PM Blaze: You Wanna Go To Mesa Peak

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 to fast 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!

Malibu Canyon to Mesa Peak

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Up & back

Distance: 5-7 miles

Elevation gain: 1500-1700 feet

Terrain: Trail & fire road

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 5-7 miles roundtrip on one of the most beautiful parts of the 60-mile Backbone Trail, which runs through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Will Rogers State Park in the east to Point Mugu in the west. The section we will be on is also called the Mesa Peak Motorway.

The route begins at Malibu Canyon Road and proceeds westerly roughly 2.5 miles and 1500 feet up to a long ridgeline that leads to Mesa Peak, with spectacular Pacific views. The terrain is a mix of single and double-file trail and open fire road. Depending on the group and available time, we may add an addition 1-2 miles of traverse and sight-seeing along the Backbone Trail after reaching Mesa Peak, which would add roughly 200 feet of elevation gain.

The initial section of our hike is wooded and shaded, but the route quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin on the floor of Malibu Canyon and reach exposed areas above the Pacific, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at Mesa Peak, or at the endpoint of our optional traverse, to grab a snack and enjoy the great view.

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:

There is free parking at a dirt lot 200 yards from the trailhead, at the corner of Piuma Road and Malibu Canyon Road. If you park there, please mind the sometimes heavy traffic while walking to the trailhead.

There is also a CA State parking lot at the trailhead, which lets you avoid the walk along Malibu Canyon Road but charges $10 if you do not have a pre-paid pass.

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

Directions:

From the 101 - Exit Las Virgenes Road and head south toward the ocean. Go approximately 5 miles to Piuma Road. Go left at Piuma and park in the free lot on the corner (Las Virgenes Road becomes Malibu Canyon Road at Piuma).

From the PCH - Take Malibu Canyon Road north about 4.5 miles to Piuma Road. Go right at Piuma and park in the free lot on the corner.

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!