Name: PM Blaze: Stunt Road To Saddle Peak!
Start: 2012-05-24T17:30:00-07:00
End: 2012-05-24T20:30:00-07:00
Location: Stunt High Trailhead

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Hello Blazer!

Second of two hikes this week from the popular Stunt Road trailhead...this time southwestward to Saddle Peak via the steadily ascending and decidedly athletic Stunt High Trail. Combined with Tuesday's southeastward hike to Topanga Ridge, we will have made a nearly complete loop around the valley below and enjoyed great Pacific views both days.

Come have fun and hang with the fit & fabulous PM Blazers. This is a fairly long and reasonably demanding intermediate-level conditioning hike, featuring a generous four-mile ascent to Saddle Peak and the big views high above the Pacific waiting for us there. We return as we came, for a total distance of just over eight miles. Headlamps are a must!

Please note that the guest feature is not activated for this meetup. On all my hikes, I expect everyone coming to have signed up themselves, read the write-up, and arrive informed and prepared.

Hope to see you there,

Mark

Time for the next meet-up of the fit and fabulous PM Blazers!

Our afternoon PM Blazes are conditioning hikes intended for people hiking, or wishing to hike, at an intermediate level or above, and seeking time outdoors with fun and friendly people sharing similar interests and fitness goals.

Our hike format emphasizes easy-to-access and scenic 5-8 mile conditioning routes with intermediate-level elevation gains, a total hiking time of 2-3 hours at a moderate to fast pace, periodic rest and sightseeing stops, and optional technique discussions and conditioning exercises (based on individual and group interest).

We schedule our PM Blazes as late in the day as the season allows, minimizing hiking in the dark while encouraging people with a variety of work and home schedules to get great conditioning hikes in during the week and tune-up for weekend adventures.

Here is info on our scheduled hike…hope to see you there!

Saddle Peak via Stunt High Trail

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Out & back

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation gain: 1600 feet

Terrain: Canyon & ridge trail

Dogs allowed: Yes

Route summary:

This fairly athletic hike will take us about 8 miles roundtrip on winding trails to dramatic rocky overlook with striking views of the Pacific, Stunt Ranch State Park, Calabasas Peak, and Old Topanga and Cold Creek Canyons. There are also longer vistas northwest into Ventura County and east to the San Fernando Valley. The route passes through riparian forest, open fields, and interesting sandstone formations.

Our total distance can vary based on the group, available time, and weather conditions, but aims to over a fairly steady incline that leads to a high panorama above the surrounding canyons and hills. Though the hike is only a moderate distance, it involves significant elevation gain, meandering and rocky trails, and some light (Class I) rock-hopping. Overall, this route is reasonably strenuous but quite beautiful and offers a terrific payoff at and nearing its high point.

Our hike begins on the Stunt High Trail, a winding single-file track that provides a varying but moderate uphill ascent in a southwesterly direction for about 2.5 miles. Early in the hike, there are beautiful wooded areas and a small stream, and then increasing views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Stunt Ranch State Park as we ascend. We eventually reach the Backbone Trail and soon begin an easterly ridgeline walk high above the Pacific. This route will take us along and above spectacular tilted and pocketed sandstone formations, with dramatic views of the mountains and ocean as we proceed. After completing our ascent, we return west on the Backbone Trail until we again reach the Stunt High Trail and then descend northeasterly to the Stunt Road trailhead.

The route begins on a canyon floor but ascends to and proceeds along open ridgeline. 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 Saddle Peak to grab a snack and enjoy the great view. On our way back, especially after sunset, we can enjoy the mountains in the gathering twilight.

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.

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

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

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PM Blaze: Stunt Road To Saddle Peak!

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