Hiking Plus

4.6 miles, 1000' gain, Easy Intermediate
Easier Option - 2.7 miles, 320' gain

Many have gotten lost relying on GPS. This is the Wendy Trailhead, where S. Wendy Dr. ends at Potrero Rd.

Heading out, we cross a creek, turn right at the split, then Turn right at the dead end. We regroup at the visitor center, where there will be bathrooms.

We cross the wooden bridge and go left at the asphalt path.

After 1/3 mile, those that want the easier path turn left, go 0.4 miles and turn right at the dead end. After 500', wait at the bench for the rest of the group (45 - 60 min).

The rest will continue down for 3/4 mile. There will be a porta-potty and picnic table. We'll regroup, then turn left and go about 1.3 miles and another 435' of gain before turning left and heading up about 1/2 mile.

At the top, we'll head left for 500' and arrive at a bench and overlook. We'll share snacks and beverages for 30-60 minutes, then head down 500', turn right at the junction, and return to our cars.

If you wish to return before the social event completes, study the map so you can find your way back.

The Route
Hike Distance: 4.6 mi / 2.7 mi
Gain: 1000' / 320'
Distribution: Most of the incline is concentrated in the middle of this hike.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate / Fit beginner
Shape: Lollipop.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: We pass a "no dogs" sign.
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along 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.
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.

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 an arrow made of baking soda or sticks.

Group separation: Hikers moving significantly ahead or not waiting at designated stopping points are on their own regarding route and navigation.

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

Heartleaf Penstemon
Leaves are shiny and saw toothed, shaped like hearts, 2 to 6 centimeters long and arranged oppositely on the branches. Stems are red. Small scarlet red tubular flowers.

Yucca
White flowers on stalk. Stalk is often missing, leaving only the spires from which it grows. Stalks are very strong and light, so they make good walking sticks. Needles on end of spires. Chopped up root can be uses as shampoo. Roasted root can be eaten like a potato. Illegal to remove live stick in CA. Pronounced with short u. Dried leaves make good tinder.

Root can be chopped up and used as soap. To eat root, remove skin and core, boil 15 minutes. Then fry or bake. Flowers are mildly sweet. The fruit is also edible, but bitter if not ripe. To access fibers: Soak for a month in water, lightly pound leaves with rock or club, or scrape skin off skin. Roll between hands, then pull and separate fibers. Weave into cordage.

Directions:
Wendy Trail Head
4128 Potrero Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.154507, -118.950095

From CA-118:
CA-118 west for 8 miles.
CA-23 south for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 2 miles.
Exit 45 Lynn Rd. and south/west for 2.5 miles.
Left on S. Wendy Dr. for 0.6 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

From US-101 north/west of Wendy:
US-101 south, exit Wendy Dr.
South on Wendy Dr. for 3 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

FAQ
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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"!

Potluck Social Event
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 share

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

About the band - click here

Park 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

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