Sycamore Canyon plus Fossil and Blue Cyn, afternoon Geo-hike (a tad of geology)

PLEASE NOTE THE PARKING/MEETUP LOCATION (IT'S NOT WENDY & POTRERO). You cannot park on Potrero Rd or Big Sycamore Cyn Rd. Drive past the meetup location and turn right on Pinehill where you can park and walk back to meetup location.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN EASY HIKE!

DON'T BE LATE, WE DON'T WAIT VERY LONG!

NO GUESTS-HAVE THEM JOIN GROUP.

From the meeting point (above), we will take the paved road down into Sycamore Canyon, then take the Fossil Trail (a left) up to the Old Boney Trail, go right on Old Boney Trail (that is south and towards the Ocean), then turn right on the Blue Canyon Trail and descend back to Sycamore Canyon and reach the old Danielson campground (where we will have our snack), turn right onto the Sycamore Canyon Road, and return via Sycamore Canyon Road to where we started. This is roughly 9 miles and about 2200 feet up. Pace will be moderate, about 2-2.5 MPH. The Fossil Trail part is steep and the hike is long. While this is not a hard hike compared to others, you need to be in good hiking shape.

We'll stop a few time along the route where I will comment, briefly, about the geology, plus our 10 minute break at the campground in Sycamore Canyon. This is a loop route and there's no sweep. Bring plenty of water, hat, sunblock if you burn, and a trail snack.

Here's a geologic map viewer link for the route. You'll need cell coverage for it to work. We are working on a real map app: https://geologicmapsfdn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=5e553f3027d943169748150a2ab4580d

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 Potereo 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 :

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.