Hiking Plus

Please join us for the Hiking Plus Annual Holiday Dinner.

This is a sit down dinner with our Hiking Plus friends in a private room. Because of limited space, everybody initially goes on the waiting list.

This is a reservation event. Please RSVP only if you plan on showing up at event time, and remove your RSVP as soon as possible if you can't wait to be confirmed or can no longer attend.

Checks will be by table, so please bring cash and assume 20% gratuity.
I have arranged to order from the menu. Please be prepared to pay in CASH.

There will be multiple tables with open seating, so please be kind if you don't get to sit with your favorite fellows. If you remain on the waiting list on the day of the event, or you just want to come for dessert, you may try to make your own reservation, or join us in the back room area for drinks at about 8:00 pm.

Don Cuco's is open until 10p. There MAY be a BYOB after party at a member's house nearby. If so, location to be distributed that evening.

If the room fills to capacity, and additional space is available, we'll be sure to reserve it if possible.

Those still on the waiting list, will be moved to the RSVP list several days before the event, or even the day of the event, if there is space.

Note: Last year there was a long waiting list. By the day of the event, we were able to most still on the waiting list, to the RSVP list, so please be patient.

Don Cucos
Website Link
Tapo Oaks Shopping Center
3991 Cochran St
Simi Valley, CA 93063
805-583-5944
Open until 10p

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
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Easy Intermediate, 3 miles, 600' gain
Easier Option: 2.4 mi, 530' gain. (5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065, or 89 La Paz Ct, Simi Valley, CA 93065 to save another 500' distance).

We'll meet in the parking lot at the northeast corner of Madera and Royal, just south of the Donut Delite, on the east side of the Clinicas office. We'll walk from there to the trailhead at 2 Washburn St. where it meets Los Amigos Ave.

The Hike
Easy end of the Intermediate Spectrum, due to the 1 mile continuous incline that can get exhausting. A fit beginner can easily complete it.

We cross Madera and continue through the neighborhood for about 1500', to the intersection of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave. Then we enter a path behind the houses and proceed for 250' to the entrance. So far, there will have been very little elevation gain.

For those that want a little easier option start at this address: 1366 Los Amigos Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Join the group as we pass.

We'll enter a series of switchbacks (zig-zag trail) for 1.2 miles to a large cross at the top. This is a steady climb across the face of the hill, always in full view of the neighborhood below. Beginners may find this climb difficult to continue at a fast pace. There is nothing wrong with slowing down while faster hikers move ahead, or resting for a minute several times during this climb.

It may seem easy to get lost because there are many different cross-paths up the face of this hill, but they all lead to the same place. Generally, whenever there is a choice of "left or right", we take the easier and more worn path. If you happen to find yourself alone and take a wrong turn (aka steep cut), all paths lead up.

At the top by the cross or one of the nearby benches, we'll enjoy the gorgeous 360 degree views and share beverages and/or snacks.

Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:

Black Sage
Multiple brown buttons going up the top of the stalk, that may have white flowers. Green leaves. Purple or white flowers that are dark brown as they dry on the plant. Squish the leaves and smell.

A rare and sought after Black sage honey is also made from the honey of bees that pollinate the Black sage plant. Black sage is utilized in the culinary world as an aromatic and flavorful herb. It can be used in recipes wherever traditional sage is called for, however keep in mind that foraged Black sage has a much stronger flavor than that of traditional store bought sage.

Its flavor goes well with winter squashes, brown butter, poultry, venison, pears, cheese, potatoes and other herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Use fresh in a variety of different preparations or leaves. Can be dried and stored for future use as a dried herb. Black sage was used traditionally by Native Americans known as the Chumash people to form an herbal soak for the bath to be used in the treatment of bodily pain, specifically for the feet and lower legs.

Purple Sage
Grey-green leaves. Aromatic when crushed. Purple flowers. Aka, Tobacco Sage, with mild hallucinogenic properties when smoked. Can be used as a spice or made into a tea. Tea has medicinal affects: Antiviral, gargle for sore throats, reduce hay fever symptoms and other drying actions.

Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 700'
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes - at nearby places of business
Drinking Fountains: Yes - at nearby places of business
Parking: Free
Trail: Mostly single-track, excellent condition
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.

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.

Directions
For those doing the regular route:
1424 Madera Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability