What we’re about
This meetup is all about social interaction, mostly through hiking. We think mental health is just as important as physical health, and that makes us different from other hiking groups. If you are interested in hiking, making friends, having fun, and exploring the greater Los Angeles area, then this group is for you. Hiking, PLUS other stuff!
Please find a list of frequently asked questions under the "Pages" tab of the desktop display, or by clicking "here".
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By joining this group, You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Hiking Plus, its organizers and other participants ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any Hiking Plus event.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Paradise Falls - Moonridge - Easy IntermediateTennis Court parking lot, Thousand Oaks, CA
3.3 miles, 800' gain, fit beginner
A hike to Paradise Falls is one of the most popular things to do for those visiting Simi Valley, yet a lot of people that live nearby rarely make this fun hike or perhaps have never done it. There are several paths one can take to the falls. This one is the Moonridge loop from Mark T.
The waterfall is always flowing. It is fed by urban run-off, surface water waste created by urbanization, and feeds into a small pond.
We start from the tennis court lot 4 blocks E. of the main parking lot and across the road.
We'll head about 100 steps north and go down and into an under-street tunnel to cross the road. Turn right out of the tunnel, and follow this path around.
There are several splits of this trail, so follow the group. The trail leads through a thick canopy to the bottom of the steps that lead to the main parking lot. We'll regroup there.
We'll continue along the Moonridge trail, following it around, crossing a fire road, and left at the North Teepee trail for about 500' to a large Teepee. We can take a few pictures, there's a drinking fountain, and we can rest a moment. Then we'll continue down to the waterfall and hang out for a short while.
To continue, we'll head partly back up and cross the back side of the waterfall along Wildwood Canyon trail. After about another 200 yards, we'll come to couple picnic tables on the right where we'll share snacks and beverages.
Returning Early
For those that wish to head back instead of hanging around for the entire snack share, you are responsible for finding your own way back:You can either follow the posted route and map, or take this alternate route: left at the next junction, a relatively steep up for 200 yds. back to the Teepee, turn right and continue 1/2 mile until it dead-ends, turn right. After 1/2 mile, you reach the main parking lot. Turn right at the road for 4 blocks and cross the street to find the tennis court parking lot.
Continuing with the group
We'll continue for 1/3 mile along the Wildwood Canyon trail, cross the bridge, make a left, and follow the Indian Creek trail for 1 mile until arriving back through the tunnel and back to the parking lot.If you are not following the leader on the return, you should know:
After crossing the bridge and turning left, you will come to a creek. We'll be taking a sharp turn to the left a few feet before the second creek. It's easy to miss and almost doesn't even look like a trail.You will see several plants of note
Prickly Pear Cactus
Inside and fruit are edible. Remove needles and scrape to remove hairs, cut top off, hollow out to make water container. Burn or scrape off needles - even stones can be used if you don't have a knife. Fruit peels easily. Eat seeds and all. Use duct tape to remove thorns from hands.Sugar Bush
Looks almost like Laurel Sumac. Pointy leaves, which is one way to tell it apart from the Lemonade berry. Has fuzzy red berries in long clumps that can be used to make a lemonade like drink. Sap from the fruit can be used as a sweetener. Leaves are edible.Directions:
Wildwood Park
635 W Avenida De Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360From the 118
CA-118 west to CA-23 south, 4.8 miles to exit 15, Avenida de los Arboles.
Turn right (west) on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until 4 blocks before it ends. There will be tennis courts on the right with a parking lot.Parking: If the lot is full, additional lot 750' back the way you came (ESE of tennis court lot), or use the neighborhood across the street.
The Hike
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 800'
Pace: 2.0 mph
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes - when we arrive at the main parking lot.
Drinking Fountains: Yes, at the TeePee, almost half way through the hike.
Parking: Free.
Trail: Double and single track, fire road.What to Bring
1-2 liters of water.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes.
