PM Blaze: Boney To Stoney...

No, we won't be lighting up but we will be hiking up to a scenic stopping place above the Pacific...where one of us found a pipe last time and named the spot Stoney Point. Come enjoy the steady and moderately challenging climb up and great views from the point, 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!

Boney Trail & Sycamore Canyon Area

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Loop/cross-loop

Distance: 5-8 miles

Elevation gain: 800-1200 feet

Terrain: Double & single-file trail

Route summary:

This hike will take us 5-8 miles roundtrip on a scenic trip around the northwestern end of the Santa Monica mountains, offering great views of Point Mugu, the Pacific, and the offshore islands. Our route and total distance can vary based on the group, available time, and weather conditions. We will generally choose routes with extra elevation gain, to complement the open and rolling paths of this area. Overall, the mix of hills and open paths will provide us with an opportunity for a fairly fast-moving and quite scenic afternoon hike.

Our route begins on flat and fairly wide paths, as we make our way for a mile or more into the reservation from the parking lot on Potrero Road. Our general movement will be east, toward an ascent of the hills of Point Mugu State Park, with the option of taking one or more crossways through the gathering foothills. After completing our ascent, we loop back in a westerly direction until we reach Potrero Road, again with the option of varying our route via crossway paths.

Most of this hike is hilly or rolling trail, with a mix of tree-shaded and bushy terrain. Weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at or near the height of our ascent to grab a snack and enjoy the great late afternoon views, before making our descent.

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 on Potrero Road, at the end of Wendy Drive.

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

Directions:

From the west on 101 – exit on Wendy Drive and go south (toward the ocean) almost 3 miles until Wendy Drive ends, and then park in the dirt lot on Potrero Road.

From the east on 101 – exit on Lynn Road and go south (toward the ocean) about 4 miles, turn left on Wendy Drive and go just over a half mile until the Wendy Drive ends, and then park in the dirt lot on Potrero Road.

From the PCH – turn up Malibu Canyon Road (at Piuma Road, Malibu Canyon Road changes name to Las Virgenes Road). Drive 9.5 miles from the PCH, and take the 101 west (away from LA). Exit on Lynn Road and go south (toward the ocean) about 4 miles, turn left on Wendy Drive and go just over a half mile until the Wendy Drive ends, and then park in the dirt lot on Potrero 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!