Name: PM Blaze: Puerco Canyon To BBT! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)
Start: 2012-12-30T15:00:00-08:00
End: 2012-12-30T18:00:00-08:00
Location: Puerco Canyon Trailhead

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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 to the Backbone Trail junction only, and stop and return from there the same way, shortening this challenging hike to about 6 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!

Puerco Canyon to Mesa Peak

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Up & back

Distance: 6-8 miles

Elevation gain: 2000-2500 feet

Terrain: Fire road

Dogs allowed: No

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 6-8 miles roundtrip up to one of the most beautiful sections 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.

The route begins at the gate on Puerco Canyon Road, just off PCH, and proceeds northerly roughly 2.5 miles and 2000 feet up to a long ridgeline trail that leads to Mesa Peak, with spectacular Pacific views. The terrain is open fire road. Depending on the group and available time, we normally add an additional 2 miles of traverse and sight-seeing along the Backbone Trail after reaching Mesa Peak, which adds roughly 500 feet of elevation gain.

The route begins near the ocean but quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin a short distance from the beach and reach exposed areas 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 Mesa Peak, or at the endpoint of our optional traverse, to grab a snack and enjoy the great view.

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 parking on Puerco Canyon Road.

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

Directions:

From the 101 - Exit Las Virgenes Road and head south toward the ocean. Go approximately 10 miles to PCH. Go right at PCH, drive 1.2 miles, and then turn right onto Puerco Canyon Road.

From PCH - Go to Puerco Canyon Road, which is located on PCH, 1.2 miles west of Malibu Canyon 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: Puerco Canyon To BBT! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

Puerco Canyon Trailhead

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The Weekday Trailblazers

PM Blaze: Puerco Canyon To BBT! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

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