Western Plateau Roller Coaster, 10 miles/2,000'

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/f/c/event_22976316.jpeg4/25/11 We did a pre-hike tonight to check out the trails and found that we can't cross the river at the Water Treatment Plant to do our originally proposed hike http://img2.meetupstatic.com/660856251752819977145734/img/smileys/crying.gif. The recent floods have washed away all the big rocks/stepping stones. No doubt all the other crossings are adversely affected.

Photo above taken 4/25/11.

But no worries--we'll still hike Western Plateau starting from a different trailhead. And we'll end at the same place after a big loop, http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/8/4/event_22976452.jpegso no shuttle required http://img2.meetupstatic.com/981263258369601089/img/smileys/smile.gif.

Note the new meeting place above. There's plenty free parking next to a row of roses on Conejo Center Drive.

Ticks: we all got them on us, and found 3 on our return home.

Photo above--the same crossing on 10/3/10. All those big rocks are now gone and the creek is much wider.

Let's take a romp around Western Plateau in Newbury Park. I usually post this area as an evening hike because there are several 5-7 mile routes.

We'll be on roller coaster ride today:

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down the Edison Road,

up to 6-Points

down on Monster Dudleya Trail to spot this beauty,

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/e/7/event_22023559.jpeg

up to the FWY 101 Overlook Trail, for views of the Boney Mountain Wilderness,

back down to 6-points,

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up to the radio towers,

down to a saddle,

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up to Horseshoe Hill.

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The summit of Horseshoe Hill is very rocky, with a narrow, slippery trail.

We continue down to Horseshoe Saddle,

continue down to water treatment plant, take a quick visit to the Arroyo Conejo,

then up the Baxter Road and back to the cars.

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Terrain: Service roads, single track, rocky trails, water crossings.

Here's a photo from Western Plateau showing the rocky, volcanic terrain on which you'll be hiking.

Estimated Stats: 10 miles, 2,000'.

Level: This hike will suit you if you regularly hike 10 miles/2,000'+. If you're not used to those stats., you'll find the hike strenuous. Lots of ups and downs!

Bring: Water, snack, lunch, first aid kit. Trekking poles will help with water crossings. Wear: layer, shoes/boots with lug soles. It's tick & poison oak season, so please wear long pants and sleeves for protection.

Wear long socks and you can tuck your pants into them. Ticks crawl up onto pants instead of legs.

Wear a shirt (perhaps an undershirt) that you can tuck into pants. Same thing--ticks crawl up shirt instead of getting on your skin.

Dogs: Sorry, no dogs for this one.

Hike will be rescheduled if there's rain or severe weather conditions like wind/fire.

Meeting Place: Western Plateau, T-junction of Conejo Center Drive and Rancho Conejo Blvd, Newbury Park.

Tip: Print, cut out, and tape to steering wheel

Traveling Southbound on FWY101:

In Newbury Park, take exit #47A/RANCHO CONEJO BLVD - go 0.3 miles on offramp.

Turn LEFT on Rancho Conejo Blvd - go about 1.9 miles.

You'll pass Baxter (a company) on your right, and shortly after ...

Turn LEFT on Conejo Center Drive and park immediately on right side—next to a row of white roses.

Traveling Northbound on FWY101:

In Newbury Park, take exit #47A/RANCHO CONEJO BLVD - go 0.4 miles on offramp.

Turn RIGHT on Rancho Conejo Blvd - go about 1.8 miles.

You'll pass Baxter (a company) on your right, and shortly after ...

Turn LEFT on Conejo Center Drive and park immediately on right side—next to a row of white roses.

FYI: There are no facilities at the trailhead.