Feel the Peace, Love, and Joy at Rancho Sierra Vista – A Gentler Hike

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This is an out and back hike that wanders through grasslands and chapparal from the Wendy trailhead, then climbs up Boney Mountain Trail for some fantastic views north to Port Hueneme and Oxnard and west toward the Pacific Ocean. We’ll pass close by the Satwiwa Nature Center. If it’s a clear day we’ll easily be able to Santa Cruz Island as well as the Los Padres Mountain range.

At the upper end we’ll visit the remnants of an old cabin and the Danielson Monument. The monument is dedicated to Richard Danielson, the person who donated much of the land for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNMRA). The hike will start in SMNMRA and pass into Point Mugu State Park. It’s mostly single track and fire road, with one water crossing (at which there is currently no water, so it is safe for Lydia!).

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This hike is a little longer than most of our gentler hikes at slightly more than 6 miles and about 1200 of elevation gain, but the views are worth the effort. Brink plenty of water and a snack, as there is a place to sit for a few minutes at the monument.http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/f/7/a/event_98343962.jpeg

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 come along, with the understanding that the hike is geared toward those who want to go at an easier pace.

DIRECTIONS:

Take Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks. Exit at Wendy Drive. Go south (towards the ocean) on Wendy all the way until it dead ends at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. There is ample free parking on the dirt along the road. No restrooms.

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.