An Evening on Mt McCoy

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/7/6/event_83740822.jpeg
Mt. McCoy is a great example of how one doesn’t need to travel hours into the wilderness for a hike.

This moderate climb is perfect for residents of the Simi Valley area, and even those who travel from the San Fernando Valley or Ventura will find it a worthwhile trip.

Not long after starting out, the trail starts making its switchbacks up the hill. After just over a mile, it reaches a dirt road. Here, we head right and gather near the top before continuing on for another mile to the Reagan Library. After a short stop there, we return to the summit of Mt McCoy for our photo op (last week's group is pictured sans photographer and the 2 dogs who were with us).

From the top, you get nice 360 degree views of Simi Valley, Moorpark and the other surrounding cities.

This is a moderate 4.1 miles total out & back with a 600' elevation gain making a great EOD workout. The hike usually lasts for 2 hours.

There is a nice description of the trail, as well as the interesting history of the huge concrete cross at the top here: http://www.simitrailblazers.com/hikes/mtmccoy.html

p.s. There has been sufficient interest to keep this hike going weekly with some returning hikers and some new ones each week.

DIRECTIONS:

Go west on Royal Ave at the intersection with Madera Road in Simi Valley. You immediately get to a T-intersection where you turn right onto Acapulco, then an immediate left onto Washburn. Take it to where Washburn turns 90 degrees to the right and becomes Los Amigos. There is street parking right there at the trailhead.

Bring a flashlight!!!!! Rain cancels.