Johnson Motorway to Rocky Peak (and back) Hike (Chatsworth)

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DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate 9 miles round-trip with 1,600’ of elevation gain/loss

Our hike will begin by following an easement through Indian Springs Estates (“the Bel Air of the Valley”) to the lower end of the unpaved Johnson Motorway, an old abandoned dirt and sandstone roadbed. We then follow the motorway as it climbs 3.5 miles to the Rocky Peak Fire Road, passing through a landscape of dramatic rock formations and providing views of the Santa Susana Mountains and Devil Canyon to the north. Upon reaching the fire road we follow it southward for about a mile to a spur trail leading to Rocky Peak, enjoying views of Simi Valley, the San Fernando Valley, and the surrounding mountains. We return the way we came.

PREPAREDNESS:

Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.

NOTE: At the beginning of each outing you will be required to read and sign a liability release form (a sign-in sheet).

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD FROM SIMI VALLEY:

Take Hwy 118 east to the Rocky Peak exit in Santa Susana Pass.

Turn right (south) and then turn left (east) onto Santa Susana Pass Road.

Follow Santa Susana Pass Road 1.3 miles as it descends into the San Fernando Valley.

Turn left (north) on Iverson Road and drive 0.3 mile to the Hwy 118 overpass.

Park alongside Iverson Road on either side (without blocking the road) and wait for the leader(s).

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD FROM THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY:

Take Hwy 118 west to the Topanga Canyon Blvd (Hwy 27) exit.

Head south on Topanga Canyon Blvd 0.4 mile to the traffic signal (light) at Santa Susana Pass Road.

Turn right (west) onto Santa Susana Pass Road and drive 0.9 mile to Iverson Road and turn right (north).

Drive 0.3 mile to the Hwy 118 overpass.

Park on either side of Iverson Road (without blocking the road) and wait for the leader(s).

DISCLAIMER:

The organizer(s) or leader(s) take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during any Rancho Simi Trail Blazers Club (RSTB) hike/outing. These events can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen.

By participating voluntarily you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being and acknowledge, appreciate, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in any way you further agree:

1. The risk of injury from the many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and

2. TO KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for your participation; and

3. To willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, you observe any unusual significant hazard during your presence or participation, you will remove yourself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and

4. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, its organizers, officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Activity participant agrees that this release will apply to all known and unknown as well as unanticipated claims, injures and damages resulting from group activities, as well as those now disclosed and all rights under section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and hereby are expressly waived. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California reads as follows:

“A general release does not extend to claims which the (participant) does not know or suspect to exist in his (or her) favor, at the time of execution of the release, which if known by him (or her) must have materially affected his (or her) (participation and agreeing to) the release.”

By participating in any group event or activity, you hereby, for yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, your executors and administrators, waive any and all rights and claims for damages you may have against any and all entities and individuals associated with the group, their representatives, successors and assigns and will hold them harmless and free of all liability or claim of negligence related to any and all injuries, disability, illness, death, loss or damage to person or property, suffered in connection with any and all activities organized by the group.