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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Terms:
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- Corriganville the Back Way Double Loop LollipopRocky Peak Trail, Simi Valley, CA
4 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate
Easy option: 2.5 miles, 500' gainParking on the south side of the CA-118 at the Rocky Peak exit. We'll walk west along the Santa Susana Pass Rd. for about 500 feet, and directly across from Lilac Ln, we'll enter a trail. We'll move along a relatively flat section for 1/2 mile, turn right, and make a gradual climb until just before the wildlife tunnel.
We turn left and take a set of switchbacks down into Corriganville. We'll now be in front of a picnic pavilion.
Easy Option: Wait at the pavilion for about 35 minutes.
The rest of the group can leave their stuff at the pavilion, and will hike a 1.5 mile loop, returning to this same place. We'll turn right and loop through the park. We'll pass an outdoor amphitheater, then make a mild climb to the top of a hill.
Next, we'll turn right at the top, zig-zag down, and then make a left to the wide center trail that leads up through the park to its only parking lot. We won't cross to the lot yet.
We'll follow the trail as it bends to the right until it eventually bends back left and heads into the parking area. We'll then walk along the side of the lot and head back to the picnic pavilion, where we'll have a social event.
After the event, we'll circle around the front of the pavilion and walk along railroad tracks for 200 yards towards the park lot. Behind a couple small shacks, we'll turn left and cross the tracks, then head onto a trail and take this all the way back to Santa Susana Pass Rd. and then our cars.
It is posted that the park closes at sunset, so for this hike, we'll start heading back before dark.
Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:California Sagebrush
Aromatic when crushed. AKA, common sage, coastal sage. Sunflower family. Cowboys used to ride through it and brush up against the pine-shaped leaves, coming home with the smell on their clothes and giving rise to the nickname "Cowboy Cologne." Not a true sage. Can be used as a cooking spice and can be made into a tea. Tear off some needles by running your hand up the stalk and smell the aroma.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. In the last summer, fall, and winter months, the flowers will have turned brown and the leaves we take on a greyer color.Directions
Rocky Peak Exit, South Side of CA-118
Simi Valley, CA 93065
34.267447, -118.634809From the 118
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.
Park on south side of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.From the 101 @ CA-23
North CA-23 for 8.4 miles.
East I-118 for 14 miles.
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.
The Hike (route link)
Distance: 4 mi., easy option 2.5 mi.
Elevation Gain: 700', easy option 500'.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate, easy option - Fit Beginner
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, at the picnic pavilion.
Drinking Fountains: Yes
Parking: Free, south side of CA-118
Trail: Single Track, Double Track, and fire road.
Purpose: SocialWhat 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. The last 30 minutes may get dark.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Danielson Monument - potluck hike (start 3:00PM)4128 Potrero Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA
6.5 miles, 1300' gain, intermediate
This hike is longer and harder than our regular hikes.
We start at 3:00PM to make the most of the sunlight time.Beautiful spring is here!
Let's enjoy hiking to the Danielson Monument in the Boney Mountain Wilderness, potluck, and "Peace, Love and Joy"!Please bring food and drinks to share.
We'll have our typical snack-share social event at the top for 60-90 minutes before heading back the way we came. Please bring some food and drink to share. If your item requires plates or utensils (ex: rice, macaroni salad, etc.), please bring them. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.You will see several plants of note:
Tree Tobacco
The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands. It does not contain nicotine.It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic. Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke.
Elderberry
The blue or purple berries are gathered and made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea. Spit out the seeds. Elderflower water is also used in perfumes and sweets.Most agree that they do need to be cooked if you are going to eat more than just a few out of hand. That’s because they have a small amount of cyanide producing glycosides, which are released upon digestion. Fully ripe black berries are not toxic and you can eat as many as you like. Boiling or baking takes care of any “toxic” issue as does drying raw berries.
Hike Distance: 6.5 miles
Gain: 1300'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Double track, single track.
Duration: 5 hours, 3 for just the hike part.
Dogs: Not allowed in the state park.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along the street.Meet at: Wendy Trail Head
4128 Potrero Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Where S. Wendy Dr. ends at Potrero Rd.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 shareFAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Hike with Beach Party and FirePoint Mugu State Park/ Sycamore Cove Beach, Malibu, CA
3.3 miles, 650' gain, Easy-Intermediate.
A hike, then a potluck party on the beach with a fire.
Come for the hike, the beach party, or both!Note: GPS has taken people to the incorrect location. Please read the written directions.
Please post in the comments if you will bring a fire wood bundle as your pot luck item.
Firewood (no construction wood please): Dennis, Don, Chuck.
