PM Blaze: Hondo Canyon To Saddle Peak (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/6/2/event_22663618.jpeg

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!

With the longer days, our plan is to go to Saddle Peak Road on this athletic and steadily ascending route, and then back the same way, making for a hike of about 8.5 miles and 2200 feet of gain.

Please also 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!

PM Blaze: Saddle Peak Via Hondo Canyon

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Up & back

Distance: 8-11 miles

Elevation gain: 2000-2500 feet

Terrain: Trail & fire road

Dogs allowed: No

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 8-11 miles roundtrip on a beautiful and less traveled part 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 forested Hondo Canyon trailhead on Old Topanga Road and proceeds westerly roughly 4 miles and 2000 feet up to a trail junction and overlook with great Pacific views. The terrain is a single-file trail with many switchbacks, making for a steady but manageable Intermediate-level ascent.

Depending on the group and available time, we can add one of three options: 1) a 0.3 mile leg over to Saddle Peak Road and the great south and north views there, 2) a 1 mile hike to the always-popular Topanga Lookout and its great 360 degree views, and 3) a 1.5 mile and more uphill hike to the top of Saddle Peak and its great views. Depending on the option we choose, these additional sections will add 200-500 feet of elevation gain.

The initial section of our hike is wooded and shaded, but the route gradually gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin on the floor of Hondo Canyon 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 the halfway point of our hike 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 off-street parking along Old Topanga Road east and west of the trailhead. Once you park, please mind the traffic while walking to the trailhead.

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

Directions:

From the 101 – Exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and drive south about eight miles to Old Topanga Road. Go right at Old Topanga Road and drive about a half-mile to the trailhead.

From PCH - Take Topanga Canyon Boulevard and drive north about four miles to Old Topanga Road. Go left at Old Topanga Road and drive about a half-mile to the trailhead.

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!