Hike with Beach Party and Fire

Note: Be careful when using GPS. Google may take you to the incorrect location. Use the written directions. If you saw a prior notification about this being on May 7th, the date was wrong and has been corrected to June 23.

This is a hike, followed by a potluck party on the beach. There will be picnic tables and a fire pit.

This hike is on the easy end of the intermediate spectrum (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781), based on distance and elevation. Beginners are welcome, but if it becomes too hard, they can always turn around and go back the way we came. Nearly all of the elevation gain is in the first half.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/0/d/a/highres_470188890.jpeg

This is not a conditioning hike. It is a social hike (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781). The event host will be moving slowly and stopping at various points to let people catch up. Those that wish to move ahead at a faster pace, are welcome to do so if they know the route, but are on their own regarding navigation.

The Hike. 1 - 4p.
We meet at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head inside of Sycamore Canyon Campground at Point Magu State Park. This is a counter-clockwise loop hike because of the shape of the route.

We'll head up the trail for about a half mile, where there will not be much elevation gain. We'll make a left onto the Overlook Trail. We'll then start our ascent, climbing 400' over the next mile, where we'll come to a junction. We'll turn left and instead of following the scenic trail, we'll go along the ridge for about a half a mile. This segment will be about 200' of loss and 100' of gain.

Then follow our tracks back to the scenic trail, turn right, and follow it down for about 3/4 mile, again reaching Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, and turning right back to our starting point.

The Beach Party. 4:30 - 8:30p.
We'll go back to our cars and gather up our things for the beach party. From the trail head, it's about 1/4 mile to the camp ground parking lot, then another 1/4 mile to the beach party area across the road at Sycamore Cove Beach. There are picnic tables and fire pits, but we must supply our own wood to burn.

Based on our party in Oct 2017 at this location, the fire pits on the beach are first come, first serve, and there is always a chance we'll have to wait until someone leaves as the sun sets, to get a spot.

Scorpion Jim, your host, will be bringing firewood as his potluck item. I suggest others also bring some firewood and indicate it in the comments section.

Please bring something warm to put on. It can get cool and windy near the beach, especially as the sun drops. A chair and blanket recommended.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/1/b/e/highres_468128638.jpeg

Sunset: 8:10p.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/1/c/7/highres_468128647.jpeg

Hike

Distance: 2.7 miles
Gain: 650
Distribution: All the incline is in the first half.
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Beginner end of intermediate spectrum.
Shape: Counter-Clockwise loop.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, and single track.
Duration: 3.0 hours (hike), 4 hours (beach party)
Dogs: No.
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: Yes.
Parking: Paved in the campground lot, gates close at 10p. It cost $14 to park in the campground lot, $9 to park in the beach lot (you will need to know your license plate number when paying at the "Iron Ranger" machine). Space is limited, please car-pool and arrive early in case you have parking issues. The lot across the street at the beach, also a pay lot, closes at sunset. Some may find free parking along the street.

When the beach lot closes at sunset, rangers announce this to beach goers and will give us plenty of time and allow you to move your cars for free to the lot across the 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.
Food and drink to share for the beach pot luck.
Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall.

Hosting

Route: The host will be doing this route for the first time. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.

Navigation: 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)).

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

Directions:

Sycamore Canyon Trailhead
Malibu, CA 90265
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.074747, -119.014081
Inside Sycamore Canyon Campground, across from Point Magu State Park

From CA-118:
CA-118 West.
CA-23 South for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 10.8 miles.
Exit 53B Lewis Rd./CA-34.
Right (east) onto E. Daily Dr. for 0.1 miles.
Right (south) onto N. Lewis Rd. for 4.5 miles.
Becomes Hueneme Rd., continue for 0.9 miles.
Left on Las Posas Rd. for 3.1 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Left on Sycamore Canyon Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Park in paved lot (pay).
Campground gates close at 10p.

From US-101:
Exit 55, Las Posas Rd.
Las Posas Rd. south for 7.5 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Left on Sycamore Canyon Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Park in paved lot (pay).
Campground gates close at 10p.

Helpful Links:

Official Info (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630)
Rules and Regulations (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1323)

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