What we’re about
Our goal is to combine nature's magnificence, a good workout, and the support and laughter of friends. An observer of one of our early hikes noted that our group is like a mobile party, and we feel that captures our spirit beautifully. All that's missing is you, so get out here with us!
Our hikes are free, and our leaders are volunteers. However, we ask for voluntary contributions once a year ($3-$5) to help defray Meetup subscription costs.
Please review before you register for a hike:
- We step off on the stated hike time, and recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early to get a good parking spot and have time to gear up.
- The number of hikers will not exceed 24, including the leader. This will allow us to hike on COSCA trails, State Park, and National trails without having to obtain a permit in advance. This also means that if you are on the waitlist, or you show up and have not registered (including “Plus-Ones”), you will be turned away.
- Sorry, no dogs allowed, either on-leash, off-leash, or in "Doggy Backpacks."
Welcome to the Weekday Trailblazers!
The Blazers are led equally by a dedicated cadre of experienced volunteer hike leaders, in a true communal spirit, with no charge for hikes or events (with rare exceptions).
You can help us defray our costs by buying Weekday Trailblazers gear (each purchase kicks in $3-$5 to the kitty):
The majority of our hikes fall within the area from Malibu to Simi Valley (south to north), and Will Rogers State Park to Port Hueneme (east to west), although we'll venture beyond those loose boundaries when we feel like it (we are Trailblazers, after all). We offer hikes of varying levels, as well as occasional non-hiking events.
- Our Intermediate Hikes generally start at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays (earlier in the heat of the summer). Total distance is 7-10 miles (less in the heat of the summer), 3-3.5 mph, and with elevation gain between 1,500' and 2,000', less in the heat of the summer. We would rate them as intermediate for difficulty and pace. We have a strong roster of leaders for these hikes, but ANYONE is welcome to lead. Contact Steve J, Laurie, Peter, or Katie with your ideas.
- Gentler-Friendly Hikes are scheduled on most Thursday and some Tuesday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for advanced beginners, or anyone wanting a little extra fun with friends. As the name implies, they're slower-paced (2-2.5 mph), shorter distance (usually 5-6 miles), and lesser elevation gain (less than 1,500') than our flagship hikes. Contact Steve J with ideas for Gentler hikes.
- Gentler / Intermediate are somewhere in between.
We also occasionally run:
- Beginner Hikes are scheduled on Thursday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for those new to the group, new to hiking, or those rehabbing injuries. They're slow-paced (2 mph), short distance (usually <5 miles), and little elevation gain (~500'). Contact Steve J with ideas for Beginner hikes.
- Fast-Paced Hikes start in the late afternoon/early evening (two hours or so before sunset), and are as fast or faster than our intermediate hikes. Headlamps recommended!
- Geologist Thom Davis' Rock & Stroll Hikes combine his expansive knowledge of the Earth's bones and our usual workout in natural beauty. Many events will be outside our normal stomping grounds, and some will involve overnight stays. Times and ability levels vary, so be sure to read the write-ups carefully, and contact Thom with any questions.
We cancel hikes for red flag warnings, when the temperature is 90 or higher, or when the Heat Index (also sometimes called Temperature Humidity Index or Wet Bulb Temperature) is 85 or higher at any time during a hike.
The Blazers welcome and encourage whatever level of participation you'd like. You can be out in front leading, in the pack enjoying the ride, or sweeping in the back. We value your contributions, so join our mobile party and let's have fun!
We also ask that you be aware of the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, know what to do about them (for your own safety and for the safety of others around you). Just google "Mayo Clinic Heat Stroke Exhaustion", or buy one of our Heat Safety T-Shirts!
We also ask that hikers be prepared with:
- Hiking shoes appropriate for the terrain
- Loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the conditions (generally, this means no denim or jeans)
- A broad-brimmed hat
- Water
- Electrolytes (Gatorade, Nuun tablets, etc)
- Sunscreen
While not responsible for your safety, our hike leaders may adjust, shorten, re-route, or terminate a hike based on conditions, at their sole discretion.
Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers and hosts 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and hosts from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sorry, we don't allow "Plus-Ones" on our hikes. Please join the group, then sign up for a hike.