Repellent - There can be gnats.FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Led Zepagain - Potluck Picnic and Concert in the Park1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley, CA
Led Zepagain - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Many of us from this group will attend this event.Please bring food and drinks to share. If your item requires utensils, please supply them.
We do need tables. If you can bring one, please post this in the comments.
Concert starts at 6:30p.
About the BandFree parking available on-site. Overflow parking is on the softball fields, off Thompson.
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the perimeters but not in the main event area.
Alcohol is permitted.
Look for the location of members posted in the comments close to event time.
Link to RSRPD Summer Concert Series
Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Ave.
Simi Valley, CA - Hawk Canyon lollipop - Potluck hikeConejo Canyons Trail Head, Thousand Oaks, CA
4.2 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate.
Easier option: 2.7 miles, 500' gain, fit beginner.This is a pot-luck hike. We'll be stopping at the 3/4 point by a picnic table, so please bring food and drink to share, and any utensils your items might require. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
We start at Conejo Canyons Trail Head, 2010 Conejo Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320.
We'll hike downhill from the trailhead for 0.6 miles.
For the regular route, we'll turn left and continue uphill for 0.6 miles on the Western Plateau trail and follow the fire road around to the right at the top, then mostly flat for about a mile, then dropping for another 1/2 mile.
At the bottom and when coming to a junction, turn right onto Hawk Canyon. Our picnic spot is 1/4 mile up Hawk Canyon at the table under the trees.
For the easier option, instead of turning left at the first junction, we'll turn right. After 0.6 miles, the picnic area will be on the left.
After the potluck, we'll continue up Hawk Canyon in our clockwise loop for 0.6 mile where the trail ends back at the Western Plateau trail. Take a left up the hill back to Conejo Center Dr. For those that came on the easier option, it's a return the way you came.
** If you plan on leaving before the group, please familiarize yourself with the planned route, which can be accessed by clicking on the below link:
The Hike
Distance: 4.2 miles / 2.7 miles
Gain: 700' / 500'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate / Fit Beginner
Shape: Lollipop.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track.
Trail Variations: Rolling stroll and ramp.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from the picnic table.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: FreeWhat to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Insect repellent (optional).Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.
Stops
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.
Group separation
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.Directions
Conejo Canyons Trail Head
2010 Conejo Center Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
US-101, exit Ventu Park Rd, North.
Ventu Park Rd. North for 1 mile.
Right on Rancho Conejo Blvd., 1.3 miles.
Left on Conejo Center Dr.FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Wildwood Park - Las Flores potluck hike604 W Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks, CA
Fit Beginner - 4 miles, 600' gain
The gain is well distributed, with half being on the return.We start at the Las Flores trailhead where Las Flores dead-ends at Wildwood Park, and head west. After 1/3 mile, the trail becomes Wildwood Canyon Trail. We continue for another 2/3 mile and cross a bridge just past the Meadows Picnic area.
We'll make a left, continuing on Wildwood Canyon Trail, past the Tee Pee Trail, behind Paradise Falls, left at the split, and after about a mile, Wildwood Canyon Picnic area will be on the left. There will be several tables.
This is a potluck picnic. Please bring some food and drinks to share.
If your item requires it, bring plates and utensils to share. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
We'll share snacks and drinks for 60 - 90 minutes, before heading back the way we came.The Hike
Distance: 4 miles
Gain: 600'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Fit Beginner
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire Road, Single-Track, and Double-Track.
Duration: 4.0 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from the picnic table.
Restrooms: Yes, at the picnic area.
Drinking Fountains: Yes, at tje picnic area.
Parking: Free along street.What to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots.
Flashlight or headlamp (if it will be dark during any part of the event).
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share.Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. Click the link to see the route.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed
Hike type: Social.
We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or sticks in the shape of an arrow. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.
Group separation: Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.
Directions
Las Flores Trailhead
604 W Avenida De Las Flores
Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability
