PM Blaze: Calabala Boom-de-ay

This is our shortest afternoon hike, but still a challenging one aerobically. The route is good to do fast to develop your speed and stamina, slower if you are transitioning up to PM Blazer hiking levels, or with a full pack or new gear if you want to road test the two of you together before trying on bigger routes. Come out if you can, Mark

Please note: there is a chance that I will still be in the Sierras, especially if the weather is good and I am feeling the flow. In this case, one of the fabulous PM Blazers will host the hike or, if not, this one will be self-directed (go out and back on the fire road by the white gate, turning back if you feel fatigued or have used more than half your water, or when you have reached the peak and the trail begins to descend).

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!

Calabasas Peak

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner

Route Type: Out & back, plus spurs

Distance: 5-6 miles

Elevation gain: 1000-1200 feet

Terrain: Fire road

Route summary:

This hike will take us 5-6 miles roundtrip on and around the scenic Calabasas Peak Trail. Our route goes from Stunt Ranch State Park to Calabasas Peak, which rises above Red Rock Canyon, Old Topanga Canyon, and the bowl-shaped Cold Creek Canyon. From Calabasas Peak, there are striking views north into Ventura County, southwest to the Pacific Ocean, and northeast to the San Fernando and Simi Valleys. The route also passes a variety of interesting geological formations, including large weathered sandstone outcroppings and colorful rock slabs.

Our route and total distance can vary based on the group, available time, and weather conditions, but since the traditional fire road trek to Calabasas Peak is fairly short by Blazer standards, we can take advantage of the various alternative paths and rock formations in the area to add to our ascent and create an enjoyable afternoon hike.

Our hike begins with a moderate but steady uphill northeast trek and varies in steepness somewhat as we proceed. Early in the hike, there are beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Stunt Ranch State Park to our left and then Red Rock Canyon on our right as we reach the saddle where the Calabasas Peak and Red Rock Canyon trails meet. As we near Calabasas Peak, we will see spectacular tilted and pocketed sandstone formations set against the mountains. After completing our ascent, we return southwesterly on Calabasas Peak Trail until we reach the Stunt Road trailhead, again with the option of adding to our descent via spurs and rock hopping.

The route begins on a canyon floor but quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. 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 Calabasas Peak to grab a snack and enjoy the great view. On our way back, especially after sunset, we can enjoy the canyons 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!