Las Llajas - Suitable for beginners

This hike is not just for singles.
This hike is cross-posted with HIKE-TO-HEALTH meetup.

This hike is a great trail for beginners because all the elevation gain is distributed. It is a walk down a rolling fire road through a really cool canyon, and you will find no difficult or extended elevation climbs.

This is one of my favorite trails for people new to hiking. It is an "out-and-back" hike, where we return the way we came, so there is virtually no chance of getting lost. You may be amazed that such a place exists right here in Simi Valley.

From the trail head, we'll walk down an asphalt path for several hundred steps and turn right onto a gravel fire road. After that, there will be no more turns. We'll continue on the fire-road for about 1 mile. We'll stop there (in the shade if summer) to allow others to catch up.

Then we'll take a 200' detour to the left to see the bee sanctuary, which continues in a half circle back to the fire road. We'll continue for another 1.5 miles and wait there for anybody that needs to catch up, and share snacks and/or beverages (https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Singles/pages/23168523/Snack_and_Beverage_Share/).

There is a lot of wild life along this trail because it is the only area with water for quite a distance.

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Beverage and/or snack share? (https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Singles/pages/23168523/Snack_and_Beverage_Share/) Yes.

This is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. See link How Hard is This Hike (https://www.meetup.com/The-PM-Hikers/messages/boards/thread/50018589). Still, for those that aren't interested in the beverage and/or snack share and want more of a workout, just continue on for another mile (15-20 minutes) at a fast pace, then turn around and come back. That's about how long we'll be before packing up and heading back the way we came.

Interesting Notes:

There are several Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) plants along the way. It has elongated yellow flowers. The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands.

It does not contain nicotine. It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic.

Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke.

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Directions:

Las Llajas Canyon Trail
5715 Evening Sky Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93063

From the west: 23-N to 118-E, Exit 29 Yosemite.
From the east: 118-W, Exit 29 Yosemite.
Head north on Yosemite for 1.25 miles. Turn right (east) on Evening Sky Drive and proceed for 0.5 miles. See the trail head on the left. Park along the street.

The Hike:

Distance: 5 miles
Gain: 700'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/The-PM-Hikers/messages/boards/thread/50018589): Beginner.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road.
Trail Variations:
Rolling stroll.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes. Leash as required by law.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.

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What to bring:

1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share (https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Singles/pages/23168523/Snack_and_Beverage_Share/).
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. 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/The-PM-Hikers/messages/boards/thread/50018589)).

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/The-PM-Hikers/messages/boards/thread/50213037) share at the half way point. This hike does not have any junctions once past the first 500'. 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.

Since this hike is out-and-back on a wide fire road with no turns after the first 500', one cannot get lost. Therefore, for this hike, it will be acceptable to split from the group moving faster, slower, or otherwise at your own pace.

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.

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.