Wildwood Ridge to Santa Rosa Valley - a Gentler Hike

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/5/a/3/event_43894211.jpegJoin us on a hike from the hoity toity Wildwood neighborhood down to the cooler Santa Rosa Valley on the new Shooting Star connector trail. Once at the bottom, we'll hike to the end of the trail and take a break while viewing the castle gates and giant model train system. We'll retrace our path to return to the cars. We have done this hike before so there is a photo gallery (http://www.venturacountytrails.org/RecentPhotos/2011-01-19LowerSantaRosaTrail/_Page.html) you can view.

Statistics: We'll hike 5 miles and have about 1000 feet of climbing altogether.

Pace: This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails. Faster hikers are welcome to join us so long as they are willing to hike at the slower pace of the group. However, this hike is probably too difficult for someone who is new to hiking, or hasn't been hiking in a long time. We typically finish about 12:30 pm, but could be delayed for any number of reasons. If you are looking for a fast-paced hike, or have to finish by a specific time, this hike is probably not for you.

Directions: We'll start on a spur trail that leads down to the Santa Rosa Trail from Wildwood Avenue. From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, turn north on Lynn Road and continue 2.9 miles to Wildwood Avenue, then turn left. Follow the street around for 0.9 miles. Park at the side of the road near the trailhead. Note that this is a different location from the main Wildwood parking area!

Map: Use this Google map to help you find your way http://tinyurl.com/49mz5eo

Lunch: We usually, although not always, go somewhere for lunch after the hike. This is completely optional and is considered to be in addition to this event, not part of it.