Wingin' it Through Sycamore Canyon - a Gentler Hike

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Just off the ocean, Sycamore Canyon is a wide, seemingly flat stroll (there is a slight elevation gain) among grasses, wildflower, and sycamore trees, surrounded by mountains on both sides. Almost entirely shaded, this is about as easy a hike as you'll find, yet still charmingly beautiful. There's the possibility of one or two manageable water crossings, though they're often dry.

All Monarch butterflies west of the Rocky Mountains winter in Southern California or Central America, and Sycamore Canyon is a favorite spot for them; if we're lucky, we may spy a few. We're almost certain to spy (and hear) wild parakeets along our route. Far from the petite parakeets we're familiar with, these birds closely resemble their parrot cousins. There are several stories floating around about their origin, including that they were released from the old LA Zoo, but we certainly know where they are now.

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We'll head out about 3 miles, maybe a little more if we feel like it (with a possible out-'n-back into Serrano Canyon (http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/SerranoCanyon_4472.asp)), then turn around and head back toward the ocean (for 6+ miles total). The combination of ease and beauty should encourage everyone to join us on this one.

This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails. Faster hikers are welcome to come along, with the understanding that the hike is geared toward those who want to go at an easier pace.

After our hike, we'll head over to Pizza 3.14, on the Cal State Channel Islands (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizza-3-14-camarillo) campus, for lunch. Two adjacent parking lots offer 90 minutes of free parking, and students are gone for the summer, allowing us to take over the place.

Directions:

Get yourself onto PCH, near the Port Hueneme end of Malibu. You can take Kanan Rd and turn right on PCH, or Las Posas Rd and turn left on PCH, whichever works best for you.

The trailhead is located 5 miles south/east of Point Mugu off of Pacific Coast Highway (between Point Mugu and Neptune's Net), in the Sycamore Canyon campground (across from Sycamore Canyon Beach). The address listed is approximate, just to get you in the general area- turn onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. away from the ocean and head to the day use parking lot.

Parking is available in the campground for $12 (or free with a State Parking Permit), so you may want to carpool. Free parking may be available on PCH, 1/4 mile from the campground- allow a few extra minutes if you park on PCH.

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After our hike, we'll head over to the CSUCI campus for lunch (click on the image below to blow up & get detailed turn-by-turn directions).

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See you there!

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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.