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The PM Hikers

4.9•7167 ratings

Simi Valley, CA, US

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About us

Welcome! I created this group in 2012 because I was hiking in a world dominated by morning people. So on the hunch that there might be a few more people like myself, I decided to make a group that does not hike in the mornings. After all, God created mornings for sleeping in, right? This is the one characteristic that makes the PM Hikers different from any other hiking club.
Much to my joy I had a lot of hikers thank me profusely for the group, and several have even told me that the PM Hikers has changed their lives! There is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone tell you that!
So what about beating the summer heat? Instead of hiking in the morning, just hike in the evening! If you think that's weird or scary, I think you will discover that the trails and the views are just as beautiful at night, and will open a new dimension of awe to complement that feeling when hiking in daylight.
That does not mean we only hike at night. Rather, we do not begin our hikes between the hours of midnight and noon. Thus, a 23:59:59 start time is as acceptable as one that begins at 12:00:01.
I know it's awkward when you first hike with people you do not know at all, but if you hike with us you will discover that the members are FRIENDLY, nice people. You could easily make some friendships for life. I certainly have.
If you are new to hiking, read the hike descriptions and send a note to the leader if you are not sure about something. Hiking can be quite physically demanding, but many members are beginners, so don't be afraid.
Watch your step on the downhill,
Kurt Godden

Upcoming events

7

Western Plateau Power Pole Hike with optional add on to Elliott
Wed, Apr 1 · 5:30 PM PDT
Conejo Center Trailhead, 2010 Conejo Center Drive, Newbury Park, CA, US
Come and Join us April 1st (no foolin') for an evening hike!
This hike can have some nice sunset views. We will stop at about a halfway point for a snack break and then at that point we can decide if we want to continue to Mount Elliott. I have not pre-hiked that section recently but whenever I am up there want to to try to make it a loop and from there know how to get to Elliott. We can go to Elliott and then turn around and go back the way we came or make it a loop.

Note that we leave on time.
Distance: 6 ish miles depending on what the group decides maybe more
Elevation Gain: 1400+ft, maybe more if we go to Elliott.
Difficulty: Intermediate hiker, no beginners please, we don't take many breaks but keep going
Dogs: No
Restrooms: No
Water Fountain: No
Parking: This time let's park in the lot next to the trail. I believe it is called Conejo Canyons Trail and the address is 2736 Conejo Center Drive. We used to park farther back closer to Rancho Conejo because we were not sure if the lot closed but that does not appear to be the case.
Trail: Out and back, may have some uneven footing, you may want your poles if you use them.
Sunset: 7:16 pm suggest bringing a headlamp or charged phone for light
Weather: Extreme heat, high winds or Rain will cancel this hike
If less than 2 besides myself are signed up by the afternoon of the hike will also cancel.
Known Dangers: slip-'n-fall, poison oak, rattlesnakes, speedy mountain bikers
Bring:Flashlight/headlamp and an extra layer, it can get chilly in there even on a warm day. Bring enough water to stay hydrated, 2-3 liters should be plenty and a snack for the breakpoint at the top.
Wear hiking shoes and also maybe a hat or sunglasses
Hike Description:
The name of the actual hike area is called Conejo Canyons Trailhead and you can get more details if you look it up on alltrails.com.
We hike near Hawk Canyon and then go up to a point where we can optionally make it a loop to stop at Elliott or go back the way we came. We may choose to only go to the power poll where it reaches the Lichen trail and turn around. Those that want to go further can continue on to Elliot Peak and return back the way they came.
Directions: Please do not use the pin but note the description and address to park at
To get there get off of the 101 freeway Rancho Conejo Blvd ext. Take Rancho north to the end, turn left on Conejo Center Drive. This time park in the trailhead parking as we have observed it does not get locked while we are hiking but you can also park on the street on Rancho center drive.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of PM Hikers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of PM Hikers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
5 attendees
Chumash Early Spring hike at 6pm Thursday
Thu, Apr 2 · 6:00 PM PDT
Chumash Trail, Simi Valley, CA, US
Near sunset on the Chumash Mar 26, 2026. Thank you Jimbo

The long winter on the Chumash has come to a close, I think. Hopefully the first hikes in spring will not be in August like the last Thursday in winter. You know what I mean.
.
WhereAmEye (Tall Mark) has been doing this hike up the Chumash Trail in Simi Valley every Thursday night since the Jurassic Period, and he'll be leading this event until the Ice Age, i.e. this hike always happens, even when it rains, snows, hails, or blows. The only exception is when it's on fire.
It's mostly a steady climb to where the trail meets with the Rocky Peak Fire Road. When you get to the 'slippery' part just over a mile up, ask him who was responsible for Kurt breaking his ankle there in 2012, but don't believe whatever he tells you. (Just kidding, Mark, don't get touchy!)
Note: Kurt will not be attending except for when he visits from Michigan.

Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200'
Difficulty: Intermediate - hard for beginners
Dogs: Yes, but must be leashed
Restrooms: No
Water Fountain: No
Parking: Free on Flanagan
Trail: Out and back, single track, excellent condition
Sunset: Varies, but bring a headlamp or flashlight when needed!

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, COVID-19 infected hikers

Bring:
Flashlight/headlamp when it's dark
Sunscreen and hat when it's not (It gets hot as Hades in summer)
LOTS of H20 when it's hot (maybe 2L if you sweat a lot)

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of PM Hikers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of PM Hikers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
5 attendees
Triunfo Tr to Los Robles Tr to White Horse Tr Loop
Fri, Apr 3 · 5:30 PM PDT
Triunfo Canyon Trailhead, 1935 Tamarack St, Thousand Oaks, CA, US
Join me on a moderate five and a half mile round trip, with a total elevation gain/loss of about 1100 ft. Great switch-back trail from Triunfo Park up to Los Robles trail. Loop around (counterclockwise) by way of White Horse Canyon Trail, across the ridge, and back down Triunfo Trail.
About 0.8 mile from the end of the hike is a bench with a view of the Conejo Valley. We can stop and share a snack.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight as it may be dark when we return.
How to get there: From the 101 freeway, take Hampshire Rd. south to Triunfo. Turn right on Triunfo, then right on Tamarack, and proceed to the second parking lot. The trail head is near the west end of the parking lot.
The trailhead on Google maps is the Triunfo Trail Trailhead
3 attendees
Spring Break Kayak and restaurant afterwards in Oxnard Harbor
Wed, Apr 8 · 1:00 PM PDT
3600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, US
Spring Break! This will be earlier in the afternoon! Sorry for those who can not make it!

Please join me, Wednesday April, 8th 1pm. We will be going kayaking or paddle boarding in Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor and then going to the neighboring restaurant.

This has been a favorite activity of mine for several years on my own or with a group, its fun either way! I think most of us will kayak but paddle boarding is available to if you dare.
Show up at 1pm and get your Kayak or paddlboard
Channel Islands Kayak: http://cikayak.com
We can start the Kayak by 1:30 or so.
An hour to 90 minutes is usually all I do as your arms can get a workout. I try to paddle out to the houses past the bridge and look around and then come back. Its relaxing just to be in the harbor on the water.
Then afterwards 2:30 or 3pm ish go to Sea Fresh. Please note it is called Sea Fresh but there is lots of other choices besides seafood there. According to their website they have a Happy Hour weekdays 2-6pm.
I am not a seafood eater and find something to indulge on there each time I go. It is right at the water and a nice place to sit.

Please review the two websites above for more specific information about their venues.

The kayaks and paddle boards are on a first come first served basis. I have done both and find Kayaking a little easier than paddle boarding and also less likely to fall in the water! The kayaks can be single ($12.50 per hour but in case the price has recently increased check the website) or you can double up ($25 per hour) with someone (I do not like the double ones as they are harder to maneuver and coordinate directions). Check website as the prices are from last year.

Estimated cost: $30-40 depending on how long you kayak and what you purchase at the restaurant.

Distance: 2-3 miles
Elevation: Sea Level
Difficulty: up to you
Dogs: No
Restrooms: yes on shore at the restaurant
Water: on shore
Parking: note the signs but there should be plenty of free parking in the lot, just park where it says okay and not on the marina parking
Sunset: we will be done before then!
Weather: Windy or unusual weather will cancel event, it often can be cool and overcast there. Check the weather of the location before you come.
Known dangers: Falling in the water, tired arms, sunburn
Bring: a towel, sunscreen, hat or sunglasses and bottle of water in case you get thirsty (if paddle boarding I suggest a bathing suit, for kayaking just wear sandals and something you do not mind getting wet in).
If you bring a plus one (child, friend or family member) you are responsible for them if they do not have a meet up profile and sign up on their own.
**Please note that I have no control over "the public" sometimes this event we have the area to ourselves and other times can be quite busy. Once we did have to wait a little longer as they were out of Kayaks but everyone did get one eventually and that was on the busiest of days.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of PM Hikers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of PM Hikers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
7 attendees

Past events

2717

Organizers

Kurt Godden and 12 others

Members

4,343

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