Conejo Mountain hike and a look at an old volcanic belt

Smartphone geologic map, it's a bit basic but a start: https://geologicmapsfdn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8a59ce33b5874c52afb3f44faf21603c

Meet at Dos Vientos Community Park at the south end of the southeast parking lot, the one near the tennis courts and just west of Borchard Road. We start hike at 1:00 PM. Much of the hike is on a gated dirt road. It is an in-and-out route along the same trail and dirt road. I'm the subsitute for the hike and several of things to know: there is no sweep, group pace is usually about 2.0 MPH and sometimes less as I stop here and there to explain some geology. Do not worry this is not a class, what I say is short, and there is no expectation that you listen. Hike is ~6 miles roundtrip with about 1300 ft elevation gain. The last quarter of a mile to the summit is a steep, narrow trail, its optional. We will return to the parking lot on same route as we came in and if you get way behind we will see you on the way back. The panoramas from the dirt road and the mountain top are spectacular and a wonderful way to learn the local geography.

PLEASE NOTE WHERE WE MEET. OTHER GROUPS MEET IN OTHER LOCATIONS IN DOS VIENTOS PARK. WE MEET NEAR THE TENNIS COURTS

Here is a link to the geologic map that covers the area we will be hiking over:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EnsF_gWDKf7zhxX9K3JNzpwDbV5V_HMG/view?usp=sharing

If you want other digital geologic maps of southern California, visit: https://geologicmapsfoundation.org/geologic-maps/

Dog(s) must be on leash for the entire hike (off-the-leash dogs run into folks and can get bit by rattlesnakes, yes it has happened).

Hike is from Dos Vientos Community Park to top of Conejo Mountain which was part of a volcanic system from 13-17 million years ago. It has cooled off some since then, been uplifted and deeply eroded. This is within the western portion of the Santa Monica Mountains that belong to an east-west structural uplift that extends offshore and westward to make the northern Channel Islands. If it is clear, this continuity is easily appreciated from the top of Conejo Mountain. I will bring a geologic map and say a few words about the rock units and faults. Hike is within the Conejo Open Space land and here is a link to a presentation on the geology: https://youtu.be/1XUIfBNwoAw

• What to bring:
Energy to substain a good workout. Bring water, snack, your cellphone, sunblock, and a hat.

No guests, have them join.

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.