The Hike. 2 - 3:30p.
This hike is on the easy end of the intermediate spectrum. Beginners are welcome, but if it gets too hard, they can always turn around and go back the way we came. Nearly all of the elevation gain is in the first half.This is a social hike. The event host will be moving slowly and stopping at various points to let people catch up. Those that wish to move ahead at a faster pace, are welcome to do so if they know the route, but are on their own regarding navigation.
Meet at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head inside of Sycamore Canyon Campground, across from Sycamore Cove beach.
From the trailhead, we head up a mostly flat trail for about a 1/2 mile. Left onto the Overlook Trail, climbing 400' over the next mile. It ends, and we turn left. We follow the ridge for about 1/2 mile, with about 200' of loss and 100' of gain.
For return, we follow our tracks back to the scenic trail, turn right, and follow it down for 3/4 mile, again reaching Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, and turning right back to our starting point.
The Beach Party. 4 - 9:30p. Cars have to be gone by 10p.
We'll go back to our cars and gather up our things for the beach party. From the trail head, it's about 1/4 mile to the camp ground parking lot, then another 1/4 mile to the beach party area across the road at Sycamore Cove Beach. There are picnic tables and fire pits, but we must supply our own wood to burn. There is wood for sale at the camp ground across the street.If your pot luck item requires utensils, please bring them.
The fire pits on the beach are first come, first serve. We have members that will arrive early in the morning to secure our spot.
Please bring something warm to put on. It can get cool and windy near the beach as the sun drops. A chair and blanket recommended, water shoes if going in the water (gravel).
Sunset:7:51p.
Hike
Distance: 3.3mi.
Gain: 650
Distribution: All incline is in the first half.
Difficulty: Beginner end of intermediate spectrum.
Shape: Counter-Clockwise upside-down lollipop
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, and single track.
Duration: 1.5 hrs (hike), 5.5 hrs (beach party)
Dogs: Not on hike, yes on beach.
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: Yes.Parking
Prices from 11/30/2025: Campground lot, $12 ($11 62+), must leave by 10p. Beach lot $12, $11 62+ (you need your license plate #, pay "Iron Ranger" machine upon entry).Alternate parking along the west end of PCH unil 10p, but you may have to walk 1/4 mile or so.
Parking space is limited, so please car-pool or arrive early in case you have parking issues. The beach lot closes at sunset and rangers announce this to beach goers, giving plenty of time to move your cars. What you paid for the beach lot also covers the campground lot parking cost, across the street, if room, else 1/4 mile down the street.
What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots. Not required, but recommended.
Sunscreen, Hat.
Food and drink to share for the beach pot luck.
Swimsuit, towel, water-shoes if going in the ocean.Route Link
Navigation: Host memory and GPS navigation as needed.Directions
Pt. Mugu State Park
Sycamore Cove Beach (beach party)
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead (hike), Northeast corner, Inside Sycamore Canyon Campground, across from Sycamore Cove beach.
Malibu, CA 90265From CA-118
CA-118 West.
CA-23 South for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 10.8 miles.
Exit 53B Lewis Rd./CA-34.
Right (east) onto E. Daily Dr. for 0.1 miles.
Right (south) onto N. Lewis Rd. for 4.5 miles.
Becomes Hueneme Rd., continue for 0.9 miles.
Left on Las Posas Rd. for 3.1 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Park in campground lot (left), beach lot (right), or on street west of lots.From US-101
Exit 55, Las Posas Rd.
Las Posas Rd. south for 7.5 miles.
Left on CA-1 for 5.9 miles.
Park in campground lot (left), beach lot (right), or on street west of lots.Official Info
Rules and Regs
Alcohol is allowedFAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Memorial Day - Picnic and Concert - DSB (Journey Tribute)Conejo Community Park (Hendrix), Thousand Oaks, CA
Picnic and Concert
Many of us from this group will attend this event. We'll start picnicing a few hours before the concert.Bring food and drinks to share.
If your item requires utensils, please supply them.Please post in the comments, if you can bring a table.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs. A variety of gourmet Food Trucks and Dessert Trucks will be on-site and available for purchase.
Please bring something to put on, as it often gets cooler in the evening.
Concert starts at 5:00p.
DSB - Don’t Stop Believing is highly revered as the world’s greatest Journey tribute band!
About the band - click herePark on the surrounding streets. Drop your stuff off at the park if you don't want to carry it.
No pets please.
Look for the exact location posted in the comments close to event time.
Link to Conejo Recreation and Park District
Conejo Community Park
1175 Hendrix Avenue
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
