Chumash Trail to Las Llajas Canyon in Simi

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/6/6/1/event_22646209.jpegLast year, Elyse came all the way from Maine to show us this impressive loop. This time, she's only coming from Moorpark, but the loop is no less impressive. To make it more interesting, we'll do it in the opposite direction from the one we did last time around. We'll shake it up further by starting from a different trailhead.

Warm up quickly, because we're heading up the Chumash Trail as soon as our boots hit the dirt. Straddling deep gashes in the hillside, we'll trundle up 2.7 miles to the Rocky Peak Fireroad, gaining an all-encompassing view of Simi Valley on the way up.

With the hardest work out of the way, we'll enjoy a cruise north along the fireroad, past the famed fossil wall, testament of Simi's prehistoric underwater past. Sharp eyes will detect an earthquake fault line, testament of the area's past, present, and future geological instability.

The geology lesson behind us, we'll descend into some man-made history. On our way down Oil Well Road, we'll cavort among derelict oil-pumping equipment until we alight on ranchland. The access road to that ranchland cuts through the bottom of Las Llajas Canyon before rising gently into suburbia. A ribbon of a trail leads to a wide meadow, where our cars will be waiting to take us to a well-deserved lunch.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/d/c/a/event_83891722.jpeg
The total hike is roughly 10 miles, with 1800 feet of elevation gain.

There is ample free parking on the street.

Directions:

Exit the 118 at Yosemite Ave. and head north (toward the closest mountains). Take the first right after the stop sign (Flanagan Dr.), and follow Flanagan to the end. Park on the street.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW 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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.