt shows, stagecoach rides, pony rides, and a working Western town. It was quite popular, attracting as many as 20,000 visitors on weekends. Major wildfires destroyed many of the sets in the 1970s, and the area languished until the city of Simi Valley purchased about 250 acres in 1988 and turned it into a regional park. Today it is used mainly as a hiking and jogging site, with an interpretive trail that chronicles the park’s nature and wildlife as well as its former role as a movie set

Source: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XMR013-054
More information about the history: http://www.corriganville.net/

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Rain will postpone this hike.

About the Beginner Series:
This beginner series is aimed at the entry level hiker that is looking to build themselves up so that they feel more comfortable to join the moderate hikes. Moderate and advanced hikers are welcome to join, but this will be more of a social hike. However, I will include a more difficult route for the 3rd and 4th hike in the series.

Hike 1: Corriganville Movie Ranch = 2 miles with 300ft elevation.
Hike 2: Sage Ranch Loop = 2.5 miles with 350ft elevation
Hike 3: Paradise Falls = 3 miles with 450ft elevation
Hike 4: Mt McCoy = 2.6 miles with 600ft elevation

Directions:
From Highway 118/Simi Valley Freeway in Simi Valley, exit on Kuehner Drive. Drive 1.1 miles south to Smith Road and turn left. Continue 0.4 miles into Corriganville Park. (Lat:34.263092 Lon:-118.654621)

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.