A longer Sycamore Canyon evening hike: Joanne's route

PLEASE NOTE THE PARKING/MEETUP LOCATION ABOVE (IT'S NOT WENDY & POTRERO).

Route is a past favorite with the Weekday Trailblazers and Geo-hikes. Joanne is visiting SoCal, will attend, will be just like old times! Hike is 9.2 miles and about 1150ft up. Pace will be moderate (~2.5 MPH). It's a longer than usual evening hike and a solid workout. We will head down the paved Sycamore Canyon Road and drop into the canyon. Then we will make a right onto the Ranch Center Road and take it up and out of the canyon until we reach some old water tanks. A left turn and descend down the Ranch Center Fire Road, returning us to the bottom of Sycamore Canyon near the ranger's house, the campground and where we will take a quick break and regroup. After, we will head back up the Sycamore Canyon Road to our cars. Note: the Ranch Center Road and the Ranch Center Fire Road are different roads. BRING A HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT!

Cross posted with the Weekday Trailblazers: https://www.meetup.com/the-weekday-trailblazers/events/294392407/?isFirstPublish=true

DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks. Exit at Wendy Drive. Go south (towards the ocean) on Wendy. At Lynn turn right, then left at Reino that turns into Potrero Road. Take Potrero to Pinehill and turn right and park (Do not park on Potrero as you need a permit). Walk back along Potrero to its intersection with Big Sycamore Canyon Road that is more or less across from 4153 Potrero Road. We will start hike there. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

Essentials :
Bring water and a snack. Be willing to get a good workout! Bring your cellphone, a headlamp or flashlight.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY. IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

** Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.