AM Blaze: Calabasas Peak Copy Cat Anniversary Hike

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/c/a/event_98259882.jpeg One year ago today, I put together the courage to sign up and show up for one of Mark's Pm Blaze hikes. Now, over 100+ hikes later, The Weekday Triailblazers Have become a main avenue of health and fitness in my daily life. I absolutely love the outdoor experience that hiking does for the heart and soul!, so Please join me for a quick morning workout that once took a lung from me 35 pounds ago:-)....

This Mornings format emphasizes an easy-to-access and scenic 5-8 mile conditioning route with moderate elevation gains, a total hiking time of 2-3 hours at a moderate pace, periodic rest and sightseeing stops.

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 morning 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 before heading back to the trailhead.

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.

** Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

** Dogs are allowed on this hike.