What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Beach Hike - Zuma to Point Dume - Beginner friendlyThe Sunset Restaurant, Malibu, CA
Of all the paths we take in life, make sure a few of them are where the sun touches the sea.
I invite you to walk with me on this beginner friendly 4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 250' with a twist ... so keep reading.
Meet in front of the "Sunset Restaurant." We will start promptly at 6:10 (no wait time) so please be there on time. If you are late, face the ocean and turn left.
**NOTE** Please don't sign up for this hike if you are in a rush or have other plans after. My hikes are casual and slower paced (1.5-2 mph), we take breaks, and we explore. I can't guarantee that we will be back at exactly the end time. Thank you.
High tide is at 3:45pm and low tide is at 9:57pm. I think we may be able to walk along the beach as the tide recedes, if not we'll walk through the parking lot to the point. We'll do the usual hike up to the top and admire the views.
Now, here's the twist. Due to the cable being down, we will not hike along the cliffside to the point, instead we'll head to the 194-step staircase that leads down to the shore on the other side. We'll look around, take some pictures, then head back up to the beach and watch the sunset. For those who don't want to do the stairs, you can hang out at the top with DaveR.
After the hike, let's do happy hour at the Sunset Restaurant.
Sunset is 8:12pm and the last light is at 8:40pm.
Checklist
- Bring your flashlights just in case we need them.
- Bring a least a liter of water, snacks for energy, hat, poles if you need them, sunscreen.
- Bring a wind breaker as it can be windy at the top
- Bring a jacket if you easily get cold
- Sandals or water shoes is the preferred footwear for the beach part of the walk, barefoot is good too
- For the trail going up to the top, you may prefer to wear something else (my water shoes work fine for the beach and trail)
- You might get wet so bring a towel or brush to get the sand off your feet
Parking
There is FREE Parking along Westward Beach Road as it leads toward the Sunset restaurant. It also gets really crowded there so you may have to backtrack quite a bit to find a parking space. Please give yourself ample time to park and walk to the restaurant.There is also paid parking near the restaurant, but it can be pricey.
- Difficulty: As hard as a walk on the beach
- Dogs: No. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.
- Restrooms: Yes, several on the beach but may be locked up at a certain time.
- Water Fountain: no
- KNOWN DANGERS: Drowning, slip and fall, sea monsters, mermaids, frisbee impact, cold feet, tsunami
DIRECTIONS
- Google Coordinates: 34.011014, -118.816616
- Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B000'39.7%22N+118%C2%B048'59.8%22W/@34.0110184,-118.8188047,927m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe0cefdafc6ca72c7!8m2!3d34.011014!4d-118.816616?hl=en&authuser=0
- Address to the restaurant: 6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, CA. Westward Beach Rd is off of Pacific Coast Hwy, just South of Zuma Beach.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
- You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
- The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
- If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
- Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
- Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
- These rules apply to any guests you may invite.
- Hike up a hill and watch fireworks in Simi ValleyHidden Oaks Park, Simi Valley, CA
Back by request: PM Hikers 4th of July event for PM hikers!
Here is the Simi Valley Kiwanis link of the event we will be watching up on the hill: https://starspangledsimi.com
Fireworks are at 9pm but we get there early to have a good viewing spot.
Additional Details TBA I need to check a few things:
Is the same spot still there? (no new construction for instance)
Are they still having their show in the same spot (I think they are).For now sign up if you are considering on attending and then you may need to check comments for any updates.
In past years, PM Hikers have hiked up a hill and watched the fireworks and had a small potluck right behind where they shoot off the fireworks. I enjoyed doing that for a few years and want to keep up the tradition.
Please note that at the trailhead sign says "no alcoholic beverages" so bring only if you can be conspicuous about it.
Distance: 3/4 of a mile
Elevation Gain: 400'
Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced, if you are a beginner just make sure you feel comfortable hiking up a short hill while carrying your stuff. You still may want hiking shoes/poles to go up if you are a new hiker, otherwise just go slow while carrying your stuff up.
Dogs: If the dog is well trained around people and you can keep it away from our food you can bring it.
Restrooms: No
Water Fountain: No
Parking: The street called Huckleberry Oaks has free street parking in the neighborhood, just a warning that it is behind the train station parking which is $25 so not sure if the day of the neighborhood will put in restrictions, it will probably be okay getting there but the way back, often quite a maze getting out as the traffic gets redirected to one way, by our awesome city. Note that Los Angeles Ave and other streets are made into one way streets for the event for crowd control.
Trail: Out and back
Sunset: 8:11pm
Weather: should be good unless it is cloudy, rainy or windy, extreme weather will cancel the hikeKnown Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, rabble rousers
Bring: Flashlight/headlamp since it will be dark coming down, blanket, light foldable chair or sit pad
If less than 3 people are signed up by morning of event I will cancel.
Optional Potluck, Provide your own serving spoon for your dish and cut up into smaller pieces so it is easy for us to serve ourselves. Then take home whatever is left over and dispose of what you bring if it was not eaten.
Potluck suggestion
First Name:
A-G: main dish: ideas: pulled pork, Costco whole Chicken cut up, beans and rice, cut up yams or potatoes, mac n cheese, taquitos, Gyozas, chile (provide bowls), pasta salad etc
H-P side dish: ideas: fruits and veggies, salads, chips and dip, spring rolls, crackers and cheese
Q-Z: dessert (cookies, nut breads, cake, pie)
Please try to bring vegetarian/gluten free dishes if possible, for those of us who have some diet restrictions, though if not possible bring a dish you know most will like.
Bring beverages of your choosing and your own plates, cups, utensils, napkins and a trash bag.We leave no trace, leave the place like we were never there and take out what we bring in (all garbage etc).
Also no rush to get out due to the parking it is useful to wait a little after the fireworks to leave.
ISCLAIMER / 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.
