Malibu Seafood- So Nice We'll Hike It Twice- A Gentler Hike!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/b/8/600_436383768.jpeg

We'll beat the heat with this light-for-a-Tuesday hike by the sea.

Clocking in at 2.5 miles and 537' of elevation gain, the Sara Wan loop from Malibu Seafood is not nearly challenging enough for our hikerific band, so we'll enjoy it twice in one shot- hiking counterclockwise, then reversing field and hiking back clockwise. Yes, the first out and back loop! That will bring us to a more respectable 5 miles and 1000' of elevation gain.

Sara Wan was a long-time member of the California Coastal Commission who continues to advocate for coastal protection and public access, and the trail named for her leads into Corral Canyon, the only completely undeveloped canyon flowing through the Santa Monica Mountains to the ocean. We've looked down through Corral Canyon from Mesa Peak Motorway many times, and now we'll get the close-up view of the lower section, filled with sage, coastal grasses, and riparian corridor of oak, bay, sycamore, alder, and willow trees.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/e/d/600_436383821.jpeg

At the top of the first loop, we'll bounce onto a short spur trail to catch our breath from the climb and drink in a long view of the mighty Pacific from an overlook. From there, we'll penetrate the canyon before languidly descending to the chimney and remnants of an old homestead. Sound like fun? Good!- because we're going to turn in our tracks and head back the way we came. On our final descent, the hillside opens up to the sights, smells, and breezes of the Great Blue.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/d/9/600_436383801.jpeg

There won't be a discussion about our lunch destination- we'll already be there! Malibu Seafood provides the kind of menu its name suggests, and terraced outdoor picnic seating on which we'll munch and marvel at our wisdom in choosing to live here.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/c/a/600_436383786.jpeg

You can pay $5 to park in the parking area, or park directly on the shoulder of PCH (parking there is ample, but mind the No Parking signs if you see them).

This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails. Faster hikers are welcome to come along, with the understanding that the hike is geared toward those who want to go at an easier pace.

Directions:

From Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Rd, turn right on PCH. Malibu Seafood is 1.5 miles, on your right.

From Kanan Rd, turn left on PCH. Drive 4.7 miles, then U Turn at Puerco Canyon Rd. Be VERY careful in doing this. Drive about a quarter mile back to Malibu Seafood, 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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.