Name: PM Blaze: Saddle Peak With The JMT-Ready Instigator
Start: 2011-07-21T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2011-07-21T20:00:00-07:00
Location: Stunt High Trail

Nearly 100% physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for my upcoming 222-mile JMT odyssey. Come share my endorphins, learn about my preparations, and get a great afternoon hike in together. Promise I will stay out of high gear! Mark

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!

Saddle Peak via Stunt High Trail

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Out & back

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation gain: 1600 feet

Terrain: Canyon & ridge trail

Route summary:

This fairly athletic hike will take us about 8 miles roundtrip on winding trails to dramatic rocky overlook with striking views of the Pacific, Stunt Ranch State Park, Calabasas Peak, and Old Topanga and Cold Creek Canyons. There are also longer vistas northwest into Ventura County and east to the San Fernando Valley. The route passes through riparian forest, open fields, and interesting sandstone formations.

Our total distance can vary based on the group, available time, and weather conditions, but aims to over a fairly steady incline that leads to a high panorama above the surrounding canyons and hills. Though the hike is only a moderate distance, it involves significant elevation gain, meandering and rocky trails, and some light (Class I) rock-hopping. Overall, this route is reasonably strenuous but quite beautiful and offers a terrific payoff at and nearing its high point.

Our hike begins on the Stunt High Trail, a winding single-file track that provides a varying but moderate uphill ascent in a southwesterly direction for about 2.5 miles. Early in the hike, there are beautiful wooded areas and a small stream, and then increasing views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Stunt Ranch State Park as we ascend. We eventually reach the Backbone Trail and soon begin an easterly ridgeline walk high above the Pacific. This route will take us along and above spectacular tilted and pocketed sandstone formations, with dramatic views of the mountains and ocean as we proceed. After completing our ascent, we return west on the Backbone Trail until we again reach the Stunt High Trail and then descend northeasterly to the Stunt Road trailhead.

The route begins on a canyon floor but ascends to and proceeds along open ridgeline. Since we start in a fairly sheltered location and reach exposed areas open to the Pacific and surrounding valleys, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at Saddle Peak to grab a snack and enjoy the great view. On our way back, especially after sunset, we can enjoy the mountains in the gathering twilight.

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 off-street parking is available at the dirt turnout on Stunt Road

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

Directions:

From the 101 – exit at the Las Virgenes Road exit and go south (toward the ocean). Drive 3 miles to Mulholland Highway and make a left turn. Continue 4 miles to Stunt Road and turn right. Go one mile, and park and meet in the dirt pullout on the right. (The trailhead is across the street at the gated fire road.)

From the PCH – turn up Malibu Canyon Road and drive 6.5 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn right and continue 4 miles to Stunt Road. Turn right and drive one mile. Park and meet in the dirt pullout on the right. (The trailhead is across the street at the gated fire 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!

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PM Blaze: Saddle Peak With The JMT-Ready Instigator

Stunt High Trail

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PM Blaze: Saddle Peak With The JMT-Ready Instigator

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