Hiking Plus

Fit Beginner - 6 miles, 600' gain

This is a social hike and an out-and-back event.

There is a potluck at the M.A.S.H. site before we turn around for the return. If your item requires paper plates, utensils, etc. please bring them.

Pot Luck guidelines: https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772

We will meet at the Grasslands trail head off of Mulholland Hwy and take the Grasslands Trail with a gentle climb and connect to the High Road (~3/4 miles). We'll take a right and follow the High Road another 3/4 miles then take a right at Crag Road up a short 1/3 mile climb (170' gain). At the top of the hill, we'll take a left turn down the short bypass trail to Century Lake.

From Century Lake, the trail is level all the way to the M.A.S.H. site. From the lake we'll continue on Crag Road and at a 1/2 mile we'll cross over Malibu Creek. The bridge over the creek is washed out, so we'll have cross over some fallen branches and rocks just beyond the bridge (I'm not sure of the water level or conditions of the creek, so there is a chance you may get wet). Another 3/4 miles on Crag Road we'll reach our destination and have our potluck.

Hike
Distance: 6.0 miles
Gain: 600'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Fit Beginner.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Trail Variations: Mostly fire road. May have to cross a creek where the bridge has washed out, stepping on rocks and fallen branches.
Duration: 4 hours
Dogs: no
Restrooms: no
Drinking Fountains: no
Parking: Free along street.

What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).

Hosting

Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted.

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. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps. See "How hard is this hike" in the discussion section (LINK (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781)).

Release of Liability: https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/

5.7 Miles, 1000' gain, Intermediate.

The starting point is NOT at the golf course entrance. It is at a dirt lot that can hold at least 50 cars. There is some real incline on this hike and a lot less trails coated with silt compared to the easier Happy Camp hike.

Even though I have rated this "intermediate", there are no steep sections. The 2nd quarter is an continuous fire road incline that can get exhausting.

We start with about 1.25 miles of relatively flat and slightly downhill double-tracker. Then we start up a fire road for 1.5 miles with a continuous incline of 700'. This section can be exhausting, so I've rated the hike on the easy end of the Intermediate spectrum.

A strong and motivated beginner can do this hike, but they will be challenged and slow during this segment. That's OK, because this is not a conditioning hike, it is a social hike. We'll be stopping at various points to regroup, and there is nothing wrong with taking many small stops along this section to catch your breath.

After having done two segments, we'll reach a steel hitching post and clearing, where we'll have a social event lasting about an hour. We'll be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. During the day, you can easily see the ocean and Channel Islands. Finally, we'll head back the way we came.

Interesting Notes.
These are plants you will likely see on this hike.

White Sage

It is very aromatic and is the plant burned in "smudging" to ward off evil spirits and perform other purification.

Along the second half of the outbound section, both sides of the trail have patches of White Sage.

Black Mustard

Flowers, leaves (mustard greens), and roots are edible. Can be used as a spice. Grind seeds and mix with water and vinegar to make prepared mustard.

Directions:

Happy Camp Rustic Canyon
13650 Broadway Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Coordinates of trailhead:[masked], [masked]

From CA-118:
West on CA-118, exit 19a Princeton Ave.
Left on Princeton for 1.4 mile until dead end.
Right on Spring Rd. for 1.3 miles.
Right on CA-23N/Walnut Canyon Rd. for 0.9 miles.
Becomes Happy Camp Rd. for 236'.
Right on Broadway Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Parking lot in Northeast corner of intersection.

From CA-23 and US-101:
North on CA-23.
CA-118 east for 0.6 miles.
Exit 19a, Princeton Ave.
Right on Princeton for 1.4 mile until dead end.
Right on Spring Rd. for 1.3 miles.
Right on CA-23N/Walnut Canyon Rd. for 0.9 miles.
Becomes Happy Camp Rd. for 236'.
Right on Broadway Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Parking lot in Northeast corner of intersection.

The Hike:
Distance: 5.7 miles, 3.75 hours
Elevation Gain: 1000'
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: No
Restrooms: Yes.
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free in the dirt lot at the trailhead

Trail: Double Track and Fire Road, with some sand.

Hosting

Route: The host knows the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.

This description includes a picture of the route. Those that wish to return immediately instead of hanging around during the snack and beverage share, should memorize the below route so they can safely return on their own.

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 ( https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772 ) at the half way point.

Group separation:
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.

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.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.

Release of Liability: https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/

4 miles, gain: 500', beginner.

This is a beginner hike on the beautiful Limekiln trail. The hike starts at the trail head near the Tampa exit on I-118, just 3 miles east of the Topanga Canyon exit.

This hike is a slight lollipop (from the shape of the route). There are no extended inclines, however there are about 5 bumps in the trail with 25-40' gains, about 35-65 steps each. This is something a beginner would be able to handle, but these bumps will get the blood pumping, as they are like climbing up to 4 flights of stairs. There is nothing wrong with pausing for a breather while tackling these bumps in the trail.

The trail varies between asphalt, gravel fire road, single tracker, tree covered, hilly, roadside, wooded, open air, and strolls through the park. We'll enter Limekiln Canyon, where we'll first encounter a heavily wooded park with large pine trees lining the trail and blocking out the sun. We'll continue for about 2 miles. We'll reach Sesnon Blvd., and then travel about 20 yards west and taking a different trail back into the Canyon.

