PM Blaze: Come Hideout In Hidden Valley

Time for the next meet-up of the Weekday Trailblazers Afternoon Hiking Group!

Our afternoon hikes are intended for people hiking, or wishing to hike, at an intermediate level or above, and seeking time outdoors with fun people sharing similar interests and fitness goals.

The afternoon format emphasizes easy-to-access and scenic 5-8 mile conditioning routes with moderate elevation gains, a total hiking time of 2-3 hours at a moderate pace, periodic rest and sightseeing stops, and optional technique discussions and training exercises (based on individual and group interest).

We schedule our afternoon meet-ups as late as the season allows to ensure a return before dark, while encouraging people with a variety of work and home schedules to get a great conditioning hike in during the week and tune-up for weekend adventures.

Here is info on our scheduled hike…hope to see you there!

Los Padres Canyon To Hidden Valley

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Up & back

Distance: 6-8 miles

Elevation gain: 1200-1500 feet

Terrain: Trail & fire road

Route summary:

Los Padres Canyon offers easy access from the 101 and is an interesting break from our usual venues. The area includes several route alternatives, each with a mix of winding and hilly footpaths and fire roads, which are sometimes quite rugged. Overall, the area is notable for its transitional ecology, lying midway between the more lush conditions of our coastal routes and those of the drier inland grasslands beginning at the Simi foothills and Upper Las Virgenes Canyon.

Our hike will take us 6-8 miles roundtrip, principally along Los Robles Trail, a mixed path of ridgelines and hilly switchbacks that overlooks Hidden Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains for much of its distance. Los Robles Tail is fed and crossed by a number of tributary and secondary paths.

The route begins at Los Padres trailhead and proceeds southerly and upward through this canyon for just under a mile, until we reach Los Robles Trail. From there, we can choose an easterly or a westerly route, each with side paths and spurs to explore. Los Robles Trail is fairly undulating overall, with many ups and downs along its way. Since there are a number of diverging secondary routes, maintaining line of sight with the group will be essential.

The initial section of our hike is wooded and shaded, but the route quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin on the floor of Las Padres Canyon and reach exposed areas above Hidden Valley and the Conejo Valley, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at a high section of Los Robles Trail at our halfway point, to grab a snack and enjoy the views, and then will return by the same route.

Essentials:

Please wear – brush-resistant pants, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack.

Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

Parking:

There is free on-street parking at the trailhead.

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Directions:

From all directions – take the 101 to the Moorpark Road exit and turn south (toward the ocean). Drive 0.3 miles and turn left at Los Padres Drive. Drive approximately 100 yards to the trailhead on the right.

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.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!