Hiking Plus

This hike is suitable for fit beginners (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781). There is one extended climb in the middle of the hike that is relatively mild (it is fire road) but continues for about a mile. Note that being a fire road, steepness is limited to that which a vehicle can climb. Starting from the Long Canyon trailhead parking lot, we head west on the Woodridge Connector along the sides of houses. Note that is not heading UP from the trail head. This is a relatively flat section for about 3/4 mile. Left at the asphalt along Woodridge Loop Trail, immediate right at the split, then continue until it comes to an end at a junction. Left and continue to another junction. Make a right, go about 50' to another junction, make a right again, then 300' to Autumn Ridge Trail. Left and continue for about a mile. This is a fire road and a steady climb. We continue until 5-points junction. Make a hard left onto Sunrise trail, then up to the bench. There, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772). For the return, we'll turn right and follow Long Canyon Trail back to the parking lot. A picture of the route is posted at the end of the description. Interesting Notes: Take notice of the Eucalyptus tree at the trailhead. Along the left side of the trail during the last 200' (last because we are doing a counter-clockwise loop), you will see: White Sage - the leaves are very fragrant when pinched Elderberry - The blue or purple berries can be made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. Hike Distance: 3 miles Gain: 650 Distribution: A moderate fire-road climb at the middle portion of the hike. Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Fit Beginner. Shape: Loop, counter-clockwise. Pace: 2.0 mph. Trail Type: Fire road, single and double track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged. Trail Variations: The beginning is a flat walk. The middle will have an extended incline of about 1000 steps. The end is downhill, but somewhat steep. Duration: 3.0 hours Dogs: Yes. Leash as required by law. Restrooms: No Drinking Fountains: No. Parking: Free in the paved parking area in front of the trail head. What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles. Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772). Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK. Flashlight or headlamp. Sunscreen and/or hat as needed. Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall. 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. 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)). Here is 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. 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. 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. If others follow, it is group hijacking: Incorrect routes may be taken and group splitting may occur. Please don't do this. Directions: Where of Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley. There is a free paved parking lot at the trailhead on the southwest corner. From CA-23 and I-101: North CA-23, exit Olsen Rd. Right (east) on Olsen Rd., which becomes Madera Rd., for 2 miles. Right (south) on N. Wood Ranch Pkwy., which becomes S. Wood Ranch Pkwy., for 2 miles. Right at dead end (intersection with Long Canyon Rd.) and immediate left into parking lot. Trailhead at the opposite corner. From CA-118 and CA-27: West CA-118, exit 23 onto 1st St. Left (south) on 1st St., which becomes Long Canyon Rd., for 5 miles. Cross at dead end (intersection with S. Wood Ranch Pkwy.) and immediate left into parking lot. Trailhead at the opposite corner. Coordinates of trailhead:[masked], [masked] Address of a nearby house: 597 Shadow Ln., Simi Valley, CA 93065 Arrive early, because sometimes the parking lot gets full. If this happens, we'll need another 15 minutes to carpool from a nearly parking lot. Disclaimer / Release of Liability You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

This is an intermediate level hike. The entire first half is an incline. Nothing super steep, but beginners will find this climb exhausting. Fit beginners can still complete this hike, as we'll be stopping at junctions to let everybody catch up. This is not a conditioning hike, it is a social hike. There are several routes that can be taken, and the one I'll be taking is posted as part of this description. At the top, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772) lasting 30-60 minutes. For the return, part of the route will be the same, but the last segment will be different. Hike Distance: 3 miles Gain: 1000' Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half. Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Intermediate. Shape: Upside down Y. Pace: approx. 2.0 mph. Trail Type: Fire road and single track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged. Trail Variations: The entire first half is an incline. Several extended inclines of 1000 steps. Duration: 3.5 hours Dogs: Yes. Leashed, as required by law. 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) Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall. Route: (photo posted as part of this description) 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. 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. Interesting Notes Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike: (not written yet) Directions: From I-101: I-101, exit Lindero Canyon Rd. Lindero Canyon Rd. north for 3 miles. Trailhead on the left, park along the street between King James Ct. and Wembly Ave. 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 2.6 miles. left (north) on Lindero Canyon Rd. for almost 1 mile. Trailhead on the left, park along the street between King James Ct. and Wembly Ave. Coordinates of trailhead:[masked], [masked] Address of a nearby house: 5405 Wembly Ave, Oak Park, CA 91377 Disclaimer / Release of Liability: Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. This applies to any guests you may invite.

