Name: PM Blaze: The Ultimate Sunset Hike (5:00pm Start!)
Start: 2011-04-07T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2011-04-07T20:00:00-07:00
Location: Lang Ranch Open Space

Time for the next meet-up of the Weekday Trailblazers Afternoon Hiking Group!

Our afternoon hikes are intended for people hiking, or wishing to hike, at an intermediate level or above, and seeking time outdoors with fun people sharing similar interests and fitness goals.

The afternoon format emphasizes easy-to-access and scenic 5-8 mile conditioning routes with moderate elevation gains, a total hiking time of 2-3 hours at a moderate pace, periodic rest and sightseeing stops, and optional technique discussions and training exercises (based on individual and group interest).

We schedule our afternoon meet-ups as late as the season allows to ensure a return before dark, while encouraging people with a variety of work and home schedules to get a great conditioning hike in during the week and tune-up for weekend adventures.

Here is info on our scheduled hike…hope to see you there!

Lang Ranch To Simi Peak

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Advanced beginner

Route Type: Out & back

Distance: Up to 8 miles

Elevation gain: Up to 1700 feet

Terrain: Fire road and single-file trail

Route summary:

This fairly strenuous hike will take us up to 8 miles roundtrip from tony Lang Ranch toward or to Simi Peak. Our route is principally on the Albertson Fire Road, which goes from the trailhead eastward all the way to Upper Las Virgenes Canyon and is a favorite route for bikers and mountain lions. If the group is able and time-permitting, we will turn off this hilly fire road after about three miles and head south for about one mile, on a single-file trail, across China Flats and then up to the commanding views of 2400-foot Simi Peak.

The Albertson Fire Road is an especially scenic route in both directions, rising up above the Simi and Conejo Valleys and offering westward views of the Pacific and offshore islands. If we reach Simi Peak, we will enjoy very rewarding views of the Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Oxnard Plains, Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands. As importantly, our late afternoon descent on the Albertson Fire Road offers sustained and quite stunning sunset views of the ocean and islands.

Our hike begins with a moderate but steady uphill eastward trek and varies in steepness somewhat as we proceed. As we continue, there are increasing views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and the impressive ridgeline that includes Simi Peak. After completing our ascent, we return and descend westerly on the Albertson Fire Road until we again reach the Lang Ranch trailhead.

The route begins on a canyon floor but quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we start in a fairly sheltered location and reach exposed areas open to the surrounding valleys and Pacific, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at or as close as we can get to Simi Peak to grab a snack and enjoy the great view. On our way back, especially during sunset, we will be treated to some especially remarkable views.

Essentials:

Please wear – brush-resistant pants, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack.

Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

Parking:

Free on-street parking is available on the Lang Ranch Parkway

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Directions:

From the East, West & South – take the 101 toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at Westlake Boulevard and turn north (away from the ocean). Drive 4.1 miles and turn right on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left.

From the North – take the 23 south toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at the Avenida De Los Arboles exit and turn left (east) on Avenida De Los Arboles. Drive 1.5 miles and turn right on Westlake Boulevard. Drive 0.2 miles and turn left on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left.

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 Weekday Trailblazers 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 Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

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PM Blaze: The Ultimate Sunset Hike (5:00pm Start!)

Lang Ranch Open Space

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PM Blaze: The Ultimate Sunset Hike (5:00pm Start!)

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