After several hundred yards, we'll return to the original trail for the return. Soon, we'll take a slightly different route by making a right off the trail, but it still returns back to the original trail after a short distance.

Just before we complete the last 3/4 mile, we'll turn right instead of left. After about 100 years, we'll find a great spot with a giant fallen tree trunk to have a social event (snack and beverage share - https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).

After about 30-60 minutes, we'll continue the last 3/4 mile back to our cars. Those that don't want to stick around are welcome to head back to their cars by any route they choose, but I'll take a few splits to the right and cover some different trails, each that returns back to the original trail after several hundred yards.

There will be a couple creek crossings on the return, where one will use a few stepping stones to avoid getting wet. In general, it won't matter if you choose incorrectly from this point because all the splits end up going the same way.

Interesting Notes:

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

California Buckwheat

When the white flowers turn a rusty brown, they can be crushed into a powder, mixed with water, and baked into bread. The black seeds in the flower heads are also edible. Don't touch the white flowers if bees are around because they won't like it and may attack. A cold tea made from the leaves has been used to treat stomachaches and headaches. A warm tea made from the roots has been used to treat colds. The stems are stiff and flexible, so they have been used by Indians as piercing utensils.

Laurel Sumac

Red stems and outline along leaves. The dried flower bunches look like small trees, and are used by model railroad builders as such, after being dyed green. Laurel sumac is sensitive to cold and does not tolerate freezing conditions. Orange growers in the early history of southern California used to pick places to plant their oranges based on where laurel sumac was growing because this indicated it would not get too cold for oranges if laurel sumac could grow there. For some, the sap will irritate their skin just like poison oak, causing blisters. Also called "Taco Plant".

Directions:

Limekiln Canyon Trail
Porter Ranch, CA 91326

From the 118

Exit Tampa Ave (3 miles east of the Topanga Canyon exit) and head north for 1000'.
Left (west) on Rinaldi St. for 1000'.
Trailhead on the right (north).
Park on either side of the street.

From the 101 @ CA23

North CA-23 for 8.4 miles
East I-118 for 18 miles.
Exit Tampa Ave (3 miles east of the Topanga Canyon exit) and head north for 1000'.
Left (west) on Rinaldi St. for 1000'.
Trailhead on the right (north).
Park on either side of the street.

The Hike:

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500'
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: 2.5 mph
Dogs: Yes
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free on either side of the street in front of the trail head.
Trail: Varied. Good condition.

What to Bring:

Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).
1 -2 liters of water.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.

Release of Liability: https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/

4.6 miles, 900' gain, easy-intermediate.

This route takes us through a beautiful canyon via a counter-clockwise lollipop. Most of the hike has a clear view of the sky, with a few parts that have tree cover. We'll be stopping at the half-way point for a snack and beverage share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).

We'll start at the Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead (coordinates:[masked],[masked]) and head east for 1/2 mile along the Doubletree Connector Trail. We'll turn left and head north along the Palo Comado for about 1 mile. We'll turn right (east) onto the Dead Cow Trail for 0.8 miles, where we'll come to an overlook on the left.

There, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772). Then we'll continue down the Sheep Corral trail for about 700', turning left back onto the Palo Comado trail. From there, we'll head south 1.75 miles and turn right (west) onto the Doubletree Connector Trail and the final 1/2 mile back to the trailhead.

Hike
Distance: 4.6 miles
Gain: 900'
Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half.
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Lollipop, counter-clockwise.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations:
Several extended inclines of 1000 steps.
Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.

What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snack and Beverage Share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772)

Hosting

Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.

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. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps. See "How hard is this hike" in the discussion section (LINK (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781)).

Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772) 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 a large arrow made of baking soda or some sticks. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.

Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.

Group separation:
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.

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.

Yellow Star Thistle
Thorny. Also called yellow cockspur and golden star thistle. Generally considered a weed. Long-term ingestion by horses causes a neurological disorder known as chewing disease, a lethal lesion of the nigropallidal region of the brain. This disease is expressed as a twitching of the lips, tongue flicking, and involuntary chewing. Permanent brain damage is possible, and affected horses may starve to death. Used in Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of ulcers. In a laboratory study, aqueous extracts of fresh or dried flowers of yellow star thistle given orally showed significant antiulcerogenic activity in rats.

Directions (Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead):

From I-101:
I-101, exit Kanan Rd.
Kanan Rd. north for 2 miles.
Right (east) on Sunnycrest Dr. for 0.6 miles.
Continue on Doubletree Rd. for 0.l miles.
Trailhead on the right, park along the street.

From CA-118, CA-23:
I-118 west.
I-23 south for 4.8 miles, exit Avenida de Los Arboles.
Left (east) on Avenida del Los Arboles for 1.6 miles.
Right (south) on N. Westlake Blvd for 1.5 miles.
Left (east) on Kanan Rd. for 4.2 miles.
Left (north-east) on Deerhill Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Right at second cross street onto Doubletree Rd for 0.5 miles.
Trailhead on the left, park along the street.

Coordinates of trailhead:[masked],[masked]
Address of a nearby house: 713 Quail View Court, Oak Park, CA 91377

Release of Liability:
https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/