Saddle up for some Stunt hikin'

When is an out and back more like an up and down? When the Trailblazers tackle Saddle Peak, of course.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/0/c/event_73150252.jpegSaddle Peak gives some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles Basin we can find in one spot, and getting there is half the fun. We start at an amble, through shady oaks and chaparral that watch over a cool stream. Once the warm up is over, the work begins, with a 1750' ascent via meandering single track trails. Sandstone guardians mark the summit and coax us along to the very rewarding view that awaits. After soaking in the scenery, we'll put it in reverse and let gravity do the work on the way down.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/7/0/event_73150352.jpeg

Total mileage is right around 7 miles, or, in Thanksgiving terms, a drumstick, mashed potatoes (with gravy), extra cranberry sauce, and a thick slab of pumpkin pie.

Directions:

From Thousand Oaks: Take the 101 Freeway, exit on Las Virgenes Road and head south for 3 miles. Turn left on Mulholland Highway. Travel about 4 miles and turn right on Stunt Road. Continue up Stunt Road for 1 mile to the Calabasas Peak Motorway (on the left). There is plenty of parking on the right side of the road.

From the Valley & West LA: Take the 101 Freeway, exit Valley Circle/Mulhollahttp://img1.meetupstatic.com/img/clear.gifnd Drive and go south on Mulholland for ½ mile, turn right on to Valmar Road which becomes Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Take a right on Mulholland Hwy and continue for about 3 miles and turn left onto Stunt Road. Continue up Stunt Road for 1 mile to the Calabasas Peak Motorway (on the left). There is plenty of parking on the right side of the road.