What we’re about
Our goal is to combine nature's magnificence, a good workout, and the support and laughter of friends. An observer of one of our early hikes noted that our group is like a mobile party, and we feel that captures our spirit beautifully. All that's missing is you, so get out here with us!
Our hikes are free, and our leaders are volunteers. However, we ask for voluntary contributions once a year ($3-$5) to help defray Meetup subscription costs.
Please review before you register for a hike:
- The number of hikers will not exceed 24, including the leader. This will allow us to hike on COSCA trails, State Park, and National trails without having to obtain a permit in advance. This also means that if you are on the waitlist, or you show up and have not registered (including “Plus-Ones”), you will be turned away.
- Sorry, no dogs allowed, either on-leash, off-leash, or in "Doggy Backpacks."
Welcome to the Weekday Trailblazers!
The Blazers are led equally by a dedicated cadre of experienced volunteer hike leaders, in a true communal spirit, with no charge for hikes or events (with rare exceptions).
You can help us defray our costs by buying Weekday Trailblazers gear (each purchase kicks in $3-$5 to the kitty):
The majority of our hikes fall within the area from Malibu to Simi Valley (south to north), and Will Rogers State Park to Port Hueneme (east to west), although we'll venture beyond those loose boundaries when we feel like it (we are Trailblazers, after all). We offer hikes of varying levels, as well as occasional non-hiking events.
- Our Intermediate Hikes generally start at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays (earlier in the heat of the summer). Total distance is 7-10 miles (less in the heat of the summer), 3-3.5 mph, and with elevation gain between 1,500' and 2,000', less in the heat of the summer. We would rate them as intermediate for difficulty and pace. We have a strong roster of leaders for these hikes, but ANYONE is welcome to lead. Contact Steve J, Laurie, Peter, or Katie with your ideas.
- Gentler-Friendly Hikes are scheduled on most Thursday and some Tuesday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for advanced beginners, or anyone wanting a little extra fun with friends. As the name implies, they're slower-paced (2-2.5 mph), shorter distance (usually 5-6 miles), and lesser elevation gain (less than 1,500') than our flagship hikes. Contact Steve J with ideas for Gentler hikes.
- Gentler / Intermediate are somewhere in between.
We also occasionally run:
- Beginner Hikes are scheduled on Thursday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for those new to the group, new to hiking, or those rehabbing injuries. They're slow-paced (2 mph), short distance (usually <5 miles), and little elevation gain (~500'). Contact Steve J with ideas for Beginner hikes.
- Fast-Paced Hikes start in the late afternoon/early evening (two hours or so before sunset), and are as fast or faster than our intermediate hikes. Headlamps recommended!
- Geologist Thom Davis' Rock & Stroll Hikes combine his expansive knowledge of the Earth's bones and our usual workout in natural beauty. Many events will be outside our normal stomping grounds, and some will involve overnight stays. Times and ability levels vary, so be sure to read the write-ups carefully, and contact Thom with any questions.
We cancel hikes for red flag warnings, when the temperature is 90 or higher, or when the Heat Index (also sometimes called Temperature Humidity Index or Wet Bulb Temperature) is 85 or higher at any time during a hike.
The Blazers welcome and encourage whatever level of participation you'd like. You can be out in front leading, in the pack enjoying the ride, or sweeping in the back. We value your contributions, so join our mobile party and let's have fun!
We also ask that you be aware of the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, know what to do about them (for your own safety and for the safety of others around you). Just google "Mayo Clinic Heat Stroke Exhaustion", or buy one of our Heat Safety T-Shirts!
We also ask that hikers be prepared with:
- Hiking shoes appropriate for the terrain
- Loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the conditions (generally, this means no denim or jeans)
- A broad-brimmed hat
- Water
- Electrolytes (Gatorade, Nuun tablets, etc)
- Sunscreen
While not responsible for your safety, our hike leaders may adjust, shorten, re-route, or terminate a hike based on conditions, at their sole discretion.
Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers and hosts 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and hosts from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sorry, we don't allow "Plus-Ones" on our hikes. Please join the group, then sign up for a hike.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Hike the Entire Backbone Trail, 8 Days with camping and meals includedBackbone Trail, Malibu, CA
Come join the 19th annual Backbone Trek, hosted by the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council! For a fee of $550 this guided event includes camping every night in a State Park campground, transportation to and from the trailheads and all your meals. You will need to provide your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc) that will be trucked for you between campgrounds so you don't need to carry it.
You can find all information about the event at https://www.smmtc.org/bbtrek/ including a complete multi-day itinerary and descriptions of each day's hike. The trek is limited to the first 25 people who sign up.
To register for the event, you will need to download the registration form from that web page listed above and mail it to the organizers. Signing up here will not do anything except show your friends that you intend to go!
- Malibu Creek State Park (MCSP) Grand Tour including MASHLas Virgenes Road & Park Entrance Road, California, CA
This week I will be working with the MCSP docents and CA State Parks to reinstall the bridge over Malibu Creek to MASH. We will likely be the first large group to take advantage of the "dry" crossing (assuming all goes well on the install).
We will start this hike from MCSP's Lower/Main Trailhead parking lot. You will be entering through the staffed kiosk so have your state park pass or entrance fee handy. From the Main Trailhead, we will make our way to Crags Road. Crags Road runs along and above Malibu Creek. The park is particularly beautiful this year due to our unusually wet winter--lots of flowers and wildlife.
On this tour of MCSP's central valley, we will take a couple of detours off of Crags Road before reaching the bridge crossing. First we'll loop up and over the Grassland Trail to take in the sweeping views of MCSP's Torpin Plain. Next, for even grander views, we'll take the Lookout Trail to the Cage Trail which rejoins Crags Road for the bridge crossing. On the trail to MASH you'll be amazed at the dramatic effects of the high water levels that surged through earlier in the year.
This out-and-back hike, plus those side trips, clocks in at around 6.5 miles, with an elevation gain/loss of about 750‘. Kathy and I scouted this hike on Saturday and completed it in just under 3 hours taking a rather leisurely pace.
Directions: From the 101 Freeway take Las Virgenes Rd., south for about 3.5 miles to the MCSP entrance (first right after crossing Mulholland).
Please review the guidelines (link to the guidelines) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:- Don't show up unless you're shown on the "Attending" list.
- PLEASE bring plenty of water.
- Your safety is your own personal responsibility, but the hike leader reserves the right to ask you to leave if you come unprepared.
- No "Plus Ones" or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY - PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
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