This hike is Easy Intermediate (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781). (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781) There are several extended inclines and a couple short but steep climbs. Fit beginners can do this hike, but they may be cursing some of the extended and steeper climbs. That's OK, because we'll be stopping at various points to regroup and this is not a conditioning hike. It is a social hike (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781). Starting from the Long Canyon trailhead parking lot, we head up Long Canyon Trail to a bench. We'll regroup and let others catch up, then head down about 1000' to the 5-points junction. We'll make the first left and continue for about 700' where we'll come to a junction. We'll make a right onto the fire road and follow it for 1.4 miles before reaching Long Canyon Road. Then right for 0.2 miles, cross road, enter tail turning left. We'll follow Canyon View Trail for 1 mile to a bench at top, where we'll stop and have snack share social event (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772) for 30-60 minutes. Finally, we'll continue down down back to Long Canyon Road, and right to return to the trail head parking lot. A picture of the route is posted at the end of the description. Interesting Notes: Turkey Mullein Smashed leaves can be thown into the water to stupify fish, causing them to float to the surface, a practice illegal in most states. The seeds are not toxic to birds and are enjoyed especially by doves and wild turkeys. Ancient Greeks rolled and dried the leaves, then used them as wicks for oil lamps. It stalks were used as torches burned at funerals. Many tribes employed the use of mullein leaf tea for coughs, colds, and rheumatism. They considered it to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant. The astringent and demulcent properties of the leaf tea were found useful in cases of diarrhea. Wild Oats The mature seed of the plant is used as a cereal grain. All oats have edible seeds, although they are small and hard to harvest in most species. Oats are hard to tell apart from weedy relatives, so the term "sowing wild oats" came to be used to describe unprofitable activities and destructive sexual liasons of an unmarried young male that could result in children being born out of wedlock. Hike Distance: 4.5 miles Gain: 1000 Distribution: A couple extended inclines and a couple shorter but steeper inclines. Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Easy Intermediate. Shape: Loop, counter-clockwise. Pace: 2.0 mph. Trail Type: Fire road, single and double track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged. Trail Variations: The beginning is a tough climb. After we cross the road, there is an extended incline up of about 1000 steps. Duration: 3.5 hours Dogs: Yes. Leash as required by law. Restrooms: No Drinking Fountains: No. Parking: Free in the paved parking area in front of the trail head. What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles. Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772). Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK. Flashlight or headlamp. Sunscreen and/or hat as needed. Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall. 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. 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)). Here is 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. Below is a photo of the route (): 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. 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. 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. If others follow, it is group hijacking: Incorrect routes may be taken and group splitting may occur. Please don't do this. Directions: Where of Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley. There is a free paved parking lot at the trailhead on the southwest corner. From CA-23 and I-101: North CA-23, exit Olsen Rd. Right (east) on Olsen Rd., which becomes Madera Rd., for 2 miles. Right (south) on N. Wood Ranch Pkwy., which becomes S. Wood Ranch Pkwy., for 2 miles. Right at dead end (intersection with Long Canyon Rd.) and immediate left into parking lot. Trailhead at the opposite corner. From CA-118 and CA-27: West CA-118, exit 23 onto 1st St. Left (south) on 1st St., which becomes Long Canyon Rd., for 5 miles. Cross at dead end (intersection with S. Wood Ranch Pkwy.) and immediate left into parking lot. Trailhead at the opposite corner. Coordinates of trailhead:[masked], [masked] Address of a nearby house: 597 Shadow Ln., Simi Valley, CA 93065 Arrive early, because sometimes the parking lot gets full. If this happens, we'll need another 15 minutes to carpool from a nearby parking lot. Disclaimer / Release of Liability You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

This is an intermediate level hike. This hike is relatively short, but the middle portion is a rugged and continuous incline for 1 mile with about 700' of gain. Even though we'll be taking this trail at the pace of a social hike, most beginners will find this hike to be too hard. We'll start this hike by parking on the south side of the CA-118 at the Rocky Peak exit. We'll walk west along the Santa Susana Pass Rd. for about 500 feet, and directly across from Lilac Ln, we'll enter a trail. We'll move along a relatively flat section from 1/2 mile, then turn right and make a gradual climb until we reach the wildlife tunnel. This is a tunnel underneath the CA-118 freeway, built so that animals can cross. We'll regroup here, then continue up a strenuous and rugged climb for 1 mile until we reach the Rocky Peak Fire Rd. We'll regroup again, then turn right for 500' until we reach the Hummingbird Trail. We'll find a couple large rocks and a bench there. We'll have a social event lasting 30 - 60 minutes, then head down the Rocky Peak Fire Road until it ends at the CA-118 freeway. We'll then cross the freeway back to our cars. Interesting Notes: Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike: California Sagebrush Aromatic when crushed. AKA, common sage, coastal sage. Sunflower family. Cowboys used to ride through it and brush up against the pine-shaped leaves, coming home with the smell on their clothes and giving rise to the nickname "Cowboy Cologne." Not a true sage. Can be used as a cooking spice and can be made into a tea. Tear off some needles by running your hand up the stalk and smell the aroma. 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. In the last summer, fall, and winter months, the flowers will have turned brown and the leaves we take on a greyer color. Directions: Rocky Peak Exit, South Side of CA-118 Simi Valley, CA[masked], [masked] From the 118 Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd. Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd. From the 101 @ CA-23 North CA-23 for 8.4 miles. East I-118 for 14 miles. Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd. Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd. The Hike: Distance: 3 miles, 3.5 hours Elevation Gain: 1000' Difficulty: Intermediate Pace: 2.0 mph Dogs: Yes if leashed, per State law Restrooms: No Drinking Fountains: No Parking: Free, south side of CA-118 Trail: Single Track, Double Track, and rugged water path. Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall. Purpose: Social What to Bring: 1-2 liters of water. Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772). Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK. Flashlight or headlamp. The last 30 minutes may get dark. Disclaimer / Release of Liability: You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.