INTERMEDIATE hike: Creek Crossings/Waterfall/Wildflowers on Upper Sycamore

One of three hikes posted this Tuesday - please only sign up for one! And if you can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so waitlisted folks can get notice and attend.

Note we will be crossing water (hopefully) up to a dozen times. I strongly recommend waterproof boots and trekking poles. Additionally, poison oak is abundant in parts of the trail, so wear pants and long sleeves, or beware!

Steve's write-up from 4 years ago still works! (although I can't attest to the amphibians facts.....) After the rains over the past couple of months, there's plenty of water flowing down the mountainside. Let's go enjoy the sights and sounds of the water, and the newly hatched frogs and other amphibians https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/nature/amphibians.htm.

This hike will start at the Rancho Sierra Vista parking lot, proceed down the asphalt to the bridge, then up the Upper Sycamore Canyon trail (including a dozen shallow creek crossings - maybe fewer as it's drying fast) to its junction with Danielson Fire Road. We'll continue up to the waterfall (one more creek crossing), then continue up to the "Peace, Love, Joy" memorial at the top of the stream (another creek crossing) that feeds it. Once back down to the big oaks, we'll proceed up the dirt fire road enjoying amazing wildflowers, crossing the meadow diagonally to Satwiwa, and back to the cars.

Total distance is 7 miles or so with roughly 1300 or so feet gain.

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.

Lunch at 3 Amigos.

Directions: From the east, exit 101 at Lynn, and drive southwest 5.5 miles to the turn-off just beyond the "National / State Parks" sign. Turn left, under the gateway, and drive to the end, near the restrooms.

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From the west (Camarillo and beyond), exit 101 at Wendy, drive south to Lynn Road. Turn right onto Lynn, drive southwest (crossing Reino) to the turn-off just beyond the "National / State Parks" sign. Turn left, under the gateway, and drive to the end, near the restrooms.

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From Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, and Oxnard, drive up Potrero Road, which turns into Lynn at the top of the canyon. Turn right into the Rancho Sierra Vista parking area once past the horse corral.

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.