Extended Corriganville Loop

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Note the starting place- it's not the usual Corriganville spot.

Starting from the Rocky Peak trailhead atop the Santa Susanna Pass, we'll get our blood flowing with a bit of elevation gain before taking a small trail down along and under the 118 freeway though an animal passage, into Corriganville.

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Founded on land Ray Corrigan, a silent movie cowboy, scouted on hunting trips with Clark Gable, Corriganville soon became a thriving movie lot. 3500 films were shot on the grounds, including The African Queen, Tarzan, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Robin Hood.The Lone Ranger, Fugitive, and Lassie all romped through this park.

When the film industry moved to other locations, Corrigan returned to his roots and converted the still-standing western sets into a wild west tourist attraction. He recruited his old movie buddies and they performed all manner of cowboy stunts for customers, culminating in a shoot out. Numerous fires wiped out the sets over time, but the foundations remain, as well as the rock Tarzan used to dive from, the water trough the Creature swam in, and other Hollywood artifacts. The land has been converted to a public park, but is still used for filming now and then (an episode of Bones was being filmed one time I was there).

One of the best features of Corriganville is an array of 15 or 20 placards set up around the grounds, educating on not only the films and personalities that gave the area color, but on the flora, fauna, geology, and local history, like the making of the 118 and the Amtrak train tunnel we'll be passing by on our return.

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We can take our time and peruse the placards before we scurry across the train tracks and pick up a trail that will take us past a seasonal stream as it climbs back to our cars. Total elevation is at least 1200,' and the distance will be around 8 miles. Note "at least" and "around" - they cover a lot of ground.

If you favor hiking poles, bring them on this one. Some of the hike is shaded, some is exposed, so prepare accordingly.

Directions:

Park at Exit 32 (Rocky Peak Rd) on the 118, at the Santa Susanna Pass between Chatsworth and Simi Valley. There's a large dirt lot on the south side of the 118, on Santa Susanna Rd (turn right off the exit if you drove through Simi, turn left off the exit if you drove through The Valley). Park there, then cross the 118 to the small lot on the north side.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

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, its organizers, and sponsors 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.