About us
This meetup is all about social interaction, mostly through hiking. We think mental health is just as important as physical health, and that makes us different from other hiking groups. If you are interested in hiking, making friends, having fun, and exploring the greater Los Angeles area, then this group is for you. Hiking, PLUS other stuff!
Please find a list of frequently asked questions under the "Pages" tab of the desktop display, or by clicking "here".
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Upcoming events
9
Mt. McCoy
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc - Madera, 1424 Madera Road, Simi Valley, CA, USEasy Intermediate, 3 miles, 600' gain
Easier Option: 2.4 mi, 530' gain. 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065We'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 1/4 mi, to the intersection of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave. This is also the starting point for the easier option.
We enter a path behind the houses and proceed for 250' to the entrance. So far, there will have been very little elevation gain.
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 93065For those doing the easier option:
Park on the street near 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability11 attendees
Sagebrush Cantina: Hindsite
Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA, USMany from this group, plus other friends, will attend this event at Sagebrush Cantina. The band playing (Hindsite) puts on a fantastic show, playing dance, pop, r&b/funk, and hip hop music from the 70's up to the latest hits.
This is one of the best venues I've experienced on LA's west side, and this is one of the best bands I've seen at this venue. Come see a Hollywood quality show for free. Hindsite will have you dancing all night!
We'll be seated either in the outdoor area, or indoors, depending on the weather. Seating is often tough here, so even if we don't all sit together, we'll be seeing one another on the dance floor!
The band starts at 8p, but get there an hour earlier and maybe you'll get a seat with the group.
Sagebrush Cantina
23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-6062Events Calendar (Sagebrush Cantina)
Events Calendar (Hindsite)60 attendees
Labor Day - Picnic and Concert - 90s Rock Show
Conejo Community Park (Hendrix), 1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA, USPicnic and Concert, Jim's Birthday
Many of us from this group will attend this event. We'll start picnicking a few hours before the concert.Bring food and drinks to share.
If your item requires utensils, please supply them.We do need tables. If you can bring one, please post this in the comments.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs. A variety of gourmet Food Trucks and Dessert Trucks will be on-site and available for purchase.
Please bring something to put on, as it often gets cooler in the evening.
Picnic starts at 2p, Concert starts at 5p.
90s Rock Show
Band LinkPark on the surrounding streets. Drop your stuff off at the park if you don't want to carry it.
No pets please.
Look for our exact location at the concert venue, posted in the comments close to event time.
Link to Conejo Recreation and Park District
Conejo Community Park
1175 Hendrix Avenue
Thousand Oaks, CA 9136050 attendees
Avocado Festival - Carpinteria
5050 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA, USLet's take the train --- From Simi to Carp!
40th Annual California Avocado FestivalThis event is always such a fun time. Look at photos from past events (links here in this description).
If you are taking the train, purchase tickets using the app or a computer, BEFORE arriving at the station.
Saturday - October 3, 2026
FESTIVAL ENTRANCE IS FREE!Prior events to the festival:
October 2021
October 2022
October 2024
October 2025Train Schedule, $20 each way:
Simi Valley 10:11a Carpentaria 11:27aReturn Train Options
Carpentaria 1:05p Simi Valley 2:29p
Carpentaria 3:19p Simi Valley 4:40p
Carpentaria 4:57p Simi Valley 6:22p
Carpentaria 7:16p Simi Valley 8:40pTrain Trips
There are no machines to buy Amtrak tickets at the station and they cannot be purchased onboard. If you try to use their website from your phone, it isn’t optimized for phones and you may end up having some obscured buttons. Download the app.Sign up for guest rewards before you purchase your ticket. Otherwise, if for any reason you don’t receive their e-ticket, you won’t have a number for recalling your purchase and you’ll have to call their customer service number to get it resent.
Meet near the tracks in Simi Valley starting around 9:20 AM.
The first photo attached represents out "approximate" path:
Link to RouteWe'll start with a hike (an easy walk, no hiking shoes or poles needed) to Carpinteria Bluffs & Beach with its tide pools & tar pits, then trip around (and back & forth between) Islands Brewery, the Avocado Festival, Rincon Brewery & Giovani's Pizza, other great restaurants, etc. We'll let AMTRAK take us back to Simi Valley at the end of the day!
ALTERNATIVELY: Drive yourself and meet at the Carpinteria station around 11:27a, or look for your hiking friends on the beach-front trails, along Linden Ave, and nearby breweries.
AND: You may be able to book passage from other start locations, e.g. Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Ventura, etc...
Festival Link
The festival runs from 10a - 10p on this day.Please comment when you have purchased your train tickets!
11 attendees
Past events
1185
Group links
Members
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