Upcoming events
5
Dos Vientos Loop - Gentler 6 miles 800' from Mountain Creek Drive
Oak Ridge Trailhead, 4140 Mountain Creek Drive, Newbury Park, CA, USFor this circle tour of Dos Vientos we will start at the Oak Ridge trailhead off Mountain Creek Drive in Newbury Park, climb to the top of the ridge and follow it west to the heart of the Dos Vientos trail system. From there we’ll make a clockwise loop along several trails, starting with Sierra Vista, followed by Las Brisas and El Cerro. El Cerro will drop us off at Via Las Brisas where we will have a 1/2 mile or so sidewalk stroll to the Potrero Ridge trail which takes us back to our cars.
There is little cover on this hike as it climbs up and down the ridges of Dos Vientos, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Driving Directions: From the 101 freeway, turn south onto Wendy Drive, towards the ocean. Continue for about 0.7 miles and turn right at Borchard Rd and head west 0.5 miles. Turn left on S. Reino Rd taking this south for about a mile. You will pass an Albertson’s supermarket, then turn right onto Maurice Drive and right on Mountain Creek Drive. There is plenty of street parking in this residential neighborhood near the trailhead. Set your navigation app to 4140 Mountain Creek Drive, Newbury Park, 91320.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
Here are some highlights and a link to the guidelines:
https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/about/
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
- No “Plus Ones” on this hike
- Plan on completing the entire hike at a reasonable pace or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
- All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
25 attendees
Ray Miller Trail hike ~ Gentler Intermediate
Ray Miller Trailhead, Malibu, CA, USThe trail is an awesome blend of ocean and mountain views in Malibu’s La Jolla Canyon. We will start from the trailhead which follows the canyon eastward, away from the ocean. Then, it quickly brings you back toward the ocean at a gradual incline. There’s a great lookout spot where it gives you a breathtaking view of the Pacific Coast Highway against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, with sweeping views toward Mugu Rock on the west and Sycamore Cove on the east. After another peak, you’ll start a slight decline that brings you to the fire road where we will turn around. Along the way, we'll be treated to magnificent sweeping views of La Jolla and Big Sycamore Canyons, and of course, the largest ocean in the world. On a clear day, the Channel Islands are easily within sight, although the marine layer has been pretty prominent this summer.
This is a 5-6 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain/loss of about 1000’.
Directions:
From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north, 22 miles from Malibu Canyon Rd. Across the street from Thornhill Broome Beach is the entrance to La Jolla Canyon. It is very clearly marked. Turn right.
From Ventura, take PCH eastward, and turn left 4 miles after Las Posas Road into La Jolla Canyon.
Heads up: There is a parking fee in the lot (or free with state parking pass). There is free parking on PCH just a short walk to the trailhead.
Please review the guidelines (guidelines) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don't show up unless you're shown on the "Attending" list.
- Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace.
- Please consider bringing mosquito spray as they may be present.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY - PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No "Plus Ones" or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.15 attendees
Ray Miller Trail hike ~ Gentler Intermediate
Ray Miller Trailhead, Malibu, CA, USThe trail is an awesome blend of ocean and mountain views in Malibu’s La Jolla Canyon. We will start from the trailhead which follows the canyon eastward, away from the ocean. Then, it quickly brings you back toward the ocean at a gradual incline. There’s a great lookout spot where it gives you a breathtaking view of the Pacific Coast Highway against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, with sweeping views toward Mugu Rock on the west and Sycamore Cove on the east. After another peak, you’ll start a slight decline that brings you to the fire road where we will turn around. Along the way, we'll be treated to magnificent sweeping views of La Jolla and Big Sycamore Canyons, and of course, the largest ocean in the world. On a clear day, the Channel Islands are easily within sight, although the marine layer has been pretty prominent this summer.
This is a 5-6 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain/loss of about 1000’.
Directions:
From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north, 22 miles from Malibu Canyon Rd. Across the street from Thornhill Broome Beach is the entrance to La Jolla Canyon. It is very clearly marked. Turn right.
From Ventura, take PCH eastward, and turn left 4 miles after Las Posas Road into La Jolla Canyon.
Heads up: There is a parking fee in the lot (or free with state parking pass). There is free parking on PCH just a short walk to the trailhead.
Please review the guidelines (guidelines) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don't show up unless you're shown on the "Attending" list.
- Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace.
- Please consider bringing mosquito spray as they may be present.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY - PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No "Plus Ones" or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.1 attendee
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