Coquina Mine - Abandoned mine operation
Details
Distance 6 miles, Gain: 1400', Intermediate
This hike is intermediate because of the continuous incline for the final mile on the way out. Still, fit beginners can complete this hike. It's a social hike, so we won't be doing it at a fast pace, and we'll be regrouping at the two points where we must turn onto junctions.
This hike starts at the Las Llajas trail head and heads through a beautiful canyon along beginner terrain. We'll walk down an asphalt path for several hundred steps and turn right onto a gravel fire road.
We'll pass two different bee sanctuaries, one of which is active with bees being raised. The trail is a rolling wide fire road, suitable for beginner hikers.
After just under 2 miles, we'll come to a junction to the left that is a single track trail. After regrouping and marking the trail entrance, we'll have a steady incline for 1 mile. There are steep drop-offs along the edge and we'll have incredible views of the canyon hills as we wind along this trail.
We'll finish at an abandoned limestone mining operation. As we approach, we'll find large steel remnants of the operation. At the top, there is an excavating vehicle from the 1920's. I can only suppose how they got it up there, and it was probably more trouble than it would be worth getting it back down, so there it sits. We'll have a social event there, sharing snacks and drinks for about an hour before heading back down the way we came.
Those that want to, can sign the note pad hidden in a compartment in the front of the excavator. Kind of a "I was here" log.
The power shovel, capable of lifting 500 lbs, is from P&H Mining, founded in 1884.The company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2000 from the lawsuits over the manufacturing use of asbestos in the brake linings.Today, the company is part of Joy Global, Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee.
Did you know that coquina means tiny shell in Spanish? The direct translation is cockle, a kind of mollusk. Have you ever seen wriggling litte sea creatures quickly reburying themselves in the sand after the water of a wave pulls back? That's coquina.
Coquina limestone is sedimentary rock that is composed almost entirely of fragments of the shells of sea creatures!
As you hike this area, you will see stones reminiscent of a river bed. The entire area was once under the sea. Coquina was sometimes mined for building material, paving, decoration, and fertilizer. The coquina limestone here, aka oyster limestone or shell limestone, is from a fossilized reef. Most of the shells in this area are from oysters and scallops. The limestone from this mine was used for poultry grit, cattle feed, and other agricultural needs.
Did you know that forts were built with this? It resisted termites, would not burn, and when hit with a cannon ball, instead of shattering the wall, the ball would sink in and the shock would be absorbed!
This is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. See link How Hard is This Hike.
You will see lots of these two plants on the hike:
Greasewood - Adenostoma fasciculatum
aka, Chemise
Greasewood is a common name shared by several plants.
Large bunches can emit the smell of creosote (telephone poles).
Burns well when still green. Stiff short needles.
Ceanothus - Ceanothus megacarpus
I use this to remember: See, ya know this.
Small almost circular leaves. that alternate, often notched at the apex 3/4 in. long. They are dull green and rough on top with fine hairs on the underside. Gray branches. Common along Malibu hillsides facing the ocean.
The Hike
Distance: 6 miles
Gain: 1400'
Distribution: Most of the incline is in the 2nd quarter.
Difficulty: Intermediate.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track.
Trail Variations: Rolling stroll along the fire road, steep drop-offs along single track.
Duration: 4 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
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.
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 Snacks and beverages to share social event 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
Las Llajas Canyon Trail
5715 Evening Sky Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93063
From the west: 23-N to 118-E, Exit 29 Yosemite.
From the east: 118-W, Exit 29 Yosemite.
Head north on Yosemite for 1.25 miles. Turn right (east) on Evening Sky Drive and proceed for 0.5 miles. See the trail head on the left. Park along the street.