Name: PM Blaze: La Jolla Canyon To Point Mugu! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)
Start: 2012-12-23T15:00:00-08:00
End: 2012-12-23T18:00:00-08:00
Location: La Jolla Canyon

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Hello Blazer!

This is a fast-paced conditioning hike for intermediate-level hikers and above. The PM Blazers are a fun but experienced and very fit hiking group...please carefully read the write-up below before signing up!

I'll be away for the holidays but am scheduling this hike so the regular PM Blazers can hike in my absence. Given the shorter days, plan is to hike directly from LaJolla Canyon to Point Mugu, and stop and return from there the same way, shortening the hike to about 7 miles.

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 on the trails,

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 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!

La Jolla Canyon/Point Mugu Loops

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Full or lollipop loop

Distance: 7-11 miles

Elevation gain: 1300-1700 feet

Terrain: Trail & fire road

Dogs allowed: No

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 7-11 miles roundtrip on one of several possible loops at the western end of the 60-mile Backbone Trail, which runs through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Will Rogers State Park in the east to Point Mugu in the west.

Our route will begin at the La Jolla Canyon trailhead and proceed northerly through the canyon for about a mile on the La Jolla Canyon Trail. Depending on the group’s interest and fitness level, we have the option of then turning westerly toward the great views on Point Mugu or continuing north to La Jolla Valley. If we head for Point Mugu, we normally will loop around to La Jolla Valley after summiting Mugu, but have the option of doing an out and back.

However we make our way to La Jolla Valley, we can return back through La Jolla Canyon or head east on the La Jolla Valley Trail to the Overlook Trail. If we go to the Overlook Trail, we will turn south on this trail and make our way above Sycamore Canyon for about 3 miles to the Ray Miller Trail, and then descend back to the La Jolla Canyon trailhead. As is well known, the Ray Miller Trail offers one of the finest descents in the Santa Monica Range, with stunning views of the Pacific at almost every turn.

The initial section of our hike is pretty sheltered, but the route gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin on the floor of La Jolla Canyon and reach exposed areas immediately above the Pacific, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at Mugu Peak, the top of Ray Miller Trail, and/or our halfway point, depending on our route, to grab a snack and enjoy the great views.

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:

There is free daytime parking on the north side of the Pacific Coast Highway, but watch for the no-parking area for the first 100 feet east of the entrance into La Jolla Canyon.

You can also drive into the trailhead and park there, if you have a state pass or feel like paying, but note that the gate to the canyon closes at dark. If you park on PCH, please mind the sometimes heavy traffic.

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Directions:

From the west – Take PCH east from Camarillo. La Jolla Canyon is about 4 miles east of Las Posas Road. Turn left when you reach the canyon and then park west of the entrance on PCH or in the canyon parking lot.

From all other directions – Take your favorite way to PCH and go west. La Jolla Canyon is about 21 miles west of Malibu Canyon Road and 9 miles west of Decker Canyon Road (Route 23). Park either before or after the canyon entrance on PCH (avoiding the no-parking area immediately east of the entrance) or in the canyon parking lot.

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: La Jolla Canyon To Point Mugu! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

La Jolla Canyon

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PM Blaze: La Jolla Canyon To Point Mugu! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

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