Dos Vientos - Memorial Day Picnic

5.2 miles, 1140' gain, Intermediate
Beginner Option: 3.5 miles, 500' gain, Fit Beginner

Come to the hike only (2:30p), picnic only (4:00p), or both.

This event has limited space. 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, with priority to those that hike with us regularly.

Warning: Google Maps may take you to the incorrect location, although the address is correct. Please follow the written directions.

The Hike
2:30 pm at the parking lot entrance.

We take the Park View trail, flat along a gravel track, moving around Dos Vientos park. It then gently rises into the hills, continuing onto the Powerline trail.

Some sections are strewn with small rubble but there are still clear foot paths along the edge. It will get the heart pumping. At the height of this point, there is a fantastic overlook.

For some additional challenge, one can continue another 0.85 miles for another 450' of gain and 190' on the return. It continues to the next electrical tower where the trail splits. This leads to the 2,200 feet high Conejo Mountain in Camarillo, CA.

Whether you decide to take the extra segment or not, you will be rewarded by great views. This trail offers panoramic views of the Oxnard Plain, the Pacific Ocean, numerous Channel Islands, Boney Mountain, Mugu Lagoon, and the Topa Topa Mountains.

I will be marking the trail with white arrows at junctions so that nobody gets lost and hikers can turn around at any point.

The Picnic
Approximately 4:00p.
When entering from Borchard, turn right immediately after the driveway, then left to the end of the lot. Alternatively, enter from Via Ricardo, picnic area on the right.

This is a pot luck picnic. Please also bring something to eat and drink, and a little extra to share.

You can leave your pot luck item in the car and retrieve it after the hike. Please bring something to put on in case it starts to get cool.

Alcohol IS allowed in this park.
Photos from 2023

The Park
The Dos Vientos building is open until 5pm. The park has plenty of parking in a paved lot, has indoor drinking fountains and bathrooms, and various picnic areas with barbecue grills.

Interesting Notes.
You will see these on the hike.

Prickly Pear Cactus
Inside and fruit are edible. Remove needles and scrape to remove hairs, cut top off, hollow out to make water container. Burn off needles. Fruit peels easily. Eat seeds and all. Use duct tape to remove thorns from hands.

Lichen
A composite organism arising from algae, cyanobacteria, or both, and often fungi. They come in many colors. Not related to moss or any plant. They get all their food from photosynthesis, air, water, and minerals in their environment. Most comes from air, and therefore, can be used to monitor air pollution. 6% of earth's land surface is covered by lichens. This is the paint that gives the look of the rocks of Yosemite. 20,000 known species. Self-contained ecosystems. Some of the oldest living things. Can survive unprotected in space, surviving vacuum, fluctuating temperatures, and cosmic radiation. Used for making dyes, sometimes by boiling in water. Some are edible, some poisonous.

Directions
Dos Vientos Community Park
4801 Borchard Rd
Newbury Park, CA 91320
34.175179, -118.981733

From the 118
West to CA-23.
CA-23 south for 7.4 miles.
US-101 north for 4.1 miles.
Exit 47B Borchard Rd.
Borchard Rd. south for 7 miles.
Dos Vientos park entrance on the right.

From CA-23
CA-23 south to US-101.
US-101 north for 4.1 miles.
Exit 47B Borchard Rd.
Borchard Rd. south for 7 miles.
Dos Vientos park entrance on the right.

From US-101 (Camarillo/Ventura)
US-101 south.
Exit 47A Borchard Rd.
Borchard Rd. south for 7 miles.
Dos Vientos park entrance on the right.

Hike Stats
Fit Beginner, 3.5 miles, 500' gain, 1.5 hours
Intermediate, 5.2 miles, 1140' gain, 2 hours

Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes.
Drinking Fountains: Yes.
Parking: Free in paved lot.
Trail: Single track and fire road. Parts of the fire road have heavy gravel and rubble.

What to Bring
1-2 liters of water.
A pot luck item and a beverage to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability