Hummingbird - Rocky Peak - Chumash Loop

Join us for a the grand loop around 5,000-acre Rocky Peak Park. RPP in the Santa Susana Mountains straddles the Los Angeles-Ventura county line at the eastern end of Simi Valley. A network of hiking trails weaves through the park that is home to deep oak-lined canyons, trickling streams, and massive, sculpted sandstone formations with a moonscape appearance.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/9/1/c/event_177802812.jpegThe Hummingbird Trail, at the base of Rocky Peak, crosses Hummingbird Creek and climbs up a narrow canyon through open chaparral to the Rocky Peak Fire Road, passing stacks of giant sandstone boulders, sculpted caves, and dramatic rock outcroppings. The observant hiker will take note of a defunct rock dam from 1917.

The Chumash Trail ascends the west flank of Rocky Peak. The trail winds up the chaparral cloaked mountainside to the ridge north of Rocky Peak, passing sculpted sandstone outcroppings, caves, fossils, fault lines and a series of scenic overlooks and highland meadows. From Hamilton Saddle and the Rocky Peak Trail junction are panoramic views of the Simi Hills, Simi Valley, San Fernando Valley, the Santa Susana Mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains, Blind Canyon, and Las Llajas Canyon.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/4/e/event_177801582.jpegRocky Peak gets its name from the many large craggy boulders that dot its surface. At 2,715 feet Rocky Peak is the third-highest point in the Santa Susana Mountains, and overlooks the San Fernando Valley and Chatsworth, the Simi Hills, and the Simi Valley in Southern California.

The peak sits on the Los Angeles County–Ventura County line and marks the point where the county line changes direction from true North to a more North-Westerly direction. A large railroad spike driven into the rocks mark this exact spot on the county line.

Hike is about 8.5 miles with almost 1,500 feet net elevation gain. Bring plenty of water and snacks

Directions to trailhead:

Take the 118 Freeway (west from SFV/east from Moorpark) and exit at KUEHNER. Turn North at the end of the off ramp. Park in gravel lot on right.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.