Boney and Stoney Fossil Trail

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Join us on this sweet lollipop loop hike that wanders through grasslands and chaparral, down into a canyon, then up to eye-stretching views. Descending into Upper Sycamore Canyon, we'll trace an arc around the base of Boney Mountain to the Fossil Trail. The Fossil Trail features a hunk of fist-sized marine fossils smack dab in the middle of our path- we'll actually walk on prehistory.

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From our date with the past, we'll soar up to Boney Mountain Overlook. Though not the peak of Boney Mountain, the overlook still affords fantastic views north to Port Hueneme and Oxnard and west toward the Pacific Ocean. If it’s a clear day, we’ll easily be able to see Santa Cruz Island, as well as the Los Padres Mountain range. After taking time for the appropriate gasps, our journey will continue around and down to a trail familiar to everyone who has hiked to the Peace, Love, and Joy monument. We won't see that monument this day, so we'll bring our own peace, love, and joy.

This hike will be 7-8 miles with an elevation gain of 1800-1900 feet. Bring poles if you favor them.

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DIRECTIONS:

Take Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks. Exit at Wendy Drive. Go south (towards the ocean) on Wendy all the way until it dead ends at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. There is ample free parking on the dirt along the road. No restrooms.

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.