PM Blaze: Sunset Traverse Along Cheseboro Ridge

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!

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Area

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Single or double lollipop

Distance: 6-8 miles

Elevation gain: 700-1000 feet

Terrain: Double & single-file trail

Route summary:

This hike will take us 6-8 miles roundtrip on a scenic trip from the northern end of Las Virgenes Road into the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon and Cheseboro Ridge conservation area. Our route and total distance can vary based on the group, available time, and weather conditions, but since there will be only moderate elevation gain, the open paths of this area provide us with an opportunity for a fairly fast-moving and enjoyable afternoon hike.

Our route begins on flat and wide paths, as we make our way for a mile or more into the reservation, either on the Las Virgenes Canyon or Cheseboro Ridge trails. Our general movement will be north, toward an ascent of the hills at the back of the reservation, with the option of taking one or more single-file crossways through the grasslands. After completing our ascent, we return south until we reach Las Virgenes Road, again with the option of varying our route via crossway paths.

Most of this hike is in wide canyon and grassy chaparral, with some bushy areas in the hills. Weather can range from calm and hot to warm and windy conditions. We will stop at or near the height of our ascent to grab a snack and enjoy the late afternoon views. On our way back, especially after sunset, we can enjoy the open canyons in the gathering twilight, which are especially calm and revitalizing at this time of day.

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:

Free on-street parking is available just before the cull de sac at the north end of Las Virgenes Road. If you turn around and park facing south, note there are signs requiring that you leave two wheels on the pavement.

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

Directions:

From the 101 – exit at Las Virgenes Road. Turn north (away from the ocean) and go 1.5 miles to the end of Las Virgenes Road.

From the PCH – turn up Malibu Canyon Road (at Piuma Road, Malibu Canyon Road changes name to Las Virgenes Road). Drive 9.5 miles from the PCH, cross the 101, and continue north 1.5 miles to the end of Las Virgenes road.

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!