Name: Parker Mesa Overlook- a Gentler Hike
Start: 2012-11-01T10:00:00-07:00
End: 2012-11-01T13:00:00-07:00
Location: Trippet Ranch

A little longer, a little higher than our usual gentler hikes, but the pay-off is spectacular. This is a very popular moonlit hike, but we'll walk in the sun so we can see all of the spectacle- this will be one of the more scenic gentler hikes, and worth the effort.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/8/a/event_173336202.jpeg

Topanga State Park is 36 square miles of natural wonder ensconced within Los Angeles' city limits. Starting at Trippet Ranch, we'll ramble through a shady oak grove favored by mule deer and into stretches of grassland.

Beyond the ranch, the trail begins to rise along the ridgeline between Topanga and Santa Ynez Canyons. Giant slabs of sandstone mark the route to their former home beneath the Pacific Ocean.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/0/2/event_173336322.jpegWhen the rising is done, we'll rest on Parker Mesa Overlook, with the entire LA Basin stretched below us, the majestic San Gabriel Mountains to our north, Catalina Island to the south, and the sweeping crescent of the Santa Monica coastline to the east.

This is a 6 mile out and back hike, with 800' feet of elevation gain. Much of the hike is exposed, so wear a hat and sunscreen. Traffic on Topanga Canyon Blvd can make the drive longer than you expect, so give yourself enough time. Free parking outside the park is limited, so carpool if you can.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/8/4/event_173336452.jpegPace: 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:

From the 101, exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard (the 27), drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road (not Entrado!) and turn left. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile)

From the Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of "town," then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile).

Parking is $10.00 (exact change) in Park. There is some street parking (free) outside of the park on the 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.

Michael

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Parker Mesa Overlook- a Gentler Hike

Trippet Ranch

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Parker Mesa Overlook- a Gentler Hike

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