Pre Turkey Trot in Simi Valley- Gentler-Friendly!

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Like your carbon footprint, you can buy yourself some turkey forgiveness. Flap your feathers along this 10 mile lollipop loop and bank the burned calories for Thursday's gustatory main event.

With no Gentler Hike scheduled this week, our less violent pilgrims will need to join us if they want to rationalize their pumpkin pie.

We'll be threading our way through ranchland, canyons, and old oil fields (some new oil is evident alongside the trail in places) between Lost Canyons Golf Course and Las Llajas Canyon. After a warm up stroll through shady groves filled with woodpeckers and California scrub jays (known locally as blue jays), the wide trail rises, then descends into Chivo Canyon, narrowing to single track as it crosses a thin stream and rises again along the side of the canyon.

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Our journey up is rewarded with sweeping views of mountains and meadows from the ridgeline before we work our way down and edge along a suburban street for a minute until we traverse a dry (maybe!) drainage area, closing the loop portion of the hike. All of the trails are well-developed, and the total elevation gain is 1800.'

The Gentler portion of the hike is approximately 5 miles long, with 700' of elevation gain broken into two ascents. Gentlers will do a smaller loop at the end of the lollipop stem. It will be fairly easy to follow the path back.

The parking area is small, so we'll meet down the street in front of Starbucks (in the mall, near the water fountain), and carpool to the trailhead. Be on time- ready to carpool at 9. Parking is free.

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Directions:

Exit the 118 in Simi Valley at Tapo Canyon Rd. If coming from the Valley, drive straight through the light at the bottom of the ramp and enter the shopping center. Starbucks is ahead and to your right.

If coming from Moorpark, exit at Tapo Canyon Rd and turn left at the bottom of the ramp. Take the first left, into the shopping center, and Starbucks is ahead and to your right.

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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.