Powerline Trail to Conejo Peak - Gentler Friendly

THIS Thursday's forecast is for mostly sunny weather with a high of 74° - Yay!

Both Laurie and I will post hikes - please only register for one (this leaves room for others to join).

For our Thursday Gentler hike, we will hike the Powerline Trail to Conejo Peak, including a brief stop at the "teardrop" loop below the final (and skippable) climb to the peak. Great views of the Pacific, Channel Islands, Oxnard Plain, Conejo Valley, and (if clear) snow-covered Mt. Baldy and peaks east and north.

This area was completely burned over by the 2013 Springs Fire, and the peak area saw a small wildfire in the last two years, but has recovered well. The Edison road is rocky, and has washouts from the recent rains. There is one short but steep section of the Edison road just before the teardrop loop and our rendezvous point.

If you climb to the peak (optional), this hike is 5.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,350 feet. Trekking poles are recommended, as our descent will be fairly steep over loose gravel.

If you elect to skip the peak, the hike is just over 4 miles, with an elevation gain of 850 feet. Our rendezvous point has seen some activity recently, and some construction material is on the ground nearby.

We'll start at the Via Ricardo trailhead in Dos Vientos, walk over the hill above the Camarillo quarry (watch for the "Unstable Ground - Gravitational Anomalies" sign), and then up the Powerline Trail. We'll zig-zag up to the "teardrop", and split the group. Those who want to continue the climb will do so like the mountain goats we are, and then traverse the rocky meadow at the top to the peak, where we will gather around the (now missing) flagpole for a photo, and inspect the set of new lead-acid batteries someone has deposited there. We'll carefully descend through the rocky cleft back to the Powerline Trail where we'll rejoin our compatriots, and descend to the cars.

Directions

Google and Apple Maps direction are reliable.

From the east, exit 101 at Borchard, and drive southwest 3.4 miles to Via Ricardo, the first right-hand turn after the hilly pass from Newbury Park into Dos Vientos. Turn right on Via Ricardo, and drive a half mile to the trailhead. Park on the street.

From the west, exit 101 at Wendy, and drive south 0.9 miles to Borchard. Turn right onto Borchard, and drive 2.2 miles to Via Ricardo, then follow directions, above.

From Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, and Oxnard, drive up Potrero Road, which turns into Lynn at the top of the canyon. Turn left onto Via Las Brisas, then drive north for 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Borchard, then immediately left onto Via Ricardo, then follow instructions above.

Boots on at 8:45, ready to hike for a 9:00 a.m. departure!

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

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 review our guidelines. Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

• Don't show up unless you're on the "Attending" list
• No "Plus Ones" on this hike; please have your friends join The Weekday Trailblazers, and register for the event.
• All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Plan on sticking with the group, and completing the entire hike at a reasonable pace or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
• Dogs are not invited.
• Bring ample hydration.