Caving and Exploring Tripeaks!
Details
Tripeaks is a jumble of sandstone formations on the eastern edge of Pt Mugu State Park (http://www.venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/Sycamore/AreaTrails.htm), with huge boulders, caves and a nifty crevice to traverse. One cave goes in/down about 150 feet. We'll go down 5 or 6 at a time. Those remaining outside will find there's lots to explore there as well. When the first group comes up, the second group will go down into the depths. It takes an hour to 1.5 hours to get down to the bottom, soak in the enormity of it all, and re-emerge.
Not everybody is comfortable in confined, dark (very dark!) caves, so do not sign up for this expedition unless you plan to explore this deep cave. The cave will require crawling, wriggling, scaling chimneys and squeezing through narrow spaces.
To see what it's like, view the photos of our last caving trip (http://www.venturacountytrails.org/RecentPhotos/2009-11-08CavingTripeaks/_Page.html).
Statistics: We'll hike out the Sandstone Peak trail to Tripeaks. Round-trip distance will be about 6.4 miles, with about 2000' of climbing. Expect this hike to take longer than normal - we should get back to the cars about 3 to 4 pm. Pack a lunch to eat at Tripeaks!
Directions: The road to the trailhead is narrow, twisting and slow, so please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on time! From the 101... Exit at Westlake Blvd and head south (towards the ocean). Drive 7.1 miles and then turn right onto Mulholland Hwy (there is an earlier left turn onto Mulholland; don't take that one!). After 0.4 miles, turn right up Little Sycamore Canyon Rd and continue 4.6 miles to the Sandstone Peak trailhead, on the right and up a little hill.
From the PCH... Turn up Yerba Buena Rd and continue 6.3 miles to the trailhead, on the left.
Caving and Exploring Tripeaks!