Sunset Hills Trail with a View of Bard Reservoir – A Gentler Hike

On March 24th, 14 of our fellow Trailblazers helped blaze a new trail on the Hill Canyon side of Wildwood Park. Although that trail is not yet ready for primetime hiking, this week we will revisit another recently built trail that was constructed last October during the 21st Annual Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) Trail Work Day. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/c/e/c/event_105640172.jpeg

That new trail is about 1.5 miles long. It's toward the beginning of our hike and should be well worked in after 6 months of use. Our hike will be a reverse lollipop, with the loop at the beginning, over the new trail, then an out and back portion of about 2 miles each way.
After the initial climb up that new portion, we'll continue to the Bard Reservoir Overlook, then on the old trail, around one side of the reservoir and hiking around one of the neighborhoods in Sunset hills.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/2/0/event_105639712.jpegThe entire hike will be about 6 miles, with an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. There is one fairly steep hill in the middle, but you can take it at your own pace. There is also some single track along the way that is bounded closely by foxtails after the recent rains, so dress accordingly with long pants or gaiters.

Pace: 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.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/f/a/event_105640442.jpegDirections:

From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, turn north on the 23 towards Simi Valley. After 4.1 miles, take the Sunset Hills exit and turn right. Turn left onto Erbes Rd, the first cross street, then drive 0.7 miles and turn into the parking area on the right. If you pass under the 23 freeway, you've gone too far.

From the north, take the 118 to the 23 south, exit at Sunset Hills and turn left. Turn left onto Erbes Rd, the first cross street, then drive 0.7 miles and turn into the parking area on the right. If you pass under the 23 freeway, you've gone too far.

The trailhead is on the east side of Erbes Road, between Sunset Hills Blvd and Olsen 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.

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