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Easy Intermediate, 3 miles, 600' gain
Easier Option: 2.4 mi, 530' gain. (5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065, or 89 La Paz Ct, Simi Valley, CA 93065 to save another 500' distance).

We'll meet in the parking lot at the northeast corner of Madera and Royal, just south of the Donut Delite, on the east side of the Clinicas office. We'll walk from there to the trailhead at 2 Washburn St. where it meets Los Amigos Ave.

The Hike
Easy end of the Intermediate Spectrum, due to the 1 mile continuous incline that can get exhausting. A fit beginner can easily complete it.

We cross Madera and continue through the neighborhood for about 1500', to the intersection of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave. Then we enter a path behind the houses and proceed for 250' to the entrance. So far, there will have been very little elevation gain.

For those that want a little easier option start at this address: 1366 Los Amigos Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Join the group as we pass.

We'll enter a series of switchbacks (zig-zag trail) for 1.2 miles to a large cross at the top. This is a steady climb across the face of the hill, always in full view of the neighborhood below. Beginners may find this climb difficult to continue at a fast pace. There is nothing wrong with slowing down while faster hikers move ahead, or resting for a minute several times during this climb.

It may seem easy to get lost because there are many different cross-paths up the face of this hill, but they all lead to the same place. Generally, whenever there is a choice of "left or right", we take the easier and more worn path. If you happen to find yourself alone and take a wrong turn (aka steep cut), all paths lead up.

At the top by the cross or one of the nearby benches, we'll enjoy the gorgeous 360 degree views and share beverages and/or snacks.

Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:

Black Sage
Multiple brown buttons going up the top of the stalk, that may have white flowers. Green leaves. Purple or white flowers that are dark brown as they dry on the plant. Squish the leaves and smell.

A rare and sought after Black sage honey is also made from the honey of bees that pollinate the Black sage plant. Black sage is utilized in the culinary world as an aromatic and flavorful herb. It can be used in recipes wherever traditional sage is called for, however keep in mind that foraged Black sage has a much stronger flavor than that of traditional store bought sage.

Its flavor goes well with winter squashes, brown butter, poultry, venison, pears, cheese, potatoes and other herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Use fresh in a variety of different preparations or leaves. Can be dried and stored for future use as a dried herb. Black sage was used traditionally by Native Americans known as the Chumash people to form an herbal soak for the bath to be used in the treatment of bodily pain, specifically for the feet and lower legs.

Purple Sage
Grey-green leaves. Aromatic when crushed. Purple flowers. Aka, Tobacco Sage, with mild hallucinogenic properties when smoked. Can be used as a spice or made into a tea. Tea has medicinal affects: Antiviral, gargle for sore throats, reduce hay fever symptoms and other drying actions.

Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 700'
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes - at nearby places of business
Drinking Fountains: Yes - at nearby places of business
Parking: Free
Trail: Mostly single-track, excellent condition
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.

What to Bring
1-2 liters of water.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.

Directions
For those doing the regular route:
1424 Madera Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065

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4.6 miles, 1000' gain, Easy Intermediate
Easier Option - 2.7 miles, 320' gain

Many have gotten lost relying on GPS. This is the Wendy Trailhead, where S. Wendy Dr. ends at Potrero Rd.

Heading out, we cross a creek, turn right at the split, then Turn right at the dead end. We regroup at the visitor center, where there will be bathrooms.

We cross the wooden bridge and go left at the asphalt path.

After 1/3 mile, those that want the easier path turn left, go 0.4 miles and turn right at the dead end. After 500', wait at the bench for the rest of the group (45 - 60 min).

The rest will continue down for 3/4 mile. There will be a porta-potty and picnic table. We'll regroup, then turn right and go about 1.3 miles and another 435' of gain before turning left and heading up about 1/2 mile.

At the top, we'll turn left for 500' and arrive at a bench and overlook. We'll share snacks and beverages for 30-60 minutes, then head down 500', turn right at the junction, and return to our cars.

If you wish to return before the social event completes, study the map so you can find your way back.

The Route
Hike Distance: 4.6 mi / 2.7 mi
Gain: 1000' / 320'
Distribution: Most of the incline is concentrated in the middle of this hike.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate / Fit beginner
Shape: Lollipop.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: We pass a "no dogs" sign.
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp. Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share

Hosting Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social. We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike.

Stops: The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually an arrow made of baking soda or sticks.

Group separation: Hikers moving significantly ahead or not waiting at designated stopping points are on their own regarding route and navigation.

Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you will see on this hike:

Heartleaf Penstemon
Leaves are shiny and saw toothed, shaped like hearts, 2 to 6 centimeters long and arranged oppositely on the branches. Stems are red. Small scarlet red tubular flowers.

Yucca
White flowers on stalk. Stalk is often missing, leaving only the spires from which it grows. Stalks are very strong and light, so they make good walking sticks. Needles on end of spires. Chopped up root can be uses as shampoo. Roasted root can be eaten like a potato. Illegal to remove live stick in CA. Pronounced with short u. Dried leaves make good tinder.

Root can be chopped up and used as soap. To eat root, remove skin and core, boil 15 minutes. Then fry or bake. Flowers are mildly sweet. The fruit is also edible, but bitter if not ripe. To access fibers: Soak for a month in water, lightly pound leaves with rock or club, or scrape skin off skin. Roll between hands, then pull and separate fibers. Weave into cordage.

Directions:
Wendy Trail Head
4128 Potrero Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.154507, -118.950095

From CA-118:
CA-118 west for 8 miles.
CA-23 south for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 2 miles.
Exit 45 Lynn Rd. and south/west for 2.5 miles.
Left on S. Wendy Dr. for 0.6 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

From US-101 north/west of Wendy:
US-101 south, exit Wendy Dr.
South on Wendy Dr. for 3 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

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Concert starts at 6:30p.
About the Band

Free parking available on-site. Overflow parking is on the softball fields, off Thompson.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on the perimeters but not in the main event area.

Alcohol is permitted.

Look for the location of members posted in the comments close to event time.

Link to RSRPD Summer Concert Series

Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Ave.
Simi Valley, CA

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