5th Anniversary Hike and Pizza Party!!!!!!!!!!!

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Oh hell yeah! Who doesn't love a pizza party? Since Mother Nature has closed down our usual anniversary venue, we're hoofing it to the splendor of Simi Valley, then celebrating 5 years of friendship and trail dust at the Titular Mansion. Party details at the end, but first, hiking business...

Join us for a strong workout following trails surrounded by majestic, rough-hewn sandstone strewn around like a fistful of dice, as well as open grasslands and valleys.The ridgeline splits Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley, and we'll get long views of both.

We can't quite close the loop on this hike, so we'll park by the Kuehner Dr. exit of the 118, then drive some of the cars over to the end of Flanagan Dr., where the Chumash Trailhead is. The initial ascent is close to three miles, up to 1500 ft., along a single track trail that hugs the side of a valley most of the way. At the top, we'll hang a right and amble along the expansive Rocky Peak fire road, catching glimpses of the Channel Islands on a very clear day, slowly working our way down to the Hummingbird Trail. Hummingbird carries us down through the boulder playground that lies alongside the 118. During the rainy season, a small stream darts in and out between and beneath the rocks. Hummingbird dumps us out at the cars we left behind.

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Total distance is just over 7 miles, total elevation gain is about 1900'. Check the weather and prepare accordingly. The entire route is exposed, so sun, wind, and rain/mist will have their way with you if you're not ready for them.

Because we want as many people as possible to celebrate with us, we're including a Gentler option, but you will need to be a STRONG Gentler. Gentlers will ascend the Chumash Trail with us, then return the way they came when they reach the Rocky Peak fire road. The trail is straightforward, and we will mark it. Total distance is about 5.5 miles, and the elevation is about 1500.' That's a healthy dose of elevation gain, though it is stretched out over nearly 3 miles, and the climb isn't overly steep. The Gentler group can take it at their pace, while the regulars will have to keep moving so we all finish at about the same time.

Party time! Immediately after the hike, we'll drive over to the nearby Titular Mansion to eat poorly, drink whatever, and brag about what good hikers we were in the old days. I will order pizza for the group, with adjustments made for all of your myriad, annoying dietary restrictions (if I fail to cover your annoying dietary restriction, I employ the "more for me" philosophy). The cost will be offset by the generous donations members have made to the group- you don't have to bring money. What you do have to bring is something to drink (for yourself), and if you want to contribute some other small thing (carrot sticks, cookies, deviled eggs, Cool Ranch Doritos), feel free. I have more than enough plastic utensils, plates, Solo cups, and napkins.

Please ask questions in the comment section, so everyone can see the answers. And PLEASE keep your RSVP so current it hurts.

Directions:

From the 118, exit at Kuehner Drive and park in the strip center parking lot just south of the 118. Once we're gathered, we'll organize carpools over to the trailhead (5 minutes away).

Please be on time so we can make the short drive over to the trailhead and get started. IF you are running late and want to drive directly to the trailhead, exit the 118 at Yosemite Ave. and head north (again, toward the closest mountains). Take the first right after the stop sign (Flanagan Dr.), and follow Flanagan to the end. Park on the street. The trailhead is straight ahead, then will bend to the right and climb the mountain.

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.