North Ranch Peak Bag ~ Gentler "Friendly"

There's an area of the North Ranch Open Space that we, as a group, haven't explored. I've finally found a trailhead with enough parking, and done some preliminary scouting, and would like to share this with you.

According to Google Earth, the elevation gain/loss is about 1,800 feet - more than a typical Thursday hike, but quite in line with our progress on my recent "Gentler" hikes :-) The total distance is 5.5 miles, so within our typical Thursday distances.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/9/8/600_461442904.jpeg

We will ascend from the trailhead, crossing immediately from Los Angeles County into Ventura County. We'll explore the trails and peaks in the North Ranch Open Space between Lakeview Canyon Drive, Lindero Canyon Drive, Thousand Oaks Boulevard, and Kanan Road. Depending on how you count them, we'll hike to as few as three peaks, or as many as eight. We will avoid the worst of the rocky scrambles, but there is one near the beginning of the hike. We'll rest briefly at a bench at the highest point in the hike, at two-thirds of the total distance.

The entire area is exposed, with little shade, but with lots of mustard and other wildflowers.

Lunch afterwards at Pitfire Grill (https://www.yelp.com/biz/pitfire-artisan-pizza-westlake-village), nearby in Westlake Village.

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.

No Plus-Ones! Please have your friends join the Meetup group & register for the hike.

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

Dogs are (I think) permitted in this area, but you must keep your furry friends on a 6' leash. Better yet, as there are foxtails galore, please don't subject your canine to the pain of foxtail extraction, and leave him or her at home.