Break On Through- Mesa Peak Motorway to the Jim Morrison Cave

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Jump on the Stairmaster and journey to the famed Jim Morrison cave off Mesa Peak Motorway, a 9.5 mile out and back with 2000 feet of elevation gain (lots of it in the beginning). The Morrison cave will be our turnaround point; it features carved Doors' lyrics, painted art, and a skull relief reputed to have been carved by the Lizard King himself. Difficult to find, though in plain view, the scramble to a loft inside rewards with an open picture window to Reagan Ranch and Malibu Creek State Park. That window is said to have inspired The Doors song our title refers to.

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Mesa Peak Motorway is part of the Backbone Trail, 68 miles of trail uniting parklands throughout the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The Backbone has been an ambitious work in progress since the 1980's, with volunteers and various state agencies combining to convert old animal trails and fire roads into a path stretching from Will Rogers State Park to Point Mugu.

After a healthy climb up to the Motorway, we'll cruise along a roller coaster fireroad with spectacular views of the Pacific much of the way. Our stopping point is a sandstone playground of massive wind-eroded rocks, the exposed spine of the Santa Monicas reminding us why this is called the Backbone Trail.

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The initial ascent is wooded and shaded. It can be humid, and it's a workout to get up to the motorway, though the trail is firm and mostly open. Once we're up on the motorway, it's airy and wide open, with ocean breezes possible- you might want a light jacket. It's advisable to wear sunscreen or cover up, as we'll be exposed to the sun for a good while.

There's a parking lot at the trailhead, which costs $10. There is some free parking in a dirt lot at the corner of Piuma Rd and Malibu Canyon Rd- you can park there and walk the 1/4 mile to the trailhead.

Directions:

From the 101-
Exit Las Virgenes Rd and head south, approximately 5 miles to Piuma Rd. Continue 1/4 mile past Piuma, and you'll see the parking area/trailhead on the right. (Las Virgenes Rd becomes Malibu Canyon Rd at Piuma)

From PCH-
Take Malibu Cyn Rd north ~4.5 miles, parking area will be on the 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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.