Hiking Plus

This route takes us through a beautiful canyon via a counter-clockwise lollipop. Most of the hike has a clear view of the sky, with a few parts that have tree cover. We'll be stopping at the half-way point for a snack and beverage share.

We'll start at the Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead (coordinates: 34.182480,-118.751785) and head east for 1/2 mile along the Doubletree Connector Trail. We'll turn left and head north along the Palo Comado for about 1 mile. We'll turn right (east) onto the Dead Cow Trail for 0.8 miles, where we'll come to an overlook on the left.

There, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share. Then we'll continue down the Sheep Corral trail for about 700', turning left back onto the Palo Comado trail. From there, we'll head south 1.75 miles and turn right (west) onto the Doubletree Connector Trail and the final 1/2 mile back to the trailhead.

Hike
Distance: 4.6 miles
Gain: 900'
Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Lollipop, counter-clockwise.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations:
Several extended inclines of 1000 steps.
Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.

What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snack and Beverage Share

Hosting

Route: The host knows 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. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. 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 some sticks. 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 (Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead):

From I-101
I-101, exit Kanan Rd.
Kanan Rd. north for 2 miles.
Right (east) on Sunnycrest Dr. for 0.6 miles.
Continue on Doubletree Rd. for 0.l miles.
Trailhead on the right, park along the street.

From CA-118, CA-23
I-118 west.
I-23 south for 4.8 miles, exit Avenida de Los Arboles.
Left (east) on Avenida del Los Arboles for 1.6 miles.
Right (south) on N. Westlake Blvd for 1.5 miles.
Left (east) on Kanan Rd. for 4.2 miles.
Left (north-east) on Deerhill Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Right at second cross street onto Doubletree Rd for 0.5 miles.
Trailhead on the left, park along the street.

Coordinates of trailhead: 34.182480,-118.751785
Address of a nearby house: 720 Clear Haven Dr., Oak Park, CA 91377

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

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: Free

What 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
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Easy Intermediate, 3 miles, 600' gain
Easier Option: 2.4 mi, 530' gain. 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065

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 1/4 mi, to the intersection of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave. This is also the starting point for the easier option.

We enter a path behind the houses and proceed for 250' to the entrance. So far, there will have been very little elevation gain.

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

For those doing the easier option:
Park on the street near 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

This is not a conditioning hike, it's a social hike. We'll be stopping at various points to let people catch up and to make sure they make any turns. We'll stop at the turn around point for a social event lasting 30 - 60 minutes, where we will share snacks and beverages.

The Route

Hike
Distance: 3.2 miles
Gain: 900'
Distribution: Most of the incline is in the first half.
Difficulty
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Double track, single track.
Trail Variations:
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, about a block from the start.
Drinking Fountains: Maybe by the restrooms.
Parking: Park in the street.

What to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share

Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted.

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. 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 some 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.

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

Manzanita
Rounded leaves. Redish trunk and stems. Hard wood. Lots of curves. People used to spray this tree with lacquer and mount on their walls like a "tree of life" for decoration.

Sticky Monkeyflower
Of the Snapdragon family. The flowers are supposed to resemble a laughing monkey's face. Leaves are very sticky on the underside.

Directions
Oakbrook Vista Trailhead
3222 Lang Ranch Pkwy.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.212466, -118.820325

From CA-23
Exit 15 Avenida de Los Arboles.
East on Avenida de Los Arboles until it ends, 1.6 miles.
Right (south) on N. Westlake Blvd 0.2 miles.
Left (east) on Lang Ranch Pkwy. 0.2 miles.
Park on street, trailhead on the right (south) side.

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability