Moonlight Hike - Rancho Sierra Vista, Newbury Park - Dos Vientos Ranch Park

Join us for a 2-hour, 4-mile moonlit night hike around the beautiful Rancho Sierra Vista park and glory in the dark skies of Newbury Park. The event starts and ends at a developed city park with picnic tables perfect for apres-hike lingering.

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The hike is all at night, so be prepared for cold and hiking in the dark. We will follow paved roads and trails in the flat and open portions of the park that are easy and safe. Both dirt trails and pavement are wide and ideal for walking side-by-side.

If you're into astronomy or astrology, bring knowledge that you're prepared to share. Bring snacks for the mid-hike break and trail's-end socializing. Also bring snack food and/or drink (non-alcohol) to share, sample, and surprise, if so inspired. The start and end are at a great city park with tables and convenient parking so it's possible to leave stuff in your car until you need it at the end. For last-minute munchie grabbing, there's Fresh and Easy on Wendy and Old Conejo, and also a Trader Joe's at Reino and Borchard, which are both on the way (hint, hint).

We park our cars and meet at Dos Vientos Ranch Park, then cross Lynn and enter Rancho Sierra Vista. We follow the paved road (closed at the entrance after dark) to the canyon overlook and then dirt trails that loop through the meadow area back to the road, and then back to the park, for a total distance of about 4 miles.

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This event is meant for moderate and slow hikers or fast hikers who can control themselves. Elevation gain is maybe 100 feet. The area is urban wilderness borderland that lends itself to easy access and charming views of Christmas lights in the distance. Be cautious of numerous gopher holes along the trail that are hazardous to the unwary. The truly motion challenged need be careful of the numerous street curbs and sidewalk cracks that are present in the suburban portion of the journey. The socially challenged may be intimidated by the frequent opportunities to talk to pleasant strangers. Rain cancels.

Directions: Find Lynn Rd. in Newbury Park in the extreme western part of Thousand Oaks. Take Lynn west until one block past the main entrance of Rancho Sierra Vista (Via Golita), then turn north on Via Andrea (opposite the stables). Park on the street just past the corner of Lynn and Via Andrea and meet at the entrance to Dos Vientos Ranch Park.

DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

The organizers, leaders, hosts and volunteers of Newbury Park Adventure Association (NPAS) events take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for injuries or accidents. The organizers, leaders and hosts are volunteers and do not represent themselves to have any particular leadership or safety qualifications. Treat NPAS events as outings with a group of friends. Though safety is a priority, adventure activities are inherently dangerous.

By participating in NPAS events, you agree:

To take responsibility for your own safety and well-being. To KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES. To HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Newbury Park Adventure Association, its organizers, officers, employees, participants, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. That all participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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