Chumash Caves & Ahmanson Ranch Gone Wild

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I have two versions of this hike in mind: Hike #1 is adventurous and Hike #2 is very adventurous. Both will take us inside The Cave of the Munits.

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According to Chumash oral history, this cave was the home of a very powerful shaman who eventually met his end after murdering the son of a politically important chief.

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Bring a flashlight for the caves

Hike #1 includes an in-and-out exploration of the cave, exiting the cave the same way we go in. Hike #2, for those that are so inclined can exit the cave on a different side and hike over a steep spiny ridge to the back of Castle Peak.

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I will be on Hike #1. If there are people who want to do Hike #2, #1 group will meet you at the top of the ridge. I have a "secret trail" that will take us there -- its a little longer than going through the caves, and not maintained. (more about this trail later). We will all head over to Castle peak. From there we will take another "secret trail" down to Bell Creek and hike down the creek back to the neighborhood near trailhead

If no one wants to do Hike #2, we'll all do a version of my Ahmanson Gone Wild Hike after exiting the caves

Here are a couple links to past cave hikes

January 2009 - https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=523433

January 2011 - https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=1216414

Hike will be about 4-9 miles depending on which versions we end up doing, and weather. No version is appropriate for beginners.

Directions:

Go to the west end of Vanowen St and park on street

From the 101 freeway exit Valley Circle Boulevard. Head north to Vanowen St. Turn left.

From the 118, exit Topanga Canyon, go south, turn right on Vanowen