Liberty Canyon Loop...Backwards!

The poetic beauty of a loop hike lies in the fact that we can hike it in either direction. If you can also read this write-up in the opposite direction, you'll have an idea of what we're doing Tuesday. Good luck!

This is a gorgeous hike that requires just enough effort to make it interesting. We start at the end of Liberty Canyon Rd. in Calabassas and quickly join the mysterious Phantom Trail. The Phantom rises like a spirit up onto the western ridge of Liberty Canyon and opens up to panoramic views. Most of our elevation gain will be spent getting up to the ridge, then it's a cruise.

Two miles later, we descend to and across Mulholland Highway and into Malibu Creek State park, where we splash down in Century Lake. We'll take our ease in the shade at Century Lake before scooting along Crags Rd. (the well-traveled access road in MCSP) to the aptly-named Grasslands Trail. A short climb later, we'll traverse Mulholland again and skip through grassy fields singing happy songs until we reach the Liberty Canyon Trail, at which point we'll weep openly and gnash our teeth.

Just kidding! Those with the energy will still skip and sing, while the sane ones among us will simply walk out to where our adventure started. This is a loop hike that roughly parallels Las Virgenes Rd.

The journey will be a tad over 8 miles, with about 1525' of elevation gain- 800 of it expended getting up onto the ridge near the beginning of the hike. Some of the trail is covered (overgrown, perhaps), while much of it is open- prepare accordingly. If you favor hiking poles, you'll probably want them on this one.

Directions:

From 101, exit Liberty Canyon Rd in Calabasas. Take road south (toward the ocean) less than a mile and park near the end of the road.

*Note: Liberty Canyon Rd. appears to make a sharp left, but the road name changes at that point. The trailhead is behind the black metal gate at that sharp turn. You can park along the road leading up to the turn or in the dirt pull-off about 40 yards before the gate.

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.