Long Canyon - Hiker Favorite

This hike is cross-posted with OSS (Outdoor Singles & Socials) meetup.

This is an intermediate hike at a moderate speed. It has been one of the favorites of the variations available from the Long Canyon trailhead. We will experience a wide variety of terrain: Rocky trails, single-track, wooded, urban, fire road, flat-rocks, etc.

The Route:
• Up Long Canyon Trail to bench.
• Down to 5-points.
• Easy right up incline.
• Left at Hidden Canyon Trail single track.
• Right at Albertson Motorway.
• Right at fenced area and back to Albertson Fire Road.
• Left at Lang Ranch Ridge Trail and into neighborhood.
• Right at Oak Valley Lane. After 4 blocks, enter trail at North Westlake Blvd and take Autumn Ridge Trail.
• Left at junction, passing Sunrise Trail, and taking easy right to Woodridge Loop Trail.
• Woodridge Connector and back to lot.

A picture of the route is posted at the end of the description. We'll stop whenever necessary to let everyone catch up, and/or to share beverages and snacks.

Interesting Notes:

Take notice of the Eucalyptus tree at the trailhead.

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Along the right side of the trail during the first 200', you will see:
White Sage - the leaves are very fragrant when pinched

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Elderberry - The blue or purple berries can be made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies.

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Distance: 5.5 miles, 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1050'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Pace: 2 mph
Dogs: Yes if leashed, per State law
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free at trailhead parking lot
Trail: Varies. Single-track, fire road, rocky and/or gravel.
Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall.

What to Bring:
1-2 liters of water.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Drinks or snacks to share requested but not required.
Flashlight or headlamp in winter months.

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Directions:

Where of Long Canyon Rd. and S. Wood Ranch Pkwy. intersect in Simi Valley.
There is a free paved parking lot at the trailhead on the southwest corner.

From CA-23 and I-101:
North CA-23, exit Olsen Rd.
Right (east) on Olsen Rd., which becomes Madera Rd., for 2 miles.
Right (south) on N. Wood Ranch Pkwy., which becomes S. Wood Ranch Pkwy., for 2 miles.
Right at dead end (intersection with Long Canyon Rd.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.

From CA-118 and CA-27:
West CA-118, exit 23 onto 1st St.
Left (south) on 1st St., which becomes Long Canyon Rd., for 5 miles.
Cross at dead end (intersection with S. Wood Ranch Pkwy.) and immediate left into parking lot.
Trailhead at the opposite corner.

Coordinates of trailhead: 34.228168, -118.803046
Address of a nearby house: 597 Shadow Ln., Simi Valley, CA 93065

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:

Do NOT leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

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 Hike to Health 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.

Hike to Health Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.

There are no "Plus One's" on this hike. If you want to bring someone along, have them sign up, and make sure they're aware of, and agree to, this disclaimer.

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