Malibu Creek State Park- a Gentler Hike

Time to get our gentler selves out to magnificent Malibu Creek State Park!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/5/5/0/event_92850032.jpegEven before Twentieth Century Fox bought 2000 acres there to film movies like Planet of the Apes, Roots, The Thornbirds, and How Green Was My Valley, MCSP played host to stars like Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, and Johnnie Weissmuller. Henry Fonda, Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, and even the King, Elvis Presley, also trod the paths the Blazer stars will strut.

MCSP features rolling grasslands, sturdy oaks and sycamores, a tranquil man-made lake, a rocky stream, volcanic rock cliffs looming over a canyon, and- believe it or not- redwood trees. It's no wonder that wealthy men from Los Angeles picked this location to build their get-away lodge (damming the stream and creating Century Lake to duck hunt and fish on), or that Ronald Reagan chose it for his ranch.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/2/4/4/event_92849252.jpegOur hike will take us off Mulholland Highway via the Grassland Trail, over to Crags Road (named after those wealthy fellows' country club), which will take us down to Century Lake. From there, we have two choices- loop around to the far side of the lake for a shady, woodsy walk to see those redwoods up close, or tack on an additional two miles with a jaunt out to the famous MASH site, where the iconic movie and TV show were filmed.we might even do both if we're feeling frisky.

Out and back to the MASH site puts us just over 6 miles total. Most of the trails we'll be on are flat(ish), but there will be a spot or two along the way with some elevation- 700' all together, but a pretty easy 700.'

This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails.Faster hikers are welcome to comealong, with the understanding that the hike is geared toward those who want to go at an easier pace.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/4/e/event_92850542.jpegDirections:

From the 101, exit Las Virgenes road south. Drive south along the road until the road intersects with Mulholland Highway (about 3.5 miles) and turn right. The trailhead will be about .2 miles in on the left; park on the shoulder on either side of the road.

From PCH (Highway 1), turn north on Malibu Canyon Road and follow the road about 6.3 miles north until you reach Mulholland Highway, then turn left. Follow the directions as above to the trailhead.